What defines what is a 3RD Generation S&W Autopistol?

[DonR]

Greetings,

What defines what is a 3RD Generation S&W Autopistol?

IE: What models are they?


Sorry if a stupid question, but search of forum & Web doesn't really say.

Everyone discusses (and they seem to be held in high regard by alot of Knowlegable people) them, but which auto-pistols are they?

I only only on S&w revolver

Thanks,

 

[kbm6893]

Mostly 4 digit models, but there are a few exceptions. Models that begin with "3" are single stacks. "40XX" are .40 cal, and "45XX', are 45 cal.

 

[Arizona5906]

Mostly 4 digit models, but there are a few exceptions. Models that begin with "3" are single stacks. "40XX" are .40 cal, and "45XX', are 45 cal.

As kbm6893 said, in general the 3rd Generation pistols have 4 digit model numbers. There are exceptions such as the model 908 which is a value model based on the 3913, so it is a 3rd Gen pistol even though it has a 3 digit model number. I came across a good explanation of the 3rd Gen model numbers somewhere that explains what each digit represents. I will include it here (hopefully the original author will approve).

FIRST TWO DIGITS
39: 9mm
59: 9mm
69: 9mm
10: 10mm
40: 40S&W
45: 45 ACP
35: .357 TSW

THIRD DIGIT
0: standard model
1: compact
2: standard with decocker
3: compact with decocker
4: standard with DAO
6: nonstandard barrel length
7: nonstandard barrel length with decocker
8: nonstandard barrel length with DAO

FOURTH DIGIT
3: aluminum frame with SS slide
4: aluminum frame with carbon steel slide
5: carbon steel frame and slide
6: SS frame and slide
7: SS frame and carbon steel slide

*** Source SCSW, 3rd Ed.

Exceptions:
The 6906 should be the 6903
4040 a 4013 single stack with a scandium frame - 3.5 inch barrel
there are two versions of the 4053, the single stack 8rd guns and the newer double stack version.

 

[DonR]

Thanks for the information. I have seen these numerous times used in LDS. Am going to try to find a nice used one and buy it. Don

 

[DonR]

Thanks again Arizona5906 for a great crib sheet... will try to commit it to memory or keep on hand for reference or for to take to local gun shop when looking..

So, your name represents then, a 9mm, Std. Model, Stainless Steel Frame and Slide.

That is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for posting, am sure other S&W auto-newbies will appreciate also.

 

[Badkarma 1]

DonR, just be warned, you won't stop at just one! Dale

 

[SW_shooter]

here's alink to what Arizona5906 was referring.

Modern Firearms - S&W 39, 59 and others

I refer to it frequently.

 

[18DAI]

If the semi auto your holding is well made, not plastic, has a great trigger, is accurate, bet your life reliable, holds its resale value and looks good doing all that - its a 3rd generation S&W pistol. Regards 18DAI

 

[BigDaddy7972]

As kbm6893 said, in general the 3rd Generation pistols have 4 digit model numbers. There are exceptions such as the model 908 which is a value model based on the 3913, so it is a 3rd Gen pistol even though it has a 3 digit model number. I came across a good explanation of the 3rd Gen model numbers somewhere that explains what each digit represents. I will include it here (hopefully the original author will approve).

FIRST TWO DIGITS
39: 9mm
59: 9mm
69: 9mm
10: 10mm
40: 40S&W
45: 45 ACP
35: .357 TSW

THIRD DIGIT
0: standard model
1: compact
2: standard with decocker
3: compact with decocker
4: standard with DAO
6: nonstandard barrel length
7: nonstandard barrel length with decocker
8: nonstandard barrel length with DAO

FOURTH DIGIT
3: aluminum frame with SS slide
4: aluminum frame with carbon steel slide
5: carbon steel frame and slide
6: SS frame and slide
7: SS frame and carbon steel slide

*** Source SCSW, 3rd Ed.

Exceptions:
The 6906 should be the 6903
4040 a 4013 single stack with a scandium frame - 3.5 inch barrel
there are two versions of the 4053, the single stack 8rd guns and the newer double stack version.

Shouldn't the 6906 or 03 really be the 6916 or 6913? I thought the 6906 was compct.

 

[mbliss57]

And so the the exceptions/ debates begin.. Don R you have no idea what your simple question might have started...

 

[mbliss57]

The other thing about 3rd gen guns is they are not really all 3rd generation. The true 3rd generation pistols are the 39 and 59 which are the single stack and double stack 9mm's. The 39 which goes all the way back to the 1950's. The double stack Model 59 came out in 1971.
Also the 39s, 45's, and the awesome 10mm, are all single stack magazines. The 59/69 series are double stack. The 40xx can be either. That isn't determined by the gun nomenclature but by the original design.
The 39 and 59 are actually only the true 3rd gen guns. The started with a 2 digit model then a 3 digit and then a 4 digit. The 45xx series actually started as a 2nd gen 3 digit #.
The 10xxx started new as a 3rd gen gun. The 40xx, which is a less powerful (weaker), smaller derivation of the 10mm also started as a 3rd gen gun... So they are really 1st generation 3rd gens....
Mike

 

[DonR]

The 39 and 59 are actually only the true 3rd gen guns.[/U] The started with a 2 digit model then a 3 digit and then a 4 digit. The 45xx series actually started as a 2nd gen 3 digit #.
The 10xxx started new as a 3rd gen gun. The 40xx, which is a less powerful (weaker), smaller derivation of the 10mm also started as a 3rd gen gun... So they are really 1st generation 3rd gens....
Mike

Thanks, That is more good info, and sort of completes the pictures for a S&W newbie like me. Wondered what the difference was. That 59/69 are double stacks makes sense, thanks.

I see alot of these for sale and want to own one.

They are spoken about in such high regard in non-S&W forums, I am readdy to own one. I have always admired their workmanship & solid construction, and have looked at them several times at the LGS. Also, all of the current & former LEO s that admire them so highly speaks alot. Thanks Don

 

[snw19_357]

The biggest change between the 1st and 2nd gen pistols was the addition of the firing pin safety.

During the 2nd generation they introduced different frame materials and the ambi manual safety lever.
They also introduced the x69 series compact double stack 9mm pistols with the alloy frame.
Since the x69 series 2nd gen came with the alloy frame, when the moved on to the 3rd gen, the 669 became the 6906.

There were 23 changes made to the 2nd gen to make it a 3rd gen but the most obvious are the one piece wraparound grip and the integral barrel bushing, which was first seen on the 2nd gen x69 series...

Get one. I can't think of a more reliable and safe pistol than a S&W 2nd or 3rd gen.