I have owned two Smith autos. A model 39-2 and a model 439. I still have and carry the 439. Both were very reliable, only one failure to extract with the 39-2 and that round had a problem with the rim. The 39-2 was combat accurate, but that was all that could be said. My 439 is more accurate with loads it likes. Bad ammo will yield 6-10 inch patterns at 25 yards, good ammo gives 3-4 inch groups. I like the grip profile of the 39 and 439, but the triggers leave much to be desired.
S&W autos
- Thread starter RandyV
- Start date
I'll echo what Mike Irwin said. I think their problem is their price. With all the excellent semi-auto's out there today why would Mr. Parker spend $700 on a Smith semi? Well, he wouldn't.
I do however have a S&W model 457 that IMO is a great little pistol. It's short, compact, lightweight, and has never failed to fire. Very nice pistol IMO.
I think it's just competition. There's just too much good stuff out there. Best, J. Parker
I do however have a S&W model 457 that IMO is a great little pistol. It's short, compact, lightweight, and has never failed to fire. Very nice pistol IMO.
I think it's just competition. There's just too much good stuff out there. Best, J. Parker
I currently own 4 S&W auto pistols and love them all. They all work all the time and are plenty accurate for what I need them for. I have a 3913 that has over 5,000 rounds without a single malfunction. I also have a 5906 that I've been using for IDPA and it also has never malfunctioned. I have a 4013 that I carry often however it's only been shot about 1,000 rounds (without a malfunction). Lastly I have a CQB from the Performance Center and it's a real sweety. This is the only S&W auto I've owned that has malfunctioned. I finally figured out that the magazine springs were weak. Replaced them with Wolff's 10% + power springs and it's run fine ever since.
Smith Auto improvements
There seems to be a greater number of S&W auto fans here than I would have guessed. A lot of similar gripes, so I will add a suggestion or two that I hope will help. First, if you are talking about the DA/SA model, you are talking about a harder than average gun to learn to shoot well. A SA auto or even a *lock is easier to teach or to learn. The trigger transition has to be learned so that you can take advantage of the nice SA shots. I can't teach it over the 'net, but maybe someone can. I was surpised to learn that a large PD in Texas allows it officers to carry DA/SA weapons and teaches NOTHING about how to control that trigger, so I bet it happens in a lot of places. Next, shoot the heck out of it. I have a 5904 with an incredible action. Everyone who pulls the trigger says "who did the action?" I said "me, and about a million rounds." I then got it NP3ed, so it is even slicker. No, it is not for sale. Next, if you don't have the time and patience to do that, Teddy Jacobsen at www.actionsbyt.com has dolled up two other DA/SA guns for me. He is fast and good and will make your gun much more shootable.
To those who don't like the placement of the safety, the mag safety etc., you have a valid points and opinion. Then again, I don't think Smith wants you to use the safety as a safety, I think they use it as a "hammer drop." The gun is perfectly safe to carry safety off if YOU are comfortable with it that way. The mag safety, again, personal opinion...I like 'em.
It seems to me and evidently a few others that these guns seem to eat anything that you can stuff into the magazine, and keep going. That is a lot to say for a gun. As the auto(mobile) folks say, "Reliability is job #1." And if you DO break one, I have seen Smith and Wesson treat folks VERY nicely when it comes to warranty repair time.
There seems to be a greater number of S&W auto fans here than I would have guessed. A lot of similar gripes, so I will add a suggestion or two that I hope will help. First, if you are talking about the DA/SA model, you are talking about a harder than average gun to learn to shoot well. A SA auto or even a *lock is easier to teach or to learn. The trigger transition has to be learned so that you can take advantage of the nice SA shots. I can't teach it over the 'net, but maybe someone can. I was surpised to learn that a large PD in Texas allows it officers to carry DA/SA weapons and teaches NOTHING about how to control that trigger, so I bet it happens in a lot of places. Next, shoot the heck out of it. I have a 5904 with an incredible action. Everyone who pulls the trigger says "who did the action?" I said "me, and about a million rounds." I then got it NP3ed, so it is even slicker. No, it is not for sale. Next, if you don't have the time and patience to do that, Teddy Jacobsen at www.actionsbyt.com has dolled up two other DA/SA guns for me. He is fast and good and will make your gun much more shootable.
To those who don't like the placement of the safety, the mag safety etc., you have a valid points and opinion. Then again, I don't think Smith wants you to use the safety as a safety, I think they use it as a "hammer drop." The gun is perfectly safe to carry safety off if YOU are comfortable with it that way. The mag safety, again, personal opinion...I like 'em.
It seems to me and evidently a few others that these guns seem to eat anything that you can stuff into the magazine, and keep going. That is a lot to say for a gun. As the auto(mobile) folks say, "Reliability is job #1." And if you DO break one, I have seen Smith and Wesson treat folks VERY nicely when it comes to warranty repair time.
Well, as the proud owner of a 5906, a 4006, and a 4506, and former owner of a 5904, I can say that these are EXCELLENT guns... eat anything I put in them, a BIT hard to conceal, but ALWAYS reliable...
I have a line on a 1006 to add in, and hope to have it by the end of the week!
WONDERFUL weapons...
I have a line on a 1006 to add in, and hope to have it by the end of the week!
WONDERFUL weapons...
Larry Wright
New member
I've had a 459 for over 15 years; it has fired every time I pulled the trigger. As for accuracy, well it's probably better than I am. It conceals well and I, at least, like its looks.
My S&W experiences
My first full-power, service sized pistol was a S&W 915.
For those who may not remember, the 915 was basically a economy model 5904. The differences were minor but included:
1. A right side only, safety/hammer disconnect.
2. Basic finish
3. Standard fixed sights
4. Slightly different shape in the slide.
5. Only one standard capacity magazine (15 rounds)
My experiences with this gun were all positive, save one. The grip pattern on this gun was of the straight back design. For me, ALL straight backed grips are not comfortable, and require a lot of adjustments to shoot straight. Since I was too young and stupid to know better, I never realized replacement curved grips were available. DUH!!!
I sold the gun for rent money in my first year after college...oh well.
I currently own (2) Sigs, a Bersa series 95, and my lone S&W 4506.
The 4506 has absolutely blown me away (not literally). What a wonderful .45!!!
The trigger is smooth, the action is solid, and the fit and finish is superb. A very accurate gun out of the box, almot as accurate as my 226, but no where near my 225.
I would recomend the S&W line of autos as much as any other brand, with the foundation that all guns should be handled and shot first before becoming a serious consideration for defence or serious shooting.
My first full-power, service sized pistol was a S&W 915.
For those who may not remember, the 915 was basically a economy model 5904. The differences were minor but included:
1. A right side only, safety/hammer disconnect.
2. Basic finish
3. Standard fixed sights
4. Slightly different shape in the slide.
5. Only one standard capacity magazine (15 rounds)
My experiences with this gun were all positive, save one. The grip pattern on this gun was of the straight back design. For me, ALL straight backed grips are not comfortable, and require a lot of adjustments to shoot straight. Since I was too young and stupid to know better, I never realized replacement curved grips were available. DUH!!!
I sold the gun for rent money in my first year after college...oh well.
I currently own (2) Sigs, a Bersa series 95, and my lone S&W 4506.
The 4506 has absolutely blown me away (not literally). What a wonderful .45!!!
The trigger is smooth, the action is solid, and the fit and finish is superb. A very accurate gun out of the box, almot as accurate as my 226, but no where near my 225. I would recomend the S&W line of autos as much as any other brand, with the foundation that all guns should be handled and shot first before becoming a serious consideration for defence or serious shooting.
claypigeon
New member
S@W Autos
I own three S&W autos, a 3913 which I carry in the summer, a 645 for winter carry and a 1006. All three have been 100% reliable in function when using commercial ammo to shoot. About the only gripe I have is the weight of the 645, it gets a little heavy,but then again it is one of the few 45 acps that I own that I can shoot either off-handed or weak handed and have good enough control for follow up shots if nned be.
I own three S&W autos, a 3913 which I carry in the summer, a 645 for winter carry and a 1006. All three have been 100% reliable in function when using commercial ammo to shoot. About the only gripe I have is the weight of the 645, it gets a little heavy,but then again it is one of the few 45 acps that I own that I can shoot either off-handed or weak handed and have good enough control for follow up shots if nned be.
I had a 457 that couldn't go through a magazine without FTF's. It was a total POS, and even the trigger pulls were pathetic. While it was probably a lemon, my experience with S&W autoloaders has led me to the conclusion that S&W produces A LOT more semi-auto lemons than some of the Euro makers do (ie Sig, Glock). I personally wouldn't buy another S&W semi-auto unless I was able to try it first. I've just seen too many problems to have any faith in them. OTOH, their revolvers are nice!
As far as the "agreement" goes, that is not a factor in my problems with the product. If S&W made good semi-autos, I'd buy them again. Unfortunantly, IMO they don't make good ones in general.
I'm not up on the new S&W model numbers, so I don't know if the 1076 is new or used. I can only hope you didn't fund S&W's attempt at limiting our RKBA.
Aside from that, my 4516-1, bought in the early 90s, was a very reliable gun. Never failed to function less than 100% with anything I chose to fill the mag with. Reasonably accurate for its intent, which was defensive use.
I just sold it a few weeks ago, as I have purchased a light weight compact 1911 to replace it. The S&W was just too heavy for me to be comfortable in CCW use. Other than that, it gave me years of service without hiccups. I will admit that the 1911 grip frame seems to fit my hand better.
Although I think S&W's revolvers sit higher on the pecking list than their autos, pricing aside I think they are good guns.
trapshooter
Moderator
When I was in the market for a 'hi-cap' nine, I first had a (used) glock. I didn't like the grip, and the lack of an exposed hammer. Traded for a (used) 5906. That was eight years ago. I don't use the smith very much, but it shoots ok, and if I ever need a pistol that shoots
(thanks for that very accurate descriptive, Tamara )
I've got that baby handy. Yep,it's heavy, but in my mind, that just cuts the recoil. Plus, my wife likes to shoot it. (I just have to jack the slide for her one time).
Hasn't jammed on me, either.
(thanks for that very accurate descriptive, Tamara
)I've got that baby handy. Yep,it's heavy, but in my mind, that just cuts the recoil. Plus, my wife likes to shoot it. (I just have to jack the slide for her one time).
Hasn't jammed on me, either.
I currently own two;a 4506 and a 4566. I've had a lot of creature comfort work done to them to get them in their current states. We had problems with the extractor in the 4506, but the factory has put the proper tension spring in now. Also, the trigger rebound spring(the little piece of metal that looks like rabbit ears and is held in by a rivet) would break about every 1000 rounds.
I would like to replace the 4506, but S & W, in their infinite wisdom, discontinued the 5" full size pistols.
I would like to replace the 4506, but S & W, in their infinite wisdom, discontinued the 5" full size pistols.
3913LS
I have and carry a 3913LS (and agree 100% with Tamara's assessment).
A S&W rep told me that the factory spends a little more time on the "LS" trigger than on that of the standard 3913. Mine certainly has a nice trigger. The safety/decocker was a little gritty to start with, but it smoothed up with use. It has NEVER malfunctioned, not even once. (I can't even say that about my wife's G26.)
The main reason I chose the LS is the non-ambidextrous safety (ambi safety adds unnecessary width, IMO) and the slanted grip frame looks "cooler" than the standard boxy 3913. I had originally intended to purchase the "NL" (No Logo) version, but they discontinued that before I purchased. So mine says "LadySmith" in nice cursive script on the slide . . . (No one at the range has ever kidded me about it, though--the normal reaction has been "ooh, that's a nice gun . . ."
Accuracy is excellent for a compact 9mm, IMO (head shots at 25 yards are pretty easy), but the sights were off a tad to the left from the factory.
The main drawbacks I see are:
price (mucho $$$), although the 908 (same gun internally) is cheaper
size--it was considered "subcompact" when I bought it, but Kahrs and such now make it seem a little oversized. Still, I have no problem concealing it, even in Florida in the summer (and I am only 5'6" / 150 lb)
less "personality" than glocks, etc. (subjective)
not "officially" rated for +P ammo, per owner's manual, though I understand that some people with 3913's shoot +P+ regularly with no problems.
unsavory political moves by the manufacturer . . . I bought mine long before the 'agreement' went down, but even then I didn't send in my warranty card because I frankly just didn't trust the company. It asked all sorts of nosy questions, wanted the full serial number, etc., and I just didn't feel I could trust them to keep that information private, given the political climate in Mass.
---
I have and carry a 3913LS (and agree 100% with Tamara's assessment).
A S&W rep told me that the factory spends a little more time on the "LS" trigger than on that of the standard 3913. Mine certainly has a nice trigger. The safety/decocker was a little gritty to start with, but it smoothed up with use. It has NEVER malfunctioned, not even once. (I can't even say that about my wife's G26.)
The main reason I chose the LS is the non-ambidextrous safety (ambi safety adds unnecessary width, IMO) and the slanted grip frame looks "cooler" than the standard boxy 3913. I had originally intended to purchase the "NL" (No Logo) version, but they discontinued that before I purchased. So mine says "LadySmith" in nice cursive script on the slide . . .
(No one at the range has ever kidded me about it, though--the normal reaction has been "ooh, that's a nice gun . . ."Accuracy is excellent for a compact 9mm, IMO (head shots at 25 yards are pretty easy), but the sights were off a tad to the left from the factory.
The main drawbacks I see are:
price (mucho $$$), although the 908 (same gun internally) is cheaper
size--it was considered "subcompact" when I bought it, but Kahrs and such now make it seem a little oversized. Still, I have no problem concealing it, even in Florida in the summer (and I am only 5'6" / 150 lb)
less "personality" than glocks, etc. (subjective)
not "officially" rated for +P ammo, per owner's manual, though I understand that some people with 3913's shoot +P+ regularly with no problems.
unsavory political moves by the manufacturer . . . I bought mine long before the 'agreement' went down, but even then I didn't send in my warranty card because I frankly just didn't trust the company. It asked all sorts of nosy questions, wanted the full serial number, etc., and I just didn't feel I could trust them to keep that information private, given the political climate in Mass.
---
weldonjr2001
New member
Well, over the years I've had a 469, 669, 659 and currently a 457. I've never had a malfunction with any of them. That's several thousand rounds between them. They are about the hardest pistols to reassemble I've come across but they always eventually got back together. I would love to get my hands on a 3913. The standard series is a little rough around the edges compared to standard Berettas, Sigs, Glocks, etc. but I like 'em.
The 3913 and 3913LS make a good marriage. The guns work identically and the magazines are interchangeable. Perfect reliability so far. No complaints about the DA first shot or the controls or the magazine safety or the trigger, or anything. Always 8+1 rounds of 124 +P Gold Dots in both. We find these guns are really easy and safe to use. Maybe a little short on firepower, so we practice teamwork.