Popularity of 3rd Generation S&W Pistols

G

Gator Monroe

New member
I always wanted a 3rd Generation S&W and now have a former LEO 5903 . These pistols are now quasi Cult Status handguns and have moved into the collectable realms ...
 
I always wanted a 3rd Generation S&W and now have a former LEO 5903 . These pistols are now quasi Cult Status handguns and have moved into the collectable realms.
Click to expand...

Congrats on your 5903. :cool:

The occasional lemon aside, which all manufacturers can let escape out their factory doors (some more, some less), S&W's 3rd Gen guns were overwhelmingly excellent, accurate, hard-use service guns - that's regardless of caliber too.

The 10XX- and 45XX-series were my favs, but I shot enough 5906s over the years to like those as well.

Problem now will be finding critical parts for them if something breaks. I've read contradictory reports about whether will Smith will continue to service/repair 3rd Gen pistols unless it's an in-service duty weapon.

Similarly, I've read a number of posts on different boards from 3rd Gen owners when this subject comes up suggesting they've "retired" their guns into collector/investment status just for that reason, and don't shoot them anymore.

Just FYI ...
 
Problem now will be finding critical parts for them if something breaks. I've read contradictory reports about whether will Smith will continue to service/repair 3rd Gen pistols unless it's an in-service duty weapon.

Similarly, I've read a number of posts on different boards from 3rd Gen owners when this subject comes up suggesting they've "retired" their guns into collector/investment status just for that reason, and don't shoot them anymore.
Click to expand...

Smith no longer provides warranty or repair support for the 3rd Gen Smiths. This is not as big a concern as some people make it out to be. There are tons of 3rd Gen smiths out there in the used market. There are tons of parts both factory and aftermarket. They are very durable pistols and will most likely outlast most of us if you change out wear parts like springs.

I personally feel that there are too many of them out there to be placed into collector status. Some variants or models have smaller footprints but honestly there are tons of them out there in LNIB to excellent condition. No need the shelf a useful pistol before it time.
 
My 4006 is bomb-proof.

I changed out the recoil spring and the mag springs when I first bought it several years ago. It's been absolutely 100% reliable and I mean 100% reliable.

I wouldn't want to carry it on my hip all day because it weighs a ton, but it's great at the range or for a bedside gun.
 
Don't talk about it much, as everyone knows me to be a big fan of my CZ 100 and P-07, but absolutely love the 3rd Gen S&W DAO's. After lots of hunting, was able to score this and put on layaway yesterday off of GunBroker:

6c99a03198449993612872bda7c7bdd8.jpg


3ef53d2f947ea61eec3d44f467bb3a19.jpg


e0be34e001ddd255d5aa175b816e96c9.jpg
 
Great name in firearms, and generations only answer to the public perceptions of a great name. S&W continues to meet this demand for a revolver and semi-auto. But many are into a "name" and what it gives them in their hand at the range, compared to the other shooter near him/her at the range. Others want certain features and discount unpopular features. This keeps the company busy with many competitive options.

With new ammo available, the frames have compensated with metal upgrades and glistening finishes. "Popularity" is in the eyes of the beholder, and "holder"! The accuracy in in the shooter, not the firearm. "Popular" is in the fancy of the marketer, family members, advertisements and the peer group!

Women are detailed and specific, when men are after the action and the "BOOM". That's why women are typically better shots than men.
 
They made a ton of them, they were and still are some of the best service handguns ever, dead solid reliability. I have a couple a 1076 I've always been a big 10mm fan and it's baby brother a 6926 an absolute sweet carrying gun.
 
Interesting it was my understanding there was no warranty work for any of the 3rd gen smiths.

I only have one so its not really an issue for me. Runs good needs new paint!





 
I need to post up pics, but I picked up a 4006 several years ago...still a solid pistol and look like new. I recently added a 3913 which looks almost brand new. I was never really a fan when they were popular, but recently I've found that they are pretty solid pistols which will stand the test of time...S&W may not warranty them, but I see them functioning just fine for another 70-100 years.

ROCK6
 
With new ammo available, the frames have compensated with metal upgrades and glistening finishes. "Popularity" is in the eyes of the beholder, and "holder"! The accuracy in in the shooter, not the firearm. "Popular" is in the fancy of the marketer, family members, advertisements and the peer group!

Women are detailed and specific, when men are after the action and the "BOOM". That's why women are typically better shots than men.
Click to expand...

Sorry, but I'm struggling to understand what this has to do with 3rd Generation S&W Pistols.
 
With new ammo available, the frames have compensated with metal upgrades and glistening finishes. "Popularity" is in the eyes of the beholder, and "holder"! The accuracy in in the shooter, not the firearm. "Popular" is in the fancy of the marketer, family members, advertisements and the peer group! Women are detailed and specific, when men are after the action and the "BOOM". That's why women are typically better shots than men.
Click to expand...

Dudenal, what the ... ? ... Then again, my dog has fleas and some days the moon is blue.
 
WVsig said:
Interesting it was my understanding there was no warranty work for any of the 3rd gen smiths.

I only have one so its not really an issue for me. Runs good needs new paint!





Click to expand...
Depends on the year, talked to Smith other day

Sent from my C6530N using Tapatalk
 
I have never been clear on what a third generation gun is. I have a like new 39-2 and a used 915 that has a sweet trigger job done on it. Are those third generation guns?

The 39-2 was given to me along with the first box of bullets ever shot in and still had 18 rounds left. The 915 was a package deal with a dick special I sold. I have a total of $37 in the 915. Plus it came with two spare factory mags and a leather mag pouch. Also an Uncle Mikes duty holster but it is for lefties. so thats a bust for me.
 
Problem now will be finding critical parts for them if something breaks. I've read contradictory reports about whether will Smith will continue to service/repair 3rd Gen pistols unless it's an in-service duty weapon.
Click to expand...

Honestly, aside for the springs or extractor, I doubt most people will shoot their 59xx enough to wear it out or break something.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top