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Smith&Wesson classic semi-auto pistols (USA)

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The history of the post-World War 2 S&W semi-autos began from its famous model 39 pistol, the first productional Double Action pistol made in USA. The development ot the model 39 began in 1949, and first production pistols saw the market in 1955.
Basically, all later S&W centerfire semiautos are further developments of model 39. Model 39 was recoil operated, locked breech firearm, utilising Browning High-power type locking principle and double action trigger with slide-mounted safety switch, also working as a decocker when switched to "safe" position. In 1970, S&W introduced model 59, a high-capacity (double stack magazine) modification of the model 39. The other difference between mod.39 and 59 was that mod.59 featured straight backstrap while mod.39 featured curved backstrap. Those two models formed so called First generation of S&W semi-autos. Both model 39 and model 59 are discontinued from production since 1980 or so.

Second generation of S&W semi-autos was introduced in 1980 and was separated from 1st generation by introduction of the three digit model numbers and different frame materials. All 2nd generation semi-autos were built on mod.39 and 59 basis, with double stack magazines and traditional double action triggers with safety/decockers. Many 2nd generation handguns featured high profile sights with ajustable rear sight. All 2nd generation S&W pistols, as well as 1st generation ones, featured three piece grips (metallic backstrap plus two sideplates, made fromm wood or plastic).
The key to understanding 2nd generation model numbers is following:

First digit of model number - frame material:
4xx - aluminium alloy frame
5xx - carbon steel frame
6xx - stainless steel frame

Second and third digits of model number - capacity and frame size:
x59 - 9mm high capacity (double stack magazines)
x39 - 9mm standart capacity (single stack magazines)
x69 - 9mm compact size high capacity (double stack magazines)

Second generation also featured some odd models, such as mod.745 and mod.945 single action, chambered in .45ACP. Most of second generation S&W pistols are now out of production.

Third generation of S&W semi-autos was introduced in 1990 by four digit numbered models. The third generation also introduced ambidextrous safety/decocker levers and double action only and decocker only models. Other innovations were new chamberings (.40 S&W, 10mm auto and .45ACP) and new Novak lo-carry three dot combat sights. The three-piece grips were replaced by polymer, one piece wrap-around grips.
The 10mm auto pisols, built on large .45ACP frames, were adopted by FBI and some police departments, but didn't caught the market and were discontinued from production in mid-1990s. The .40SW caliber line, on the other hand, was built on the 9mm frames, and still in production.
Later, S&W improved the third generation with introduction of TSW (Tactical Smith&Wesson) modifications, that featured acessory rail, mounted under the frame, ahead of the triggerguard.

The key to third generation S&W model numbering is as follows:

First two digits - caliber and frame type (for 9mm only).
39xx - 9mm single stack magazines
59xx - 9mm double stack magazines
69xx - 9mm compact, double stack magazines
40xx - .40 S&W
10xx - 10mm auto
45xx - .45 ACP

Third digit - trigger type and frame size
xx4x - DAO
xx5x - DAO, compact
xx8x - DAO

xx2x - DA w decocker
xx3x - DA w decocker
xx7x - DA w decocker, compact

xx0x - DA
xx1x - DA, compact
xx6x - DA, large frame

Fourth digit - Frame material (all models had stainless steel slides)
xxx3 - Aluminium alloy frame
xxx6 - Stainless Steel frame

List of major models of S&W semi-auto pistols
Please note that this listing may be incomplete.

Generation	Caliber	Model	Material Frame / Slide	Lenght, mm	Barrel lenght, mm	Weight, gramms	Magazine capacity, rounds	Comments
First	9x19mm Luger	39	Steel / Steel	192	102	780	8	out of production
First	9x19mm Luger	59	Steel / Steel	192	102	840	14	out of production
Second	9x19mm Luger	459	Aluminium / Steel	192	102	n/a	14	out of production
Second	9x19mm Luger	559	Steel / Steel	192	102	n/a	14	out of production
Second	9x19mm Luger	659	Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel	192	102	n/a	14	out of production
Second	9x19mm Luger	469	Aluminium / Steel	175	89	730	12	out of production
Second	9x19mm Luger	669	Aluminium / Stainless Steel	175	89	745	12	out of production
Second	.45ACP	457	Aluminium / Steel	184	95	812	7	compact model
Second	.45ACP	645	Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel	225	127	n/a	n/a	out of production
Second	.45ACP	745	Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel	219	127	1065	8	single action out of production
Second	9x19mm Luger	908	Aluminium / Steel	173	89	670	8	compact model
Second	9x19mm Luger	910	Aluminium / Steel	187	102	790	15 (10)
Second	.45ACP	945	Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel	222	127	1176	8	single action custom mfg
Third	9x19mm Luger	3913/3953	Aluminium / Stainless Steel	171	89	700	8	compact model
Third	9x19mm Luger	5906/5946	Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel	190	102	1072	10
Third	9x19mm Luger	5903/5943	Aluminium / Stainless Steel	190	102	809	10
Third	.40 SW	4013/4053	Aluminium / Stainless Steel	171	89	750	9	compact model
Third	.40 SW	4006/4046	Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel	190	102	1058	10
Third	.40 SW	4003/4043	Aluminium / Stainless Steel	190	102	800	10
Third	10mm auto	1006	Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel	225	127	n/a	9	out of production
Third	10mm auto	1076	Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel	200	102	n/a	9	out of production
Third	.45 ACP	4513/4553	Aluminium / Stainless Steel	196	95	800	7	compact model
Third	.45 ACP	4566/4586	Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel	200	108	1094	8
Third	.45 ACP	4563/4583	Aluminium / Stainless Steel	200	108	856	8

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