HCH
Member
I'll suspect that S&W can make a 3rd. Gen. for less than $150, but can make a poly gun for less than half that.
Why do I not see many 3rd gen pistols
- Thread starter corgiS&W
- Start date
Let's run with that:
So if they can sell an M&P for $350 to a retailer who then sells it for $500, S&W makes $275.
Same profit on a third gen would put the price at $425 to the retailer and $575 to the consumer.
I think if they could sell enough third gens at a good price they would make them. I DON'T think there are 500,000 people standing in line to pay $575 for a third gen.
Unfortunately there are plenty of people competing with me to buy the third gens I want though....
Well, I'm glad I asked the question. While at a show recently with the 5906 in a rug [I was looking for a shoulder holster], folks would ask what I had and would show no interest when I said "an S&W 5906". I guess that's why there were none on the 20 or so tables of guns for sale.
coorslight
Member
The more people out there that don't know about the good things about the 3rd gen's the better it is for the ones that do.
James&theGiant1911
Member
I loath Glocks and while I do understand the mass production and easy to get parts concept. I just do not like the function or the looks of one of them. I do own a poly XDM and it is a fine shooter but I would sell it in a minute in order to hold onto my 1076 Novak worked gun and my 3913tsw. The tactical is very very accurate and you can really tell the difference between them and non TSW guns.
Besides still being in current movies and tv shows the 3rd gen smiths have with stood the test of time and trends. They are solid pieces now as they were in the 1990s.
Besides still being in current movies and tv shows the 3rd gen smiths have with stood the test of time and trends. They are solid pieces now as they were in the 1990s.
I wonder what the actual cost is on poly framed guns? Compare the Glock 23 to say the SD40 even though the SD comes with real metal sights it is still priced about $200 less than the G23 (they are more or less the exact same gun and production cost should be about the same). Now if S&W can sell an SD for $200 less than a Glock and still turn a profit you really have to wonder what the actual profit margin on Glocks are.
UHSAK88
Member
How about this...
I have a 4040PD Airlite and I intend to keep it basically forever (for me). I really enjoy the pistol. It's also rare and I hope at least I'll be able to have S&W service it - if it ever needs it - for a long time to come.
I wonder if S&W would think about licensing the design(s) to a smaller company that could demonstrate the same level of build quality, that could make them in smaller quantities profitably? Or even to manufacture them for a higher price in limited production runs.
How about this, for example: I would definitely place an order to have a brand-new 4040PD Airlite made - even if I knew at the outset that it would take 12-18 months for the gun to be delivered. At least I would know that within that timeframe, I'd have another one, New In Box, and without denting the value of any of the resale guns. Smith and Wesson could require a 50% or even more deposit in advance, bank the money, earn interest on it (or whatever they need to do with it) and promise me that I'd get my brand new limited production 4040PD Airlite within 18 months.
I'm in no particular rush, and if they could guarantee me a new one in that time frame, I would absolutely be ready to go on an arrangement like that.
I like the pistol so much that I'd be willing to pay the current exchange rate price rate for the gun, based on its original MSRP back in 2004. Maybe even a bit more: let's make it worth their while. My Airlite is everything I want in a .40 caliber carry gun and if an option like that existed, I'd sign up tomorrow.
In fact if they let me place the order and deposit and pay for the rest of the gun during that 12-18 month timespan, that would be ideal. I'd be making a payment every month to ensure that I get a brand new example of a pistol I really, really enjoy owning and I trust my life with.
S&W could designate a certain portion of their production capacity for taking these orders and fulfilling them. I think they'd find that there are enough people like me (if this thread is any indication) to make it well worth their while. And they wouldn't be cannibalizing the sales of their newer guns - I imagine these pistols would be ordered by A) People who are willing to wait because B) They're real enthusiasts of the design.
This isn't about an individual or police department or whatever that is going to buy/order a new set of guns tomorrow: it's about people who already own one who are willing to invest the time and money to get a new one direct from S&W, shipped to the dealer of the buyer's choice, in a prearranged kind of setup. One of each model per customer or something along those lines, you have to show you already own one, no bulk purchases, no discounts, etc. What they'd be doing is devoting a small portion of their capacity to manufacturing a few thousand new guns at relatively premium prices for a limited amount of time, at a leisurely pace, for existing owners who are enthusiasts of the marque and the model.
Call it the "S&W 3rd Generation Special Production Program" and have a go at it. These guns have so many good things going for them that it's a real shame they weren't produced longer and in higher quantities to begin with. I'd pay a premium to have a new one set aside to be manufactured with my name on it.
I have a 4040PD Airlite and I intend to keep it basically forever (for me). I really enjoy the pistol. It's also rare and I hope at least I'll be able to have S&W service it - if it ever needs it - for a long time to come.
I wonder if S&W would think about licensing the design(s) to a smaller company that could demonstrate the same level of build quality, that could make them in smaller quantities profitably? Or even to manufacture them for a higher price in limited production runs.
How about this, for example: I would definitely place an order to have a brand-new 4040PD Airlite made - even if I knew at the outset that it would take 12-18 months for the gun to be delivered. At least I would know that within that timeframe, I'd have another one, New In Box, and without denting the value of any of the resale guns. Smith and Wesson could require a 50% or even more deposit in advance, bank the money, earn interest on it (or whatever they need to do with it) and promise me that I'd get my brand new limited production 4040PD Airlite within 18 months.
I'm in no particular rush, and if they could guarantee me a new one in that time frame, I would absolutely be ready to go on an arrangement like that.
I like the pistol so much that I'd be willing to pay the current exchange rate price rate for the gun, based on its original MSRP back in 2004. Maybe even a bit more: let's make it worth their while. My Airlite is everything I want in a .40 caliber carry gun and if an option like that existed, I'd sign up tomorrow.
In fact if they let me place the order and deposit and pay for the rest of the gun during that 12-18 month timespan, that would be ideal. I'd be making a payment every month to ensure that I get a brand new example of a pistol I really, really enjoy owning and I trust my life with.
S&W could designate a certain portion of their production capacity for taking these orders and fulfilling them. I think they'd find that there are enough people like me (if this thread is any indication) to make it well worth their while. And they wouldn't be cannibalizing the sales of their newer guns - I imagine these pistols would be ordered by A) People who are willing to wait because B) They're real enthusiasts of the design.
This isn't about an individual or police department or whatever that is going to buy/order a new set of guns tomorrow: it's about people who already own one who are willing to invest the time and money to get a new one direct from S&W, shipped to the dealer of the buyer's choice, in a prearranged kind of setup. One of each model per customer or something along those lines, you have to show you already own one, no bulk purchases, no discounts, etc. What they'd be doing is devoting a small portion of their capacity to manufacturing a few thousand new guns at relatively premium prices for a limited amount of time, at a leisurely pace, for existing owners who are enthusiasts of the marque and the model.
Call it the "S&W 3rd Generation Special Production Program" and have a go at it. These guns have so many good things going for them that it's a real shame they weren't produced longer and in higher quantities to begin with. I'd pay a premium to have a new one set aside to be manufactured with my name on it.
Last edited:
If you learn to full break down and reassembly,
How would a guy go about learning this on a 3rd gen without the risk of a box of parts?
Seriously...I'd like to learn to do it.
See posts #6 & #8 at this link http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...ols/194072-breaking-down-3rd-gen-dummies.html
ThorOdinson
Member
I started out carrying a S&W Mod 39, 9mm. Everyone was into wheelguns. Changed departments and they issued M39's. So I carried 2. I had my gun smoothed up by a gunsmith so it was primary. Chief didn't like M39's and forced city to change to M19 revolvers but restricted ammo to .38 Special. After roll call and inspections everyone replaced the .38 Specials with .357 Mag. Many years and chiefs later semi-auto's were OK again. By then 9mm was considered underpowered to stop some meth nut on a charge. .45's are the norm but 10mm would be carried if available. The M39 had an alloy frame and the full SS steel frames were appreciated. SS is tougher to machine than carbon steel. Tooling has a shorter life whether CNC or not.
Robertson Trading Post sells many 4566's etc that were traded in by foolish PD's. In good shape. Can be bead blasted for that new look and grips replaced (original does'nt have the good curve of a M39). The 4566 doesn't have adjustable sights like the 10mm but the FBI developed the 10mm until their agents wimped out shooting it. Enter the .40. Same diameter bullet and barrel just shorter casing. Called the 10mm wimp in LEO circles. Check Robertsons online. Easy to deal with. Good prices. Gunsamerica has them listing many or you can call before parting with bucks for online sales. Good safe durable pistols that are double action. Plastic? No way!! Thor
Robertson Trading Post sells many 4566's etc that were traded in by foolish PD's. In good shape. Can be bead blasted for that new look and grips replaced (original does'nt have the good curve of a M39). The 4566 doesn't have adjustable sights like the 10mm but the FBI developed the 10mm until their agents wimped out shooting it. Enter the .40. Same diameter bullet and barrel just shorter casing. Called the 10mm wimp in LEO circles. Check Robertsons online. Easy to deal with. Good prices. Gunsamerica has them listing many or you can call before parting with bucks for online sales. Good safe durable pistols that are double action. Plastic? No way!! Thor
Last edited:
3rd gens abound
I find them when I need them on this forum, LGS (Rare), on line auctions, on-line sales sites like Guns Am..., gun shows. I currently own 15-20 or several more if you count 1st and 2nd gens too. There are no other S&W semi auto's that one needs to buy. . (poly) IMO
The prices of the 1st -3rd gens is anywhere from $250 -$700 depending on caliber and age and condition. I do have one that was more than $1100. A S&W lettered 1076 that was shipped to Quantico in 1990 as part of the original 2500 pistols sent for the 10mm trial program for the FBI. I have the S&W certified letter as well as the agents holster, mag holders and email from him as well. So I consider this a collector pistol. Therefore paying above $1100 is my choice. The rest of them came "cheap" compared to what I would pay if SW was making these new. These are great guns to own and I prefer and carry them everyday.
Favorite carry pistols are the 3913 and the 4513TSW pre rail.
Favorite range pistol, 5906, 4506 and 1006.
Favorite pre 3rd gen: 39 no dash shipped in January 1958.
Mike
I find them when I need them on this forum, LGS (Rare), on line auctions, on-line sales sites like Guns Am..., gun shows. I currently own 15-20 or several more if you count 1st and 2nd gens too. There are no other S&W semi auto's that one needs to buy. . (poly) IMO
The prices of the 1st -3rd gens is anywhere from $250 -$700 depending on caliber and age and condition. I do have one that was more than $1100. A S&W lettered 1076 that was shipped to Quantico in 1990 as part of the original 2500 pistols sent for the 10mm trial program for the FBI. I have the S&W certified letter as well as the agents holster, mag holders and email from him as well. So I consider this a collector pistol. Therefore paying above $1100 is my choice. The rest of them came "cheap" compared to what I would pay if SW was making these new. These are great guns to own and I prefer and carry them everyday.
Favorite carry pistols are the 3913 and the 4513TSW pre rail.
Favorite range pistol, 5906, 4506 and 1006.
Favorite pre 3rd gen: 39 no dash shipped in January 1958.
Mike
rappa29
Member
I'm always up for a 3rd gen roll call! 
3913TSW and 4513TSW, both prerail, present and accounted for!
3913TSW and 4513TSW, both prerail, present and accounted for!
ThorOdinson
Member
Something happened to my post. The 4566 doesn't have adjustable sights but the 10mm does. Are they interchangable? Same dovetail?
Back when they were in production I honestly never gave the 3rd gens a second look. But then when a 915 appeared in a used gun case for only $265 I had to have it. Now that I'm a 3rd gen owner I can't believe what I've missed all these years. Great ergonomics, a smooth DA trigger, and excellent reliability. I actually like shooting my 9mm Smiths more than my Glock 19 or Beretta.
Ruger Nut
US Veteran
Welcome to the dark side, we have 3rd gens!
I own more Rugers then any other firearm brands. Since getting a 5906 a few weeks ago,it seems that is the only firearm I have been giving attention to lately. I can't believe how well these guns are made. I think i'm getting a 3rd Gen bug!
TexasG
US Veteran
SSSHHH.... Stop giving up our secret.....
Similar threads
