I notice that over the last few years, every thread about S&W 3rd gen pistols has some folks whining about "...lack of manufacturer support!" and "..difficulty finding spare or replacement parts.."

Now as a long time and current owner/user of 3rd gen pistols, I have broken VERY FEW parts. And had absolutely no "difficulty" in locating replacements for the few parts I did wear out. I often wonder if those whining have ever actually owned or used any 3rd gen guns, but I digress.

I do recall member jljones informing us that Apex Tactical was exploring the possibility of making replacement parts for 3rd gen pistols. But that was some time ago. And being Apex is kept busy producing parts for m&p pistols, to give them everything the factory couldn't be bothered to, like good triggers and accurate barrels, I wonder if they can find the time to do so.

So, how about it Apex? Are you still going to make 3rd gen replacement parts? Any info on a timetable? Regards 18DAI

I gotta break a part first. lol

Bro, I do not blame you a bit. I’ll text RLee and tell him the steel frame natives are becoming restless.

Don’t light the torches just yet. But, sharpen the pitchforks.

That would put me in the market for sure.

Thank you jljones! I will pass the word on to the remaining true believers.

Hopefully, we few remaining Dinosaurs will see them made before the Meteor arrives. Thanks again! Regards 18DAI

Are they still working on resurrecting the 356TSW cartridge?

Yes, I saw posts on it recently, Randy Lee included.

That would be great. I have a .356TSW barrel for one of my 'Stocking Dealer Special' pistols (an early Performance Center model).

Suggest making replacement parts made of metal for the plastic parts on the value line (910, 457 (hint; magazine release), etc.).


PC

quote:

Originally posted by Chuck Perry:
Are they still working on resurrecting the 356TSW cartridge?

Yes, I think so.

Hi all,

I will update you all on the happenings around here and regarding the 3rd gen parts tomorrow!

-To be continued

Randy

All hail Randy.

Here, here! All hail Randy Lee and Apex Tactical!

And thank you jljones! I appreciate you! And so does the other old fella shooting/carrying a 3rd gen gun. Best regards, 18DAI

Great guns with two wacky things about the design: mainspring seated in plastic grips and plunger (and mag disconnect) under rear sight. Sheesh.

But you can readily find new replacement grips. Not sure what else breaks.

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/g...auto-pistols-sw/5906

The concern about non-availability of parts, and uncertainty about factory repairs caused me to get rid of every single S & W autoloader in my collection.

I gave a 1006 and a 5906 to my brother.

I recently sold a 52-1 and a 1076.

And I sold an extra X frame revolver.

I'm holding on to a J frame and my Performance Center 500.

Those two still qualify for factory service and have parts availability.

You don't need to worry about spare parts when they are gone!

So much for the vaunted "s&w lifetime warranty".

quote:

Originally posted by 18DAI:
So much for the vaunted "s&w lifetime warranty".

You are right. That lifetime warranty didn't mean much, did it?

quote:

Originally posted by cee_Kamp:
The concern about non-availability of parts, and uncertainty about factory repairs caused me to get rid of every single S & W autoloader in my collection.

I gave a 1006 and a 5906 to my brother.

I recently sold a 52-1 and a 1076.

And I sold an extra X frame revolver.

I'm holding on to a J frame and my Performance Center 500.

Those two still qualify for factory service and have parts availability.

You don't need to worry about spare parts when they are gone!

I also sold a number of mine, though I still have an embarrassingly high number of them in the safe.

They are good guns. The breadth of Smith's 3rd generation lineup was something to behold.

I disagree though that they are somehow the paragon of reliability and durability.

Some are, but I've had a number of them that developed issues over the years.

quote:

Originally posted by 18DAI:
So much for the vaunted "s&w lifetime warranty".

Hate has no home here.

The sad thing is, the company formerly known as Smith & Wesson, is gone. The company that calls itself Smith & Wesson in the present, is a ghost of what it once was.
They could have taken the popular 3rd generation guns, and a few of the stellar 2nd generation guns and modernized them. Maybe called them "4th generation" guns.
Maybe make all the selected 4th generation guns available from the Performance Center.
Even that Performance Center is corrupted, nothing like it once was.
Using modern manufacturing methods they could have done it.
But they were competing with Glock and the other polymer producers.
I don't have a problem with the polymer pistols, I even own one.
But stopping the production of the 3rd generation series was made strictly by the bean counters.
The worst was not stocking parts and refusing some repairs.
What about the non-availability of 10xx magazines? They were approaching $100 each when I pulled the plug on S & W autoloaders.
So be it... I will spend my money with another corporation.