Third gen S&W support

[Papalapa]

I know there are plenty of older 3rd gen threads and I’ve been through most. But instead of resurrecting dead threads thought I’d start again. Been wanting to dip my toes in the waters of older 3rd gen Smith’s. Outside of sending one with a rough finish to Robar does anyone service these anymore or are parts non existent and beehoves me to stay clear? Just wanting for range toys and collection piece safe queens perhaps. I’m sure they may be fine to carry etc... but before I get those replies I’m only wanting to keep a personal range gun working.

Also any certain 3rd gen to stay away from or that I should look closely at? Thanks gang. As usual I trust folks here more than anywhere else.

[Screwball]

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/559381-bmcm-now-open-business.html

S&W Forum stands by this guy, and from my personal interaction with him... definitely would recommend him for any 3rd Generation work.

Bill cut my 1006 slide so that I could install a decock only assembly (think Beretta G Model). It is what S&W did with their TSW guns, like the CHP sidearms. Work was 100%, and due to NJ laws which were not fully understood... he did the work on the slide, and then walked me through confirming decocker timing.

Wouldn’t hesitate sending another gun to him.

[fatdog]

Gunsmith services aside, spare parts are now a scroungers market. Very weak or no factory support to speak of.

[OlongJohnson]

Kinda like old S&W revolvers, in that most parts will be scavenged from other retired guns, usually ones that had something break that couldn't be replaced. Except they were in production for a fraction of the time and their value is not recognized as highly, so there may not be as strong a market on the supply side for those parts.

The big difference is that there are many much better choices out there, unlike with revolvers. An S&W 3rd gen is inferior in most any metric to a variety of other guns that are still supported by their manufacturers. The only reason to mess with them, IMO, is the 39XX series. There simply isn't anything else equivalent, and that may be enough for some people to get past their downsides. Although, the new single-stack Glocks plus a Gadget might challenge even that analysis for most interested parties.

[john c]

What parts on 3rd gen Smiths typically break, and at what intervals? They always seemed to be pretty robust guns that should stand many thousands of rounds.

[MattyD380]

What parts on 3rd gen Smiths typically break, and at what intervals? They always seemed to be pretty robust guns that should stand many thousands of rounds.

Yeah, I've had a few of them. Aside from and early 70s 39-2... I don't I think I ever had anything break or need immediate replacement (the 39-2 needed a new extractor spring). I've heard that extractors sometimes break, but I've never experienced that. Another thing to keep an eye on is the sideplate assembly; it's easy to F these up when you're changing the grips--which I did, once. Found a replacement on Numrich.

I've shot my 6904 and my 645 both quite a bit, and carry them both on occasion. Neither have ever had an issue. Neither have had anything break. I replaced the recoil spring on the 6904, but that was just preemptive. The 645 is running whatever parts/springs came in it... which probably have been in it since 1986. And yes, it does feed empty cases.

They're good, dependable guns that were designed to law enforcement standards. If you get one in good shape, I think it would serve you well for quite a while.

[Duelist]

I’ve had four, still have three. The 39xx guns have never had a malfunction or part breakage. I have replaced a couple of tired recoil springs on them. The 4516-1 had a worn out magazine that wouldn’t run reliably. All the other (many) magazines have functioned perfectly. Functional reliability has been enviable, and I’ve had newer gun designs with dumb magazines I wished had just been copied from the 39xx instead. I did buy a few small parts when I found a stash of them, spare recoil springs being the primary ones.

I’ve been carrying a 3913 this week, whenever I didn’t need a tiny gun. The 4516-1 lives in my “grab and go” bag with three magazines, a flashlight, electronic ear pro, spare eye glasses, and small IFAK.

[Rock185]

I've owned a number of 3rd. Gen. S&Ws in 9mm, 10mm and .45 ACP, still have a few. I have acquired some spare parts, but am still waiting patiently for something to break so I can use some of them:rolleyes: Good thing I guess, since new parts and support are not overly abundant.


I'm not aware of any 3rd. Gen. S&Ws that should be avoided.

[farscott]

Parts that do break:

1) Extractors. Usually chips from the hook.

2) Trigger play spring. Not needed for proper function but stops the trigger from moving when the hammer is cocked. I believe the CHP guns were specified without the trigger play string due to the breakage experienced. Most used 3rd Generation guns I have seen in the last few years have broken trigger play springs.

3) Alloy frames will crack. Probably made worse by not maintaining/replacing the recoil spring.

4) Side plates if pried. Be careful when removing grips and detail stripping.

5) Sear depressor levers from wear.

Best way to get spare parts is to buy a spare pistol. Numrich has some parts.

[Screwball]

From all I’ve looked into, I really wouldn’t go with guns using the SIG style decocker (xx2x or xx7x). Heard they really are nothing like a SIG, nor really that worth it (unless buying as a collectible, like an FBI 1076).

If you are looking for decock only, I’d grab a decocker assembly (MidwayUSA usually has them in 9mm/.40 and 10mm/.45) and send it out to be milled for the TSW cut. Can always go back to the traditional safety.

[Paul D]

I get make my spare parts kit for all my 80-90's guns from this place. This the link (https://everygunpart.com/handgun-kits/semi-auto.html?manufacturer=552) to the Smith and Wesson autos.

[Rock185]

Reference the guns with the frame mounted decockers, I've owned at least four, and still have one. Also have guns with the the spring loaded slide mounted type decockers. Have owned and used them all for several years. No trouble with any of them yet. I'll alert everyone as soon as something breaks, but don't get impatient, it may be awhile;)