My first introduction to S&W semi autos was in the 80's when my dad purchased a 39-2 that he carried on duty as a deputy sheriff. I was 10 years old and he would take me on the weekend to go shooting with the other deputies. It was the first center fire handgun that I was taught to shoot. Fast forward to about 15 years ago, I noticed plastic guns flying of the shelves of gun stores, pawn shops, and gun shows for $500-$700 while 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gen S&W semi autos were collecting dust with $300-$400 price tags, and they seemed plentyful. I bought my first S&W semi auto, a 459 for about $375 OTD at a gun show. I discovered the fun of hunting for them in pawn shops, LGS, and gun shows. I also found a love for old Marlin lever action rifles that were cheap and abundant at the time. I then found a 5906 that became my second S&W and my first 3rd gen. Following that, I bought a 4506, and a CS9. I then traded a Marlin 336 to my Dad for his 39-2, and that was my first 1st gen S&W. A couple years later I went through a divorce and sold all my S&W pistols except my Dad's 39-2. Fast forward to now, and I am into collecting these guns again, but finding out that they are not as cheap and abundant as they were 15 years ago. I have been able to replace the CS9 and 459, so now I have one of each generation, 39-2, 459, and CS9. I am still looking to replace the 5906 and 4506 that I regret selling.
