Who can explain S & W's model numbering system?

B

bernie

New member
What is the difference in a 4586 and a 4506? What makes a 1076 different than a 1006? I know there has to be some form of system to make their number system explainable, but I can't figure it out. Thanks.
 
"I know there has to be some form of system to make their number system explainable, but I can't figure it out."

Why would you assume there is a system based on an intelligent plan? I've seen no evidence of it.
 
The only real consitancy in it is that a "6" anywhere in the number generally means "stainless", unless it doesn't. ;)
 
Who has the key? Merlin and the Tooth Fairy, but I don't have e-mail addresses.

Seriously, the problem is not that they have no system, it is that they have too many. They kept changing the system to try to cover the "gun of the month" variations and the whole thing dissolved in chaos.

Jim
 
It's a rather simple and logical code. Each number represents a letter that means somethin.

To somebody.

Sam, I may be old but at least I'm confustipated.
 
OK.

For the 4-digit model guns:

The first two digits indicate the caliber.

39, 59, 69 = 9mm

10 = 10 mm

40 = 40 S&W

45 = 45 ACP

35 = 356 TSW

Third digit is the model type based on barrel length

0 = standard model (full size)
1 = compact
2 = standard with decocking lever
4 = standard double action only
5 = compact double action only
6 = nonstandard barrel length
7 = nonstandard barrel with decocker
8 = nonstandard barrel double action only

Fourth digit is material type

3 = aluminum frame, stainless slide
4 = aluminum frame, carbon steel slide
5 = carbon steel frame and slide
6 = stainless frame and slide
7 = stainless frame, carbon steel slide

So, a 5906 is 9 mm, full size, stainless steel with carbon steel slide

3953 is a 9mm, compact double action only, stainless


(Edited to correct an error in the material type list. Should work now for everyone...)
 
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also hear that..........

first # is the "generation number" (or version) The rest I would agree with mike with. DAROGUE1
 
Er, Mike, the last I checked, the 4006 and 5906 were all-stainless.

...and then we get into Performance Center guns, first- and second-generation guns, and value series guns, where the numbers don't really mean much again. (945? 659? 910? 411?)
 
I just threw in what Supica & Nahaus had in their book.

It might also help had I typed the list in correctly. :)

Let me go back and change it.

If it STILL disagrees with what you've got, then I can't help you. I don't like S&W semi-autos much at all.
 
Darogue,

"first # is the "generation number" (or version)"

Actually, that's not true, I don't think. Supica and Nahaus don't make any reference to it, and a number of those guns, including the 3906 and the 5906 can be traced straight back to the models 39 and 59.
 
I think Mike has the 4th digit 5 and 6 reversed. Actually I'm not sure about the 5. Is there a S&W 4 digit model that ends in 5?


"System? We don't need no steenkin' system!"

[added]
No fair! You edited the list while I was checking/posting! :D
 
Mal,

Looks like there may be two...

Supica & Nahaus list a 4505 and a 5905. Both apparently were special production for 1991 only, with relatively few units being made.

I forgot to mention that the situation becomes more complex when you consider that S&W has a series of 3-digit models that are 3rd gen. guns, including the 910, 910, and 915 in 9mm.
 
"Is it a decocker-only or a hammer-dropping safety?"

Great point Tamara. Many don't know the difference.

If it is a decocker, after decocked a pull of the trigger will recock and fire the gun. If it is a hammer-dropping safety, pull of the trigger will not fire the gun unless the safety is moved to "off"..

Sam
 
Another point about decocker only...

When you move it to the decock position, it will (if it is working properly) spring back up when released. A safety won't do that.
 
OK, good catch. It is a hammer-dropping safety. I guess that makes it standard, so 45 (caliber) 0 (standard model) 6 (all stainless, after Mike altered the list).

Makes sense. I guess. I agree with the following two points:

I don't like S&W semi-autos much at all.
Click to expand...
I simply believe that someone in S&W is patently and totally insane
Click to expand...
:D

Mike
 
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