quote:

Originally posted by DanH:
They can also simplify the design like Colt did with the Python and Sig did with the P210. It did turn into a Rube Goldberg machine towards the end of its life with all the different featured S&W put on.

They already have the specs on hand for that. S&W previously offered a simplified version of their 3rd Gen guns, the "Value Line", initially offered starting in the early 90s.

(Though I suspect folks would be disappointed if what they brought back now were these cheaper and clunkier Value Line models...)

These were 3rd Gens without some of the final cosmetic touches, a cheaper flat blue finish, a blockier frame and slide with less milling, and with some plastic parts and cheaper sights.

Models included:

908, a single stack compact 9mm, which was a simplified 3914
909, a single stack 9mm, which was a simplified 3904
915 (and later AWB compliant 910), a double stack 9mm, a simplified 5904
411 (and 410), a double stack .40, a simplified 4004
457, a single stack compact .45, a simplified 4513

Some of these were also offered in stainless, denoted by a S suffix on their model number, like 908S.

They could still get simpler by ditching the locking lugs and barrel bushing while still providing the higher level of machining that the 59XX had over the value line for less money.

I’ve been trying to find pics of the 5906 TSW with integral CHP style rail and it’s so rare that I couldn’t find any. They must have been so few produced that no one even knew about it. Almost as rare as Jerry Miculek’s 5906 TSW Modelo Militar made for Mexican Special Forces.

Here you go:

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
Here you go:

Please please please build this gun Smith and Wesson! I would have no problem paying $1800 or more for that exact pistol. No shortcuts, give us the full Monty and we’ll pay.

At their peak of popularity, S&W released this "Whiz Wheel" so one could keep track of all the different metals, finishes, calibers, barrel lengths, etc. While not 100% consistent, each digit of the various model numbers is a kind of code.

quote:

posted by RogueJSK on page 4:
One of the largest of my local police agencies actually hung onto their heavy all-steel 4006s until 2010ish, long after nearly everyone else in the LE world had moved on to polymer striker guns.

California Highway Patrol - one of the first adopters of this gun and cartridge - was similar.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are still issuing the 5946, despite them being discontinued for almost 2 decades and even factory parts and repair support being discontinued for over a decade.

They've been trying for years to obtain a replacement, but several attempts have stalled out.

I believe they're the last LE agency still using a 3rd Gen Smith as their standard issued handgun. Certainly the last agency of any decent size.

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:
At their peak of popularity, S&W released this "Whiz Wheel" so one could keep track of all the different metals, finishes, calibers, barrel lengths, etc. While not 100% consistent, each digit of the various model numbers is a kind of code.

LuckyGunner.com published a similar decoder chart for 1st/2nd/3rd Gen S&W model numbers several years ago.

It omits the Value Line models that I discussed earlier, but those are fairly straightforward: The 1st digit or first 2 digits of the three-digit Value Line model number denotes the caliber: 9, 4 (.40), or 45. And the 3rd digit or 2nd-3rd digits denote the magazine capacity: 7, 8, 9, 10 (AWB compliant), 11, or 15.

It also doesn't include the various "special" Performance Center 3rd Gens that had unique model designations that don't follow the standard model number conventions, such as the Shorty 40, Recon, 952, 845, 4040PD, PPC9, etc.

Some will find it sacreligous, but MK3 Firearms just posted this a few days ago on a Full Custom 6906. I probably wouldn't do the rail, but this does make me want to find a 915 or a 5906 and give it a Holosun K optic cut, a trigger job, and maybe some of the faceting work.

This thread has motivated me to take my 4006 CHP to the range tomorrow, weather permitting. This will be my first time firing it, too, so I had to dig out my S&W third gen parts box to get a new recoil spring.

As long as we are pining for the past or updates to those.

I want a 3913, cut for optics/with a cover plate, mid height sights, using an updated “stack and a half” mag. I’ll probably end up with a shadow 2 carry at some point though because I really want a good hammer fired, optics ready do all pistol.

I just would love to have the opportunity to buy a new production 1006 and a 1076.

I had for a time a 3913 Ladysmith. I'd like to find another one - for the right price - and channel my inner Miss Parker. A standard 3913, or a 3914, would do. It would have to come with at least the two magazines that it came with when new, because there aren't any more new-production ones.

quote:

I had for a time a 3913 Ladysmith. I'd like to find another one - for the right price - and channel my inner Miss Parker.

I had a Model 60LS for a long time and always felt like I’d be yelling. “THAT’S MY PURSE!!! I DON’T KNOW YOU!!!!” In my best Bobby Hill voice if I ever got mugged.

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:
I had for a time a 3913 Ladysmith. I'd like to find another one - for the right price - and channel my inner Miss Parker.

I would very much suggest you check Gunbroker right now and search "3913." You might be interested.

quote:

Originally posted by cslinger:

quote:

I had for a time a 3913 Ladysmith. I'd like to find another one - for the right price - and channel my inner Miss Parker.

I had a Model 60LS for a long time and always felt like I’d be yelling. “THAT’S MY PURSE!!! I DON’T KNOW YOU!!!!” In my best Bobby Hill voice if I ever got mugged.

The good news is that they also offered the 3913NL, which was a 3913 Ladysmith without rhe "Ladysmith" markings.

So you can still have the graceful, feminine frame lines, without the overt feminine branding.

Might lessen the urge to holler about your purse.

I've always like that matching color grip sleeve on the 3913LS. That would look real sharp on my 4506. I wish Hogue would make a rubberized version in that stainless steel gray shade. Oh please...oh please!

I learned something yesterday while function testing my 4006. Its really important that the magazine properly deactivates the mag drop safety or your gun won't function. I found one magazine that doesn't. It showed no signs of damage and even though I may have been able to bend the lip to make it function, I retired it.

To test magazines, pull off the slide and insert each magazine and verify the left cartridge feed lip pushes the extractor lever up. Push the magazine top to the left and right and be sure the lip stays under the lever.

I doubt we'll ever see commercial production of 3rd generation guns again, but the revolver heritage series implies its possible. Since the final price of a 4006 TSW was over a grand when they were discontinued, they might have to be $1500-2000 if rereleased. I don't know what model I'd pay that for instead of seeking an original, but maybe a 1006TSW 10MM with adjustable sights and integral pic rail (I know never made) The quality would have to be even better than when last produced to be a $2000 gun.

about ten years ago, i bought a PAIR of those CHP 40 cals for 499 ! from CDNN, sold them both unfortunately and would like to know the scoop on that 9mm
Rogue SK posted ,
super nice !

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
Here you go:

are these still out in the wild ??

nice !