When did 3rd gen. end?

[focus2]

I just bought a new 3953 TSW that S&W said was made in Sept. 2006. Do you think that this one could be around the end of of 3rd gen. production???

 

[James&theGiant1911]

they are still produced for LEO uses only so I would say they will make them if departments order and spend money on them.

 

[GaryS]

I think that production for commercial sale ended in 2009, but it might have been a bit earlier.

 

[427mach1]

4013TSW production ran through 2006; I don't know if other 3rd gen pistol production continued past then.

 

[pmosley]

I believe that the model 457, one of which I am fortunate enough to own, was the last of the catalogued third generations.

Those made afterwards were special runs based on specific orders.

 

[18DAI]

As others have posted it "technically" ended for sales to the public around 2006.

But as they still produce 3rd gen pistols at their Houlton ME plant (3914DAO, 5946, 4566TSW) for LE, it hasn't actually ended.

If there is a slow down in gun buying, when this current craze is over, maybe they will offer a 3rd gen in that "classic" series of theirs. Regards 18DAI

 

[firescout]

...maybe they will offer a 3rd gen in that "classic" series of theirs...

It seems that when S&W releases a gun under the 'Classic' series, they greatly inflate the price. 3rd gen Classic = $900+

 

[timn8er]

Way, way WAY too soon!

 

[GoodMornin]

If you're interested in a new 3914DAO try this link and let the rest of us know how it goes, like 18DAI said they're still being made for Law Enforcement.
http://www.standardlaw.us/

 

[surfgun]

I seem to recall that 457s and the 910s were that last of the catalogued 3rd gen's.

 

[mbliss57]

Another question might be when was the 3rd Gen production/ usage at it's peak.. without any statistics to back it up I would say 1995-1999.
2nd Gen to 3rd gen started around 1987/88
I bought a NIB 5904 from Houghton ME that was mfg in 2010. (Casing was fired then)

 

[18DAI]

If there was one "gun guy" left at the current company calling itself S&W, that 3914 would be in the catalog for EVERYONE to purchase. Not just available to LE.

But then, if it was, who would want their "shield"? Regards 18DAI

 

[focus2]

The 3953TSW that I bought in May is new but was made in Sept. of 2006. It must have been sitting on a shelf at Gander Mtn.for a long time......