For some reason I have been on a older S&W 9mm kick this year. I have wanted to get a 1st or 2nd Gen Auto for some time. I came upon this 459 for a heck of a deal and couldn't pass. I also have a weakness for 1980's hand guns used in LE and this model has some interesting history associated to it. Don't have it in my possession yet, but this is a early Christmas gift to my self.

I know what you mean.
About a month ago came across a 659 marked Turlock PD.
Cost was $375.

PC

I have a similar one but with the hooked trigger guard. I was able to snag one of the after market curved backstraps, and it makes the pistol much more comfortable IMHO.

I love the third gen Smith.

A few years back, before I started buying Sig pistols, I bought several pre-owned 3rd Gen Smiths.

My first was a pristine 3914 LS, single-side safety/Decocker, which I couldn't bring myself to carry in a holster. So, I picked up the stainless 3913 LS equivalent, then a second one. Condition-wise, not as nice as the 3914, so don't mind getting those bumped around.

I also purchased a 4040 PD, which is the Scandium frame in .40 S&W. All of these are nice handling pistols. As much as I have felt the urge to sell them when I have purchased newer carry pieces, such as the P938, 9mm Shield, and most recently P365, I just can't justify doing so. They are fine examples of earlier days, very reliable.

4506: sturdy, accurate, reliable, manly. 5906: the little brother with a fuzz mustache. 4006: punches above his weight. 6946: the Glock 19 before there was a Glock 19.

Yes, kablammo is a fan.

I got on a S&W 3rd Gen kick a few years ago. I've sold a few recently but kept a some of my favorites: CS9D, 3906, 3953, 457D

They were heavy to carry on duty but they were reliable and accurate. You can't go wrong with one.

Here's my Brink's gun

My EDC is a 669.

Nice gun, I have a nickle version of that one. They shoot awesome. Just FYI that model was alleged to have a safety issue, if dropped with a round in the chamber and the safety on, it may fire anyway.

I almost like my 459 better than my 659.

Great pistols for which the 3rd gen guns were the culmination of engineering and refinement imaginable for the design. My 5906 will always have a spot in my safe.

4859,

We carried the 5903's on the Highway Patrol for several years...Then when we went SIG 229 the Troopers had the opportunity to buy their pistols for the trade in amount, like $140 if I recall correctly. Still have mine. They were reliable and solid.

Sweet pistol! Smith was on their game with most of those 3rd Gens. They were from an era, they bring back many memories and are still very much relevant in todays carry world.

Nice pistol! Congrats!

I have been carrying 3rd gen guns for decades. And I still carry them. Today the 4566 is on my belt. More often it is a 457 or CS45.

Great pistols! Regards 18DAI

I love the old Smith carried a 3906 and a 469 as duty guns just before going Glock for the past 27 years. Nice catch...VI

I have three. A 5904, a 6906 which was my issue the couple years I worked for the Sheriff, and a 4043 I bought for no good reason from a retired suburban copper. I love the 6906. I shoot it, but don't carry it.

I have a late production 5906.
Palm swell and straight grip.
Spare barrel and about 6 genuine mags.

Heavy Metal Thunder

Love some Smith Auto Magic!

4505:


And a 639 that is maybe a “bit” heavy as a carry gun, but great on the range as a shooter:


I really need to find a finish worn 39-2 and send it off to CCR for a refinish in their version of brushed nickel....

Bill R

I have a few and love them all, that 459 in your photo looks like one that the FBI was had or was getting back then . I have a FBI 459 matt finish, with dull sheen on the grips . I never fired , The nice ones are hard to find now.BUY they keep going up .

quote:

Originally posted by triaxle:
I have a few and love them all, that 459 in your photo looks like one that the FBI was had or was getting back then . I have a FBI 459 matt finish, with dull sheen on the grips . I never fired , The nice ones are hard to find now.BUY they keep going up .

That is exactly why I jumped on it. I too have noticed that 1st, 2nd and 3rd Gen guns are going up in price. The FBI had some of these in the mid to late 80's and one of Agents killed in the 1986 Miami Shoot Out had one. I still have a number of 3rd Gen guns including a 5903TSW and a 5943 with a good supply of mags.