What to consider Buying at LGS? 3rd Gens

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At LGS today always looking. They had a 4516,4566 NIB I can see the noticeable differences in the two, 7/8 rds ,barrel lenght etc.The 4516 feels just like the 3906 I have just heavier.Really looking for opinons from people who own these models.What about pricing? 4516- 629$ 4566-649$.Also had a used 4513TSW used at 700$.Also to throw in the mix 4006NIB 500$ Adjustable sights. Are the 4006 all steel,didnt spend a great amount of time with it.Thanks for your opinoins in advance. Kenna
 
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Those prices are HIGH, except maybe the NIB 4006. Yes the 4006 is all steel.
 
Love my 4566, paid $275 well used but not abused. To me the 4516 seems to short and the 4506 to long. 4566 just right. It's my second favorite behing my 3913.
 
Prices seem high to me, where are you? It might make a slight difference in price.
 
Is a 5906 or 6906 a decent handgun to buy or did they have lots of problems? There are a lot of them in seemingly nice shape at reasonable prices right now, so I have considered getting one (or two). But if they're **** I'd rather put the money in a Beretta 92FS or Sig P228 or nothing.
 
Goldenbb, The 5906 and 6906 are great handguns. Have a 5906 with fixed Novak sights and it is very accurate. Have Crimson Trace grips mounted on it and it is a dependable bedside firearm. Would love to add a 6906 to my collection in the future. Find them a lot more aesthetically appealing than the Beretta 92.

Kenna glad to see you on the hunt for another S&W. I would certainly advise you if you have the opportunity to handle and possibly fire the S&W 3rd Generation 45's you get the chance before buying. My experience with a 4566TSW, was not as favorable as the 5906. Which I attribute to the single stack design and the different grip angle. Not saying they aren't great guns, as I have seen the targets posted from owners that can shoot them very well. With the prices you posted, if I was in the really need to have one I would look take a serious look at the NIB 4006, as it shares the same frame as the 5906--this is saying a lot as I am not a fan of 40S&W. As a side note I would really like to see a picture of it with adjustable sights, as I don't believe I have ever seen a 4006 with factory adjustable sights.
 
The 4566 is the best balance in my opinion. They are fantastically reliable and perfectly proportioned between barrel length, grip, magazine, etc. The price is $100 high but then again you don't see many NIB to compare. If it were at my LGS I would buy the 4566 and never look back!
 
My 4566 was $389 used, but in great shape, minimal holster wear. It's built like a tank--and just as effective.
 
do not buy a 3rd gen smith... I found a police trade in, 4053. never had a 40 cal, never cared for the smith autos... I use it as a carry, ALL the time. shoots great. points well. I would have trouble getting rid of it after having it almost every day for maybe eight years. Good find for me. hope you like yours.
 
Is a 5906 or 6906 a decent handgun to buy or did they have lots of problems? There are a lot of them in seemingly nice shape at reasonable prices right now, so I have considered getting one (or two). But if they're **** I'd rather put the money in a Beretta 92FS or Sig P228 or nothing.

Hard to beat a SIG P228.....definitely a step up from the 5906 and 6906.
 
I love my 4566. It is my EDC in a S&W shoulder rig. I paid $500 for mine in excellent condition with a nice leather belt holster and an extra mag. I think I probably paid on the high side for mine.
 
The third-generation semi-auto line is one of the gun world's best kept secrets.As an owner of a 5906 & 92F Beretta, it is the Beretta that rides on my hip to be called upon if needed for self protection over the S&W..........



















...because when the cops bag it for evidence Ill still have my third gen 9mm !
 
4586 note.

I picked up a LE trade (4586) in from Bud's about a year and half or so ago. It has a few minor holster/scuff/wear areas - me, too - but nothing major. I had a difficult time adjusting to the heavy DAO trigger pull and WAS unhappy. I always shot low to the left. Really, it is always the gun's fault, right? :) I did try to sell it and then came to my senses.

What I did do and relearn was how to breathe, sight, squeeze, muscle control, etc., from my revlover training. It was work. But, was it fun. I now have it as my everyday carry in a shoulder rig. It feeds everything from Russian ammo to JHP with ease. ZERO malunctions. I bet it could feed empty cases. I believe it (3rd Gen) is one of the most underated & valued pistols on the market today. Prices are relative. If you find it of value, buy one.

D
 
These guns are so durable that, when I wanted a shooter, I popped for an ex-cop gun about 4 bills. All it needed was that tiny trigger spring (~$2).
If you're collecting, maybe NIB would be the way to go...?

4566.jpg
 
The 4513TSW is a great combination target / carry gun. I have one, a used PD issue. That price is high. Have the LGS take the slide off, examine the aluminum frame for wear, that will give a hint as to how used it is. Could be a bargaining point. Even well used they are very accurate, and with the double recoil spring they shoot very well. This is my EDC.
 

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