S & W Semiauto Model Numbers

D

doctorj

New member
Can anybody explain simply what the major differences are between the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation S & W semiauto pistol designs? These correspond to 2-, 3- and 4-digit model numbers.
 
Paging FUD. Would FUD please report to the Handguns & Pistolcraft Forum? ;)

------------------
Gunslinger

I was promised a Shortycicle and I want a Shortycicle!
 
I'll try. I do have a S&W decoder ring but I am not an expert on the subject! :)

I'm a little fuzzy on the exact differences between the 2-digit, 1st gen (59,39) guns and the 3-digit, 2nd gen (459,659,439,639,669,645.) guns.

As for changes for the 3rd gen guns, there were lots of changes, both external and internal. I remember reading articles detailing the "High Tech" methods they used during the redesign process. These included high-speed photography, and CAD.

S&W made major changes on trigger geometry to improve the trigger feel. Externally, they changed the grips from side panel with separate back strap to a one-piece plastic (Xenoy) grip. They started out using the same basic sights but soon switched to Novak’s. They did away with the barrel bushing. In it's place was a bushing made into the slide and a coned end barrel. (Note, the 645 was the first S&W model that did away with the Bushing). The profile of the guns was changed. The trigger guards were elongated to provide more room for a gloved trigger finger. They were also squared and checkered. The later guns did away with the elongated trigger guard.

The 3rd gen guns started selling in 1988-89. I bought one of the first 5906 pistols sold in my area.
 
The assumptions do not appear to be true. The initial scheme was to identify the metal used by the first digit. That soon went by the wayside and the whole model numbering "system" lost all rationality. As used to identify center fire auto pistols, this is the way I understand it:

The first generation had rear sights adjustable only for windage.

The 2nd generation had high wing guard rear sights adjustable for elevation and windage. The capability for an ambidextrous safety was added, but not always used.

The 3rd generation has wrap around grips and low mount sights. The 3rd generation frame was made in 3 types, but those changes are not considered as being new generations.

There have been some minor internal changes.

If anyone can answer better or provide some system or rationale for S&W model numbers, I will be happy to be corrected.

Jim
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Gunslinger:
Paging FUD. Would FUD please report to the Handguns & Pistolcraft Forum? ;)[/quote]Sorry that I didn't get here sooner but I've been kind of busy today getting ready for a possible hurricane plus I'm on production pager support all week. In addition to the fine info presented, the following may be of help: <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JSR III:...

The first two digits indicate caliber-
39=9mm
59=9mm
69=9mm
10=10mm
40=.40S&W
45=.45 ACP
35=.356TSW

The third digit indicates model type-
0=standard model
1=compact
2=standard with decocking lever
3=compact with decocking lever
4=standard with double action only
5=compact with double action only
6=nonstandard barrel length
7=nonstandard length barrel with decocking lever
8=nonstandard length barrel with double action only

The fourth digit indicates type of material-
3=alum frame with stainless slide
4=alum frame with carbon slide
5=carbon frame and slide
6=stainless frame and slide
7=stainless frame with carbon slide

Now try and memorize that...

James[/quote]If you want to learn more about Smith & Wesson products as well as share more of your thoughts, comments & ideas with regard to Smith & Wesson products, why don't you come join other S&W owners at the Smith & Wesson Firearms Enthusiast's Web Board, which is in no way affiliated with the Smith & Wesson Company of Springfeild, MA.

Share what you know, learn what you don't -- FUD
fud-nra.gif


[This message has been edited by FUD (edited August 23, 2000).]
 
For earlier generations of S&W pistols:

Model 39 = single stack 9mm (this is the "original")
Model 59 = double-stack 9mm

Second generation:
4+model number = blued finish (i.e. 459)
6+model number = stainless steel (i.e. 639)

The 69 was a second-generation model but I have no idea what the "6" signifies.
 
I hava an idea FUD. Email me your pager number and the next time you are needed "stat" in the Handguns & Pistolcraft section I'll page you. :D

------------------
Gunslinger

I was promised a Shortycicle and I want a Shortycicle!
 
FUD;

Not to be argumentative, but with the numbering system you cited, how do you account for my S&W (bought BEFORE the sell-out) model 908 - a 3rd gen 9mm single-stack compact carbon frame? I certainly don't understand their system.

Will a real S&W person please stand up and explain your numbering system to us peons?

------------------
If "the people" in the 1st, 4th, 9th & 10th amendments, means "the people", why do some folks think "the people" in the 2nd amendment means "the state"? :confused:
 
Remember to verify that the S&W gun in question left the factory before the sellout date. Anybody have any idea of how to verify this? Boycots should be fair.
 
DMSC,

Funny that you should mention "S&W Decoder Ring."

At one time back in the late 1980s/early 1990s, the situation with S&W pistols became SO confusing that they issued a circular slide rule (you know the top one has a window, printing on the bottom one shows through the window and on the edge, and you line up the attributes that you want and it gives you the model number) to try and sort things out.

It was absolutely insane, and it hasn't gotten much better now that they have once again dropped back to 3 digits for some of their pistols!

S&W is moving in reverse!

Thank God I don't like S&W pistols, only their revolvers. :)

------------------
Beware the man with the S&W .357 Mag.
Chances are he knows how to use it.
 
Plainsman, I only have experience with their stainless steel line -- excluding stuff from the their Performance Center.

Personally, I never liked model numbers on guns, cars, etc. -- I prefer names instead.

Calling something a "Chief's Special" is more appealing to me than the "3913". The "Firebird Trans Am" sounds better than a "Z28 Camaro". Etc. I just like names better than model numbers.
 
Oh yes...I remember the "new gun model a week" period! Some of them were good ideas but they seldom made enough of them. Most of the ones I liked, I never got a chance to see, except in a catalog or a gunzine article.

I still don't get the "ever changing" trigger guards! :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top