Where to start?

[Nodeal]

Hi. I've become a big fan of S&W after making the jump from Glocks to the M&P series a few years ago. Now I'm kind of maxed out on plastic guns, and would like to pick up a nice "real" pistol. 1911s don't really do it for me, so I'm thinking a 3rd generation S&W auto would be the way to go.

If you were going to have just one S&W that met the qualities below, what would it be?

• All metal construction (preferably stainless)
• no DAO
• mid to full sized - not looking for a ccw
• Good reputation for accuracy & reliability
• Under $600
• 9mm or .45

 

[mike from st pete]

All Stainless Steel

I got this a gun show a few weeks back. S&W639

 

[JohnHL]

Hi. I've become a big fan of S&W after making the jump from Glocks to the M&P series a few years ago. Now I'm kind of maxed out on plastic guns, and would like to pick up a nice "real" pistol. 1911s don't really do it for me, so I'm thinking a 3rd generation S&W auto would be the way to go.

If you were going to have just one S&W that met the qualities below, what would it be?

• All metal construction (preferably stainless)
• no DAO
• mid to full sized - not looking for a ccw
• Good reputation for accuracy & reliability
• Under $600
• 9mm or .45

Hi, Nodeal! Welcome to the forum.
First choice would be the Smith & Wesson flagship: The 5906.
All metal (stainless frame and slide)
TDA (Traditional Double Action: Double action first shot, single action subsequent shots)
Full Size (4" barrel; 40 ounces of recoil taming heft; not the best choice for CCW or all-day humping).
Bet your life on it reliable.
Almost never over $600.00 (Usually hundreds less).
9mm

By the way, the 5906 was produced in greater numbers than any other 3rd generation pistol with the possible exception of the 6906 (which is a 3 1/2" barreled, compact, alloy-framed version of the 5906). Both utilize double stack magazines.

Those would be my first two choices. Let's see what others have to say.
John

 

[Gunhacker]

Can't go wrong with either the 5906 of 9mm or the 4506 for .45 acp.

The 4506 is a 5" barrel, larger and heavier than the 5906.

The 4506 & 4506-1's are absolute tanks and will handle anything you feed them. I have seen it mentioned in other posts that they will even feed empty cases.

I have three 3rd Gen 45's, going from longest barrel to shortest... a 4506-1 (5"), 4566 (4-1/4") Melonite finish and a 4516-1 (3-3/4").

I picked the .45acp over 9mm (and I do have three 2nd Gen 9mm pistols too) because it's easier to reload and less fussy about the powder used, and ammo is readily available... seemingly more so than 9mm.

The 4566 is my favorite for EDC, the 4506-1 for range work. The 4516-1 was an impulse buy... I don't use it that much, but I won't get rid of it yet.. in CA one does not easily find them, so I need to be very sure that won't regret letting it go before I do such a thing.

In the 4506-1... change the recoil spring and you can easily shoot the .45 Super round for 10mm performance, if so desired.

So that's my .02 worth (.01 in today's dollar).

 

[lhump1961]

I don't own any 3rd gen 45's but have a few others. For CC it's hard to beat the 9mm 3913/14 (single stack) or the 6906/04 (double stack). I have both of these and they are rock solid performers. 6906's will go around $400-$500 with the 3913 perhaps $100 more. TDA triggers that take a little practice if not familiar but 100% reliable and good looking.

My 3913 is a TSW but the standard version is a great gun. I also have a 6904 and a 6906...the 6906 in the picture I no longer have only due to the square trigger guard but I have one with the round guard that my oldest daughter somehow went home with and it is her house gun. I trust it with her life. The 6904 is one of my regular carry guns.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I vote for a 5906. Built tank tough, and it has the advantage of Mec Gar magazines being readily available in both 15 round and 20 round versions. As the 5900 Series was fairly widely adopted, I would venture a guess that spare parts might be more readily available from other-than-factory sources when or if 5906 parts are no longer available from S&W.

 

[BMCM]

If you were going to have just one S&W that met the qualities below, what would it be?

• All metal construction (preferably stainless)
• no DAO
• mid to full sized - not looking for a ccw
• Good reputation for accuracy & reliability
• Under $600
• 9mm or .45

That's easy,

This one

4566TSW PD turn-in that I re-hab'd.
All stainless with full length box rails and no scabbed on light mount.
$399 plus about another $50 in parts and my time to fix her up.
Shoots like a laser, "bet your life" reliable and arguably the TSWs were/are the ruggedest pistols S&W made.
The TSW guns ought to be referred to as 4th gen IMO.

Cheers
Bill

 

[Kadonny]

4506 or any version of it. No brainer, great guns.

 

[pmosley]

3906 or 4506

 

[Badkarma 1]

5906. Simply it was most prominent at the time and 9mm was the round of choice (which seems to be coming back as well!)
Nothing against the fabulous 4506/4506-1, I just prefer the older version here, the 645!
I've had plenty of both and neither has ever let me down.
Dale

 

[losingle]

I would say the 6906, small enough for carry, 12 rnd mag, sort of do anything you want pistol. Their are more accurate 3rd gens. and better carry but this one sort of will do anything you want. Or you can buy 3 or 4 pistols like everyone else.

 

[GoodMornin]

Like BMCM said above the TSW series are great, if you can find one in the price range you want. My own 5943TSW is the best pistol I got going and with the grip changes I can be more traditional. Here it is with Cocobolo

You'd probably want a 5906TSW, there's a couple of threads out there with those in it.

 

[raykdman]

Of the ones metioned, the 4566 is one of my favorites. Picked one up recently and took it straight to the range. Shot very well. The only thing I needed to replace was the recoil spring.

 

[45thumper]

I have a 4506, 5906, and a 6906. I would recommend any of them. It might be easier to find a 5906, and a bit cheaper too. They are fantastic handguns. You won't be disappointed with the one you chose to purchase.

 

[cobra357]

Just be aware, once you start you can't stop. I think I'm up to 7 now. I have a 6906, 5906, and 4506-1 (my first .45) and you can't go wrong with any of them.

 

[BAM-BAM]

The 5906 is a great place to start, for all the reasons stated above!

As also pointed out you will soon want a 6906 and a 3913/14.

Then you will wonder about a .45 so you will look for a 4506 then a 4566 and then a 4516..........

Many then think what about a .40.............


Good luck

 

[Kadonny]

The 4566 is my favorite for EDC, the 4506-1 for range work. The 4516-1 was an impulse buy... I don't use it that much, but I won't get rid of it yet.. in CA one does not easily find them, so I need to be very sure that won't regret letting it go before I do such a thing.

Why, why, WHY would you ever even consider breaking up that threesome! Don't do it, ever....you will regret it.

The 4566 is the one I am missing and eventually I'll own one. Then I'll have that threesome you have. So jealous.

 

[18DAI]

Another vote for the 4566, in any flavor - TSW or standard. I've yet to own a bad example.

In 9mm I'd also 2nd the 3906. Not made in extensive numbers and shares all the excellent qualities of the 4566. Good luck with the search! Regards 18DAI

 

[cpeblue]

Here's another vote for the 4566 though I prefer the TSWs. A stainless gun in 9mm my vote is for the 5906tsw and you don't want a 5903tsw until I have mine. Since we all like pictures here's a couple.