Value of 3rd gen S&W autos?

Just a general observation,they were way under valued for years. Possibly due to law enforcement trade ins that flooded the market.

Prices seem to be on the rise (like just about everything else)but are still in my opinion one of the best bargains out there.

A lot will depend on what model, with some being rarer or more desirable. Ballpark $400 to $600
 
Buying and selling values are very subjective.
But the $400 to $600 range seems right.
Only to someone who wants one, of course.
And that's the person you would have to deal with to know for sure.
Happy hunting.
 
There are a number of different 3rd generation models.
The small ones like 3913 have a strong following and good resale value.
Service pistols like 5906, not so much.
Don't see many of the big guns, 4506 and 1006, don't know how they are trading.
 
3rd Gen Smiths are one of the best Wondersnines ever made. Over engineered but will last lifetimes. Current market says $450 to $550.

Once the supply dries up (who knows . . . 5, 10, 20 years) these guns will be well over $1K. Look at Mosin's, SKS's, Nagant Revolvers, CZ82...
 
A lot depends on the model CS9, 69XX, 59XX, etc. There are many variants. Condition and the number of factory mags make quite a bit of difference in the ultimate price. I am a big fan of the 3rd Gen. S&W semi-autos.
 
I just paid $450 for a like new 3914. I thought it was a touch high, but it looks as if it was only shot 100 rounds or so and has no wear. Love these 3rd gen Smiths!
 
The biggest problem with the 3rd gennies is that they are like potato chips, you can't have just one.

The values above seem right to me, and if I saw one in the 4-600 range I would snap it right up.

I treasure my little collection: 5903, 5906, 3913, 4566, and, though not a 3rdG, their grandpa the 39-2, one of the sweetest shooting guns I own. All of them are savored and objects of conversation at the range.
 
Once the supply dries up (who knows . . . 5, 10, 20 years) these guns will be well over $1K. Look at Mosin's, SKS's, Nagant Revolvers, CZ82...


There's plenty of Mosins overseas. Most cannot be imported now. Ditto for Nagant revolvers.

I don't know how many SKSs there are in Russia and China that can't be imported.
 
I saw a 5946 with that awful DAO trigger for $800 at the local Cabelas here & they can keep that gun at half that price. I'd easily spend at least that much for a S&W 952 or 945 which are the holy grails of 3rd Gen S&W firearms at their respective calibers.
 
In the context of what pistols are selling for these days, "Third Generation" Smiths are still relatively affordable. But as time goes on and more people recognize what fine pistols they are, I don't need a crystal ball to predict that their value will escalate greatly in the not too distant future.
Get one (or more) now while the getting is good is my advice.
 
Prices are all over the map right now, depending on the model. Anywhere from $275 for a cosmetically beat up police trade in 9mm to an easy 1 grand for a clean 10mm.

Check out Gunbroker. Look at 1076s, 1006, 5903s, 6906s, 4506, 908, 910 etc.
 
Funny, I bought a 457 back in 1997 and, though it was a good pistol, always wanted to swap it out for a 1911. Little did I know that 3rd Gens would develop their desirability. Still have that old gun and a couple of 1911s! Glad I kept it! :)
 
Prices are all over the map right now, depending on the model. Anywhere from $275 for a cosmetically beat up police trade in 9mm to an easy 1 grand for a clean 10mm.
Check out Gunbroker. Look at 1076s, 1006, 5903s, 6906s, 4506, 908, 910 etc.

Yep, that's what I'm seeing too. There's a huge range of prices which seem to turn on what specific model and caliber it is, and what condition it's in.

Generally, any "good-condition" (or better) 45XX- or 10XX-series 3rd Gen pistol is going to be real pricey, not to mention I've see NIB 10mm mags alone going for north of $100. You'll likely pay less for a good-condition 9mm or .40 3rd Gen gun and the 9mm/.40 mags.

So even if you luck into a minty 3rd Gen .45 or 10mm, you're going to need at least 2 or 3 mags to feed it, if it doesn't already come with more than one. If it does, and the seller knows what he's got, those extra mags will already be factored into the pricing. Depends on how bad you want it, ... but be ready to bend over. :eek:
 
Back
Top