Smith & Wesson 5906 Question

YankeeIronSights · April 6, 2017, 08:24 PM

Hi Everyone:

I would like to know if S&W 5906 semi-auto pistols are the type of guns that increase in value over time. I know most pre-lock S&W revolvers do.

I also know that they are great reliable guns and that repair parts may be scarce.

Your comments will be greatly appreciated.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

TunnelRat · April 6, 2017, 09:14 PM

So value is a matter of perception and is often relative. What's worth something to me is not what it will be worth to someone else, and vice versa. Case in point, I saw a P228 with the original box and papers sell for $1500 a few weeks back on gunbroker. Now to me those are mass produced pistols made from aluminum alloy and folded and welded carbon steel and while very nice are not worth that price. But someone still paid that price (assuming the deal went through, which isn't always the case on GB).

S&W made a lot of 59 series pistols over ~10 years. You can still go on gunbroker and find them for sub $400 pretty regularly in very nice condition. Will that change over time? Maybe. But in owning a pre-lock S&W Model 19 and drinking that Kool-Aid a 5906 is neither as nice a shooter in DA or SA nor does it look as iconic and attractive as one of those revolvers (I'd also add it's nice that with revolvers you don't have to hunt for magazines no longer in production). I'd also imagine that the number of 59 series pistols exceeds that of the pre-lock revolvers simply as a function of production methods over time. To me the 59 series represents well built American made pistols that sort of mark the end of an era in terms of police sidearms (and yes I know both SIGs and Berettas in DA/SA and DAO are still carried today.

Maybe as time goes by and it becomes harder to find them for cheap or the nostalgia factor comes into play for a lot of folks from that time and they want one again then we'll see the prices shoot up. However, that wouldn't be my guess. But as always I'm one guy. I never thought I'd see people buying Mosins for $270, and yet here we are.

JB60 · April 6, 2017, 09:32 PM

I have a 5906 but no expert, some rare Model 3rd Gens and Tactical versions may increase in value. 5906 barrels and OE curved grips are discontinued and some of the parts are getting expensive. Prices are slightly higher from when I bought mine couple years ago. $368 with box and Mags

random guy · April 6, 2017, 09:43 PM

I think these pistols will be regarded as functional and workmanlike for a long, long time. With so many modern options to them, I don't see huge dollar signs. But then I don't really "get" collector guns at all with few exceptions. Those exceptions being...exceptional guns.

I considered making an offer on a 659 that is well known to me before I bought an M&P semi-auto. Its only value though would have been that of a functional gun.

ftttu · April 6, 2017, 10:43 PM

I was amazed how much of a following the 5906 has. I carried one for 2 or 3 years out of my police academy, and I liked it since it was the best of the S&Ws I could choose from at the time.

My complaint was that it was heavy. On traffic stops in my early years, I'd exit my unit, grabbing my side handle baton and a large flashlight as I did. Sometime during that stop, I'd have both of those items hanging from my belt. The pistol plus all of that and more really weighed me down, especially on foot pursuits. I eventually went to other pistols after that and to lighter/smaller equipment.

The above may seem trivial, but working part time duties where I was on my feet for many hours at a time, that 5906 weighed a ton.

The other problem was that it clanked or rattled when you shook it side to side. There was just too much play between the slide and the receiver. I sold it to another officer whose 5906 was stolen in a home burglary. I saw him a couple of years ago on a traffic stop, and I asked him about it since I was about to retire. He told me that he had sold it to a sergeant on our force, and when I later asked that sergeant, he told me that he had sold it to a family member.

I really wouldn't go out and purchase one, but I wouldn't have minded having a shadow box with my first and last duty weapons displayed in it. Other than the original one, I find no value in another 5906.

Texas45 · April 7, 2017, 06:11 AM

I own a 4006 I enjoy it as a shooter at the range.
Way to heavy and bulky to ever CC it.
Ive found spare mags at local gun show and it is a solid shooter.
Dont shoot it enough that Im concerned with wearing out or breaking it. And as a former LEO gun I picked up for 250 I really have enjoyed it.
I scan all the Gen3 smittys at the shows never know whats around. G3s are good solid guns.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Loosedhorse · April 7, 2017, 07:01 AM

Just my take: despite some pockets of popularity, the third-gen Smiths have fallen out of favor.

To the extent that Smith semis are sought, I'd say right now it's the early ones (say, Model 39, 59, and 52) that collectors like. After that, the rare ones (Model 952) or the just-right odd-balls (3913 Ladysmith). I'd have to add the Model 61, old 41s, the 1913 .35 Auto and the 1924 .32.

As to which guns future collectors will like, who knows? If you have a pristine example, your chances improve. Maybe I'd bet on strangeos like pistols in .356 TSW, especially the Performance Center ones.

carguychris · April 7, 2017, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YankeeIronSights

I also know that... repair parts may be scarce.

I would not be terribly concerned with this. The 9mm full-size double-stacks (along with the 9mm compact single-stacks) are likely to be among the last S&W metal-frame pistols to lose factory and aftermarket support. Also, new-production Model 5946s have been spotted in the wild recently, so S&W is presumably still making many of the parts.

TunnelRat · April 7, 2017, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carguychris

I would not be terribly concerned with this. The 9mm full-size double-stacks (along with the 9mm compact single-stacks) are likely to be among the last S&W metal-frame pistols to lose factory and aftermarket support. Also, new-production Model 5946s have been spotted in the wild recently, so S&W is presumably still making many of the parts.

Those could be from newly produced parts, or from leftover stock.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

bassJAM1 · April 7, 2017, 11:25 AM

I doubt the 5906 and others of that ere will ever gain much in value.

Changes to revolvers, like the lock, are perceived as a negative, which increases the demand for the older revolvers and thus their value. Another example is when Colt just flat out stopped making revolver.

On the other hand, semi-auto's are normally a little different. Each new design series is a little better than the next, which makes the old version less desirable and cheaper to buy. Semi auto, especially polymer framed ones, are also much cheaper to manufacture which drives down the price of older guns like the 5906. Why pay a premium for a 20 year old firearm when you can buy a brand new one for $400?

I do think that the metal framed guns will hold their value better as they age than polymer framed guns. While I wouldn't have a problem owning and shooting a 50 year old 5900 series, I might hesitate on a 50 year old Glock.

gc70 · April 7, 2017, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YankeeIronSights

I would like to know if S&W 5906 semi-auto pistols are the type of guns that increase in value over time.

Yes, 5906 pistols will increase somewhat in value over time. They are not rare collector's items that will command astronomical prices, but they are incredibly robust guns of a type that is becoming less common and, therefore, more valuable.

The 5906 was probably S&W's most common 3rd Generation pistol sold to law enforcement. Surplus sales of LE guns have kept 5906 prices depressed over the last decade, but that market factor is disappearing.

Far fewer all-stainless (or even all-steel) pistols are being made today than when the 5906 was produced and those guns typically command premium prices. For many buyers, modestly bidding up prices of 5906s will be an attractive alternative to paying 2X or 3X as much for a new Browning Hi-Power or stainless SIG P226.

JN01 · April 7, 2017, 02:58 PM

Sure they will increase in value, since the supply is finite and the future has the potential for more people that want an old S&W classic.

You used to be able to get older Smith wheel guns dirt cheap, but their prices have steadily risen over the years. If you peruse the S&W Forum, I believe the same thing is starting with the autos.

Will they command the same prices as discontinued Colts? Probably not, but I don't think you will lose money on a well maintained example.

agtman · April 8, 2017, 07:11 AM

Gotta love those S&W 3rd Gen pistols ... They never get un-cool.

geetarman · April 8, 2017, 12:43 PM

^^^^^ That is kinda the way I feel.

I have the 5906 and the 4506. I don't shoot them much but they are rock solid and quite accurate. I would not care to part with either of them. I have no regrets buying them.

smee78 · April 8, 2017, 01:03 PM

I will agree they will probably not skyrocket but i believe they will go up as time goes on. Its getting tough to find an all steel weapon these days. I bought 3 of them when they flooded the market a few years ago, one for me and two for my sons. They make solid range/home defence weapons and in thoes roles, weight is not a problem and I dont feel out gunned with 15+1 on tap. If I run ou of bullets I can always use I as a club.

Minorcan · April 8, 2017, 01:17 PM

I EDCed a S&W 39-2 for years. It was totally reliable, nice looking, heavy and a great shooter. I wouldn't think the 3rd gens will go up in value a great deal and probably not the 2nd generations either. I would get one if I wanted it for shooting but not as a collector piece.

wnycollector · April 8, 2017, 02:37 PM

I own eight S&W 3rd gen pistols (457, 908s, 910, 915, 1076, 4006, 5904 and 5906). I picked up my first one (M910) 10+ years for ~$200. The 1076 with a half dozen mags is my most recent addition and it cost me a whole lot more than $200

I didn't start collecting 3rd gen Smith's with an eye on future value, but I'm pretty confident they are not going to drop in value like some of the tupperware striker fired guns being sold nowadays.

Old Stony · April 8, 2017, 03:10 PM

I don't currently own any 3rd gen. Smiths, but have a high regard for them. I went to a rather large gun show today and saw some of them around the show. At one point I have seen the 5906 cop trade in's for under the 300 dollar mark, but now they are approaching the 500 dollar mark and some are asking more than that for nice ones. Granted the shows tend to overprice stuff, but a good solid shooter like one of those will continue to appreciate. They will always have a following..

Onward Allusion · April 8, 2017, 04:31 PM

The only parts you'll likely ever have to replace are springs, extractor, & maybe a firing pin. I have a number of them and hadn't had to replace anything but springs and sights on them. Sights only because the night sights went dim.

If you're concerned about parts, buy two.

JWT · April 8, 2017, 05:43 PM

May not increase much in value, but one darn nice gun. Built like a tank. Very reliable.

dgludwig · April 8, 2017, 06:32 PM

Third and second generation Smith & Wesson pistols are great pistols and will always be so. They will increase in value over time but in time that you probably will never have. Well worth what they cost now but don't expect to "flip" them for a significant profit in your lifetime. On the bright side, you will never lose money on one if you bought it at a reasonable price.

James K · April 8, 2017, 11:22 PM

I am not sure either "I like it" or "They're really cool" equates to any retention or increase in value. Barring any new development, I would not expect to see anything in constant dollar terms except the normal decline in value followed by a slow increase as the numbers decline and guns in like-new condition become of interest to collectors (think S&W M&P's from 1930 or Colt Police Specials from the same era, both just now gaining collector interest).

Jim

Big Shrek · April 9, 2017, 01:16 AM

Best thing about the 5900 series is that about 15 other makers
decided to use 5900 mags to work their guns as well

Like the Keltec Sub-2000, Keltec P-11, Star M30 & M243,
Marlin Camp 9, Daewoo DP-51, Springfield XD, etc...
the list is long & distinguished

The important thing about the 5906 is that it's as solid
and long-lasting as a 1911. Only thing it really needs to keep going
are springs...all the metal parts can be made by hand,
and there's a large enough supply of spares that you'll never
really have to worry about finding spare parts.
Where there is money to be made, there's always
someone who's willing to make it.
That's why there's an old guy in Wyoming making aluminium
triggers & guards for Marlin rifles...
he went from by himself on the weekends, to a large building and
a full crew of 17 in 5 years...now he's rich AF. Still a nice guy, too

There's a guy making firing pins for Star pistols in his spare time,
averages about 50K a year doing it. He's the ONLY one making them.
And let's not even talk about why the 1022 took off because of
aftermarket cottage industries...the main reason all those makers
exist is because the original 1022 sucked so bad

Volquartzen started in a frickin BARN for pete's sake,
now just look at 'em.

Sorry, got distracted...
anyway, the S&W 3rd Gen's that are actually worth thousands,
are the special editions, and target specialty models.
Strangely enough, since the FBI dropped .40S&W,
a LOT of 'em are hitting the market now at decent prices.
Not just the .40's, either, but also the 9mm & .45acp's.
Hit up the S&W forums and learn what's rare,
and what to put serious money into.

Ibmikey · April 9, 2017, 03:32 AM

If i wanted a pistol I would get it and shoot the beans out of it and appreciation be damned. The 5906 and 4006 are pistols that I would not sit around worrying about parts replacement because breakage is a rare thing. Of all our 3rd gen pistols at the dept. I occasionally would find a tab broken on the spring riveted to the trigger bar, the second tab kept the pistol functioning. I never replaced recoil or FP springs because they did not require it, nor was there ever A firing pin broken.
These are the type of pistol that although heavy were the ideal pistol for Law Enforcement particularly with the arched or straight grip.

hemiram · April 9, 2017, 05:39 AM

I would buy a nice all steel 3rd generation S&W for a decent price, even a .40, which I am moving away from, but any of the M&P's or Shields? Nope, not interested much in them. The price right now is tempting, but for a little more, I can get a gun I really want. At the top of my list is a Sig 229 Elite Stainless, and a Tristar p-100. I'm old, and I like all metal, preferably all steel, guns.

April 6, 2017, 08:24 PM	#1
YankeeIronSights Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2012 Location: USA Posts: 261	Smith & Wesson 5906 Question Hi Everyone: I would like to know if S&W 5906 semi-auto pistols are the type of guns that increase in value over time. I know most pre-lock S&W revolvers do. I also know that they are great reliable guns and that repair parts may be scarce. Your comments will be greatly appreciated. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

April 6, 2017, 09:14 PM	#2
TunnelRat Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2011 Posts: 12,212	So value is a matter of perception and is often relative. What's worth something to me is not what it will be worth to someone else, and vice versa. Case in point, I saw a P228 with the original box and papers sell for $1500 a few weeks back on gunbroker. Now to me those are mass produced pistols made from aluminum alloy and folded and welded carbon steel and while very nice are not worth that price. But someone still paid that price (assuming the deal went through, which isn't always the case on GB). S&W made a lot of 59 series pistols over ~10 years. You can still go on gunbroker and find them for sub $400 pretty regularly in very nice condition. Will that change over time? Maybe. But in owning a pre-lock S&W Model 19 and drinking that Kool-Aid a 5906 is neither as nice a shooter in DA or SA nor does it look as iconic and attractive as one of those revolvers (I'd also add it's nice that with revolvers you don't have to hunt for magazines no longer in production). I'd also imagine that the number of 59 series pistols exceeds that of the pre-lock revolvers simply as a function of production methods over time. To me the 59 series represents well built American made pistols that sort of mark the end of an era in terms of police sidearms (and yes I know both SIGs and Berettas in DA/SA and DAO are still carried today. Maybe as time goes by and it becomes harder to find them for cheap or the nostalgia factor comes into play for a lot of folks from that time and they want one again then we'll see the prices shoot up. However, that wouldn't be my guess. But as always I'm one guy. I never thought I'd see people buying Mosins for $270, and yet here we are. __________________ Know the status of your weapon Keep your muzzle oriented so that no one will be hurt if the firearm discharges Keep your finger off the trigger until you have an adequate sight picture Maintain situational awareness Last edited by TunnelRat; April 6, 2017 at 09:21 PM.

April 8, 2017, 12:43 PM	#14
geetarman Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2009 Location: Arizona Posts: 3,157	^^^^^ That is kinda the way I feel. I have the 5906 and the 4506. I don't shoot them much but they are rock solid and quite accurate. I would not care to part with either of them. I have no regrets buying them. __________________ Geetarman Carpe Cerveza

April 8, 2017, 01:03 PM	#15
smee78 Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,918	I will agree they will probably not skyrocket but i believe they will go up as time goes on. Its getting tough to find an all steel weapon these days. I bought 3 of them when they flooded the market a few years ago, one for me and two for my sons. They make solid range/home defence weapons and in thoes roles, weight is not a problem and I dont feel out gunned with 15+1 on tap. If I run ou of bullets I can always use I as a club. __________________ We know exactly where one cow with Mad-cow-disease is located, among the millions and millions of cows in America, but we haven't got a clue where thousands of illegal immigrants and terrorists are

April 8, 2017, 02:37 PM	#17
wnycollector Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2007 Posts: 1,996	I own eight S&W 3rd gen pistols (457, 908s, 910, 915, 1076, 4006, 5904 and 5906). I picked up my first one (M910) 10+ years for ~$200. The 1076 with a half dozen mags is my most recent addition and it cost me a whole lot more than $200 I didn't start collecting 3rd gen Smith's with an eye on future value, but I'm pretty confident they are not going to drop in value like some of the tupperware striker fired guns being sold nowadays. __________________ The wicked flee when no man pursueth - Proverbs 28:1 Last edited by wnycollector; April 8, 2017 at 04:12 PM. Reason: Forgot a pistol!

April 6, 2017, 09:43 PM	#4
random guy Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2017 Posts: 272	I think these pistols will be regarded as functional and workmanlike for a long, long time. With so many modern options to them, I don't see huge dollar signs. But then I don't really "get" collector guns at all with few exceptions. Those exceptions being...exceptional guns. I considered making an offer on a 659 that is well known to me before I bought an M&P semi-auto. Its only value though would have been that of a functional gun.

April 6, 2017, 10:43 PM	#5
ftttu Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2011 Posts: 226	I was amazed how much of a following the 5906 has. I carried one for 2 or 3 years out of my police academy, and I liked it since it was the best of the S&Ws I could choose from at the time. My complaint was that it was heavy. On traffic stops in my early years, I'd exit my unit, grabbing my side handle baton and a large flashlight as I did. Sometime during that stop, I'd have both of those items hanging from my belt. The pistol plus all of that and more really weighed me down, especially on foot pursuits. I eventually went to other pistols after that and to lighter/smaller equipment. The above may seem trivial, but working part time duties where I was on my feet for many hours at a time, that 5906 weighed a ton. The other problem was that it clanked or rattled when you shook it side to side. There was just too much play between the slide and the receiver. I sold it to another officer whose 5906 was stolen in a home burglary. I saw him a couple of years ago on a traffic stop, and I asked him about it since I was about to retire. He told me that he had sold it to a sergeant on our force, and when I later asked that sergeant, he told me that he had sold it to a family member. I really wouldn't go out and purchase one, but I wouldn't have minded having a shadow box with my first and last duty weapons displayed in it. Other than the original one, I find no value in another 5906.

April 7, 2017, 06:11 AM	#6
Texas45 Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2016 Posts: 223	I own a 4006 I enjoy it as a shooter at the range. Way to heavy and bulky to ever CC it. Ive found spare mags at local gun show and it is a solid shooter. Dont shoot it enough that Im concerned with wearing out or breaking it. And as a former LEO gun I picked up for 250 I really have enjoyed it. I scan all the Gen3 smittys at the shows never know whats around. G3s are good solid guns. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

April 7, 2017, 07:01 AM	#7
Loosedhorse Junior member Join Date: March 25, 2017 Posts: 115	Just my take: despite some pockets of popularity, the third-gen Smiths have fallen out of favor. To the extent that Smith semis are sought, I'd say right now it's the early ones (say, Model 39, 59, and 52) that collectors like. After that, the rare ones (Model 952) or the just-right odd-balls (3913 Ladysmith). I'd have to add the Model 61, old 41s, the 1913 .35 Auto and the 1924 .32. As to which guns future collectors will like, who knows? If you have a pristine example, your chances improve. Maybe I'd bet on strangeos like pistols in .356 TSW, especially the Performance Center ones.

April 7, 2017, 11:25 AM	#10
bassJAM1 Senior Member Join Date: March 31, 2017 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 147	I doubt the 5906 and others of that ere will ever gain much in value. Changes to revolvers, like the lock, are perceived as a negative, which increases the demand for the older revolvers and thus their value. Another example is when Colt just flat out stopped making revolver. On the other hand, semi-auto's are normally a little different. Each new design series is a little better than the next, which makes the old version less desirable and cheaper to buy. Semi auto, especially polymer framed ones, are also much cheaper to manufacture which drives down the price of older guns like the 5906. Why pay a premium for a 20 year old firearm when you can buy a brand new one for $400? I do think that the metal framed guns will hold their value better as they age than polymer framed guns. While I wouldn't have a problem owning and shooting a 50 year old 5900 series, I might hesitate on a 50 year old Glock.

April 7, 2017, 02:58 PM	#12
JN01 Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2005 Location: E Tennessee Posts: 828	Sure they will increase in value, since the supply is finite and the future has the potential for more people that want an old S&W classic. You used to be able to get older Smith wheel guns dirt cheap, but their prices have steadily risen over the years. If you peruse the S&W Forum, I believe the same thing is starting with the autos. Will they command the same prices as discontinued Colts? Probably not, but I don't think you will lose money on a well maintained example.

April 8, 2017, 07:11 AM	#13
agtman Junior member Join Date: July 26, 2001 Location: midwest Posts: 2,374	Gotta love those S&W 3rd Gen pistols ... They never get un-cool.

April 8, 2017, 01:17 PM	#16
Minorcan Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2015 Posts: 379	I EDCed a S&W 39-2 for years. It was totally reliable, nice looking, heavy and a great shooter. I wouldn't think the 3rd gens will go up in value a great deal and probably not the 2nd generations either. I would get one if I wanted it for shooting but not as a collector piece.

April 8, 2017, 03:10 PM	#18
Old Stony Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2013 Location: East Texas Posts: 1,705	I don't currently own any 3rd gen. Smiths, but have a high regard for them. I went to a rather large gun show today and saw some of them around the show. At one point I have seen the 5906 cop trade in's for under the 300 dollar mark, but now they are approaching the 500 dollar mark and some are asking more than that for nice ones. Granted the shows tend to overprice stuff, but a good solid shooter like one of those will continue to appreciate. They will always have a following..

April 8, 2017, 04:31 PM	#19
Onward Allusion Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2009 Location: Back in a Non-Free State Posts: 3,133	The only parts you'll likely ever have to replace are springs, extractor, & maybe a firing pin. I have a number of them and hadn't had to replace anything but springs and sights on them. Sights only because the night sights went dim. If you're concerned about parts, buy two. __________________ Simple as ABC . . . Always Be Carrying

April 8, 2017, 05:43 PM	#20
JWT Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Location: Southern Arizona Posts: 3,888	May not increase much in value, but one darn nice gun. Built like a tank. Very reliable.

April 8, 2017, 06:32 PM	#21
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 7,486	Third and second generation Smith & Wesson pistols are great pistols and will always be so. They will increase in value over time but in time that you probably will never have. Well worth what they cost now but don't expect to "flip" them for a significant profit in your lifetime. On the bright side, you will never lose money on one if you bought it at a reasonable price. __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member

April 8, 2017, 11:22 PM	#22
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	I am not sure either "I like it" or "They're really cool" equates to any retention or increase in value. Barring any new development, I would not expect to see anything in constant dollar terms except the normal decline in value followed by a slow increase as the numbers decline and guns in like-new condition become of interest to collectors (think S&W M&P's from 1930 or Colt Police Specials from the same era, both just now gaining collector interest). Jim

April 9, 2017, 01:16 AM	#23
Big Shrek Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2009 Location: NorthWest Florida Posts: 1,358	Best thing about the 5900 series is that about 15 other makers decided to use 5900 mags to work their guns as well Like the Keltec Sub-2000, Keltec P-11, Star M30 & M243, Marlin Camp 9, Daewoo DP-51, Springfield XD, etc... the list is long & distinguished The important thing about the 5906 is that it's as solid and long-lasting as a 1911. Only thing it really needs to keep going are springs...all the metal parts can be made by hand, and there's a large enough supply of spares that you'll never really have to worry about finding spare parts. Where there is money to be made, there's always someone who's willing to make it. That's why there's an old guy in Wyoming making aluminium triggers & guards for Marlin rifles... he went from by himself on the weekends, to a large building and a full crew of 17 in 5 years...now he's rich AF. Still a nice guy, too There's a guy making firing pins for Star pistols in his spare time, averages about 50K a year doing it. He's the ONLY one making them. And let's not even talk about why the 1022 took off because of aftermarket cottage industries...the main reason all those makers exist is because the original 1022 sucked so bad Volquartzen started in a frickin BARN for pete's sake, now just look at 'em. Sorry, got distracted... anyway, the S&W 3rd Gen's that are actually worth thousands, are the special editions, and target specialty models. Strangely enough, since the FBI dropped .40S&W, a LOT of 'em are hitting the market now at decent prices. Not just the .40's, either, but also the 9mm & .45acp's. Hit up the S&W forums and learn what's rare, and what to put serious money into. __________________ Marlin Specialist Calico Specialist A gun should be a tool in the hands of a deadly weapon, not a deadly weapon in the hands of a tool. Last edited by Big Shrek; April 9, 2017 at 01:34 AM.

April 9, 2017, 03:32 AM	#24
Ibmikey Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2013 Location: Now relocated to Texas Posts: 2,943	If i wanted a pistol I would get it and shoot the beans out of it and appreciation be damned. The 5906 and 4006 are pistols that I would not sit around worrying about parts replacement because breakage is a rare thing. Of all our 3rd gen pistols at the dept. I occasionally would find a tab broken on the spring riveted to the trigger bar, the second tab kept the pistol functioning. I never replaced recoil or FP springs because they did not require it, nor was there ever A firing pin broken. These are the type of pistol that although heavy were the ideal pistol for Law Enforcement particularly with the arched or straight grip.

April 9, 2017, 05:39 AM	#25
hemiram Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2005 Location: Toledo, ohio Posts: 762	I would buy a nice all steel 3rd generation S&W for a decent price, even a .40, which I am moving away from, but any of the M&P's or Shields? Nope, not interested much in them. The price right now is tempting, but for a little more, I can get a gun I really want. At the top of my list is a Sig 229 Elite Stainless, and a Tristar p-100. I'm old, and I like all metal, preferably all steel, guns.