Which 3rd Gens to avoid

oldman10mm

oldman10mm

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S&W revolvers are my 'revolvers' of choice,semi-auto S&W pistols are relatively new to me. I have a 1006 10mm,which is probably my favorite handgun,because I reload/chronograph and can take the power levels up to the original Norma ammo and I have a CS9. I would like to start adding/collecting S&W 9mms'(no 40 S&Ws' or 45s') in 3rd Gen only. I don't care for the 'new stuff'. I have a 915,which I like. I've read that the 910 is low on quality with too much plastic.
What input I'm seeking is what to avoid. Which 3rd Gen 9mm single stackers and double stackers are not worth spending money on. I frequent the gun shows in northern Ohio and lot of collectors(with tables) and attendees walking around trying to sell have 3rd gens at good prices,but being currently un-knowledgeable,I don't 'jump' on any.
 
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The value line series (915, 910, others?) have varying degrees of plastic or substitute parts. It does not affect the function at all, but from strictly a collectors standpoint I would probably stick with the non-value line models.

Also, I would not rule out trying a Smith .45 3rd gen pistol. I have a bunch of 9mm's, but my 4506 is the best shooting S&W I own. If I am heading to the range it is the one I grab first.
 
I agree with Slufstuff on the value-line models if you are looking for something to collect. If you want a shooter or a defensive handgun they are fine.
 
I agree that all the third gen S&W's are good to go. In fact,although some others have reported issues and some dissatisfaction with some 2nd gen pistols,I have personally not experienced any issues at all with mine.
I also agree that the 4506 is one great shooter.I got rid of one that I wish i could get back. Sometimes we do dumb things.
 
I wouldn't buy any of the budget or "tactical" models or anything with MIM parts...nothing wrong with any of them, just not what I like. I wouldn't buy a cop trade in with dept markings all over it although I do have a 4586 from the Canton, GA PD that's not too bad, only one small mark. Lots of people like the cop trade ins and seek them out...again just personal preference. My favorites are the earlier models with flash chromed hammers and triggers, round trigger guards and fixed sights. 3913, 6906, 5906 and the different variations of those (blued vs stainless, alloy vs steel frame, etc.) are the most desirable IMO.
 
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I agree with many here, I have yet to find a bad 3rd Gen model. I've found some in less than stellar condition, but that's the fault of the previous owner, not the gun. The 3900, 5900, and 6900 series pistols are all awesome, and in my opinion at least, the TSW DAO pistols are just a cut above the norm. The 3913 and 6906 are two of the most popular 9mms for carry around. You just can't go wrong with any of them.
 
S&W Model 6906 built during my Armorers Certification back in 1989. Back then, they would let class members purchase one of the eight guns each member built during the class. All of the 3rd gen guns seem to work well. Very few problems from a repair standpoint in my experience. Never had any issues with this one.
 

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I got out of 9mm, but if you are looking for an outstanding range gun 3rd gen Smith a 5906 is a great choice. Heavy, solid, and ultra dependable. I know you said you didn't want .40, but 4006 and 411 are solid as well. My 4506-1 shown below (45 acp) is one I will never sell, eats anything, trust it to always go bang.
1.jpg
 
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I have 3 generations of S&W 9mms. A 59, a 659, and a 5906. Do not sell the second gen 659 short. I actually prefer it to the 5906. And yes, the 5906 was a LEO gun.
 
I'm not against 2nd gens,my preference is for 3rd gens. I.m not looking at 40s&ws' because I shoot/load 10mm(10xx series) which I can load down to 40s&w levels. 45 never interested me.
 
i have a couple of 908's, i think the plastic on this gun compared to the 3913/14 is the guide rod, sights and mag release.. i did replace guide rod with metal ones... not worried about the sights or mag release... somebody please correct me if there are other plastic parts... i really do like the 908's, 3914 single stack 9's along with my 6904 double stack 9 compact.. all 3rd gen guns... and for carry the 908 and 3914 are great options, for that matter the 6904 carries well, just heavier and grip is thicker... by the way my 6904 is one of my best shooters in my safe...
 
I've had two 3rd Gen Autos that caused a problem with GDHP's for some reason, mostly FTRTB issues. One was a 457 and the other my current 4516-1. I no longer have the 457 but the 4516-1 is relatively new being bought LNIB about four months ago. Granted, this was with hand loads using the 230 gr GDHP and 8.2 gr of HS-6 but specs were as the factory in that I measured the OAL of the factory rounds and seated the bullet to the same length(plus or minus a few thousands). I checked the amount of taper crimp and set it the same as the factory round. Last range visit I had 2-3 FTRTB problems with the 4516-1. Still haven't figured out why. Both magazines I brought with me were new as was the recoil spring.

The 4506, on the other hand, has never failed in the 21 years I've owned it. Doesn't matter if it's 200 gr SWC's or the 230 gr GDHP. It fed the older Speer 200 gr "Flying Ashtray" like hardball. It's the one pistol I would and do trust my life with.
 
FWIW I have a 3913nl bought new that has had only one failure. That was a broken firing pin spring after many-many thousands of rds. To be perfectly honest I expect no less for any gun I own.
 
I own 1st 2nd and 3rd gen 39 and 59, 45 and 10 series models in 9mm, .45 and 10mm. 1st to the value series 910. It shoots just fine. Great range or even a 2nd back up gun. As a collector it's not worth buying, but I got mine for $ 225 OTD from a pawn shop and have never had 1 problem with it and it's very accurate.
From there it's just get better..3913's, 3904's 459's. 5906's 5904's are all excellent pistols. The 5906 and 3913 are probably my 2 favorite 9mm's for shooting. But...the BEST of them all is the 4506-1. It's built on the same platform as your 1006. Mine is a "Go to War" gun. I would stack it up against any .45 auto made today by any manufacturer. I had it out last night and I was shooting indoors at 50 feet. It was making child's play out of my Spring Field Armory 1911 in accuracy.
So get them all...but don't miss out on that 4506. I also love the 10mm I have a 1086 DAO. The 1006 is on my list.
BTW you live very close by. If you want to shoot some of these sometime PM me and we will set up a date at a range in Eastlake.
 
Buy them cause you'll like them. I have a 1026, 1076, 4026 and 5926. The 5926 is the only one that is LEO marked. I have looked high and low for a 4576 without any luck. A couple of years back a friend call to say there was one at a KC gun shop. I called to check on it and the salesperson said that a guy was looking at and put money down on it. Couldn't get there weekend and it was got. Only one that I have heard of in the local area.
 
They are all winners.

I own:

4506-1 forged hammer and trigger
4506-1 MIM hammer and trigger
4505
4526
1006
4566TSW
4563TSW
4006TSW
4003TSW
4053

Did I mention they are addictive?
 
I would like to add a 4566, but probably won't for a long time since money is tight these days. A 1066 would be nice too. Oh and maybe a 645 also. :p

But I do have a 559, 659 and a 4506.

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IMG_2559.jpg


And even though you didn't ask, this is my wife's grandfathers S&W 38 4th Model. Bad picture but it is in pretty good condition and quite shootable.

DCP_4452.jpg
 
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The only thing currently wrong with the "value line" guns is price. As the old saying goes "a rising tide lifts all ships" so has the rising value of S&W pistols inflated prices of used value line pistols. From what I have seen asked for used value line pistols lately I would sooner pay a little more for "the real thing". Now the value line guns are fine pieces, I own a 457 that I shoot very well and like an awful lot, but they are not worth what the regular guns are.

I just recently jumped on a police-trade 5906 and although I have not shot it yet am very happy with it. I decided I wanted one, went on GB, bid on the one with the lowest opening bid I could find and won it. I may have gotten lucky but it is very nice with very little wear of any sort. Has a little dried grease on it and needs cleaning but should be a fine shooter. I am a happy camper for $350 including shipping, transfer, etc.:D Also won a used Safariland holster for it off fleabay for $10 delivered.
 
It seems that the 3rd Gen guns are SPECIAL in that a failure to fire is very ,very remote,, I have heard that the new shield is picky about the type of ammo it gets,,(Hmmmmm???) All the guns I HAVE, are to be carried when I wish. And I bet my life on their reliability.
But the thing is 90% o the population is influenced by the marketing ploy of the gun makers,,. that;s ok because if more people knew what is in a
3 gen SW I would be paying twice what I have to now..
 
I recommend any 3rd gen S&W. I have a 3913, 4506 and 4516-1. They are all rock solid 100% reliable.
 
3rd gens are the polar opposite of politicians--nearly immposible to find a bad one in the bunch.
 
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