Smith & Wesson Clement Designs

     Notes: These early Smith & Wesson products were described at the time as “pocket pistols,” though they are much larger than we would consider a pocket pistol today. The first of these was the N01913 .35 Semiautomatic Pistol; the size is what we would call a compact today, except for the grip, which is quite long and large. The .35 Pistol used an unusual round: the .35 Smith & Wesson Auto, which limited it’s popularity with the public. The .35 Pistol used two types of magazine release: The original was a button-type release on the frame, a conventional sort of release.  The second was a sliding switch at the same point on the frame.  The pistol has a grip safety and manual safety.  Barrel length is 3.5 inches. These pistols were manufactured from 1913-1921.

     In 1924, Smith & Wesson revised the Clement; sales of the earlier Clement had been poor due to the odd caliber, which was little used in the firearms of the time.  The appearance was streamlined, and the caliber changed to .32 ACP.  It used smooth hardwood grips and was finished blued.  Instead of the normal grip safety on the backstrap, the .32 Clement has its grip safety in front under the trigger guard.  Since it is an improved .35 Clement, it has a number of parts interchangeable with that model. The .32 Clement was built from 1924 to 1936.

Smith & Wesson 39 Series

     Notes:  Immediately after World War 2, Carl Hellstrom (the president of Smith & Wesson at the time) saw the large number of automatic pistols used by both sides during the war and saw that the American public would be fascinated by them.  He thus designed the Smith & Wesson 39 and insisted it be marketed, despite the fact that previous Smith & Wesson automatic pistols had been dismal commercial failures.  The 39 seemed to also be a failure until the late 1950s, and in 1967, the Illinois State Police became the first police agency to equip with the Model 39.  There was some small use by US personnel in Vietnam, and then the US Navy modified the Model 39 into a silenced weapon (the Mk 2 Mod 0 “Hush Puppy”).  Most Model 39s are made of blued or phosphated steel, but Model 439 variant uses a carbon finish, and the Model 639 variant is made of stainless steel.  Virtually all subsequent Smith & Wesson pistols can trace their ancestry more or less to the Model 39, which in turn derives much of its form and function to the M1911A1 as well as the Walther P-38.

     The first Model 39 was manufactured from 1954-1966.  It has a steel frame and slide, but the barrel is fairly short at 4 inches, and it is a light weapon.  Civilian versions have walnut grips; military versions (known as the Model 41, and not to be confused with the .22 Long Rifle-firing Model 41) have black plastic grips.  From 1958-1959, the military version was also manufactured in a single-action version, and called the Model 44.  (Before that, another single-action version was made – the Model 40 – but at the time, police and the military showed no interest, and only 10 Model 40s were built.)  All three have an adjustable rear sight, and all three are identical for game purposes. 

     The Model 39-1 is also nearly identical, but has a light alloy frame.  It was manufactured until 1971.  The Model 39-2 is a Model 39-1 with a modified extractor for more reliable functioning, and it was manufactured until 1982.  The Model 439 began as simply a re-named Model 39-2, but it was later modified with an ambidextrous safety and squared trigger guard.  It has an alloy frame and steel slide. The Model 539 is a Model 439 totally in steel, and is otherwise identical to the Model 39 for game purposes.  The Model 639 was the long-awaited civilian stainless steel version; early models had a round trigger guard, but later versions had a squared trigger guard, and it was produced until 1988.

     Some rare Model 39s were manufactured without barrels, then shipped to West Germany, where they were then fitted with barrels to fire 7.65mm Parabellum.  Both Model 39s and Model 39-2s were used for this purpose,

     In 1988, the Model 539 was modified further into the Model 3904.  The weapon was given an ambidextrous safety, a beveled magazine well, and a wrap-around grip of Delrin rubber.  It can be had with either an adjustable or fixed rear sight.  The 3904 remained in production until 1990.  The 3906 is the successor to the Model 639; it is very similar to the 3904, except for the stainless steel construction and a Novak Lo-Mount sight (after 1989).  It too remained in production until 1990. 

     The Model 3913 is a compact version of the Model 3904, with a Novak rear sight and a wrap-around Xenoy grip. It is also known as the Compact Nine.  It has an ambidextrous safety.  The name was changed to the Model 3913 TSW (Tactical Smith & Wesson) in 1998, but it is still the same weapon, with the addition of tritium inlays for the sights and a mounting rail under the frame for lights or aiming modules.  The Model 3913LS (Lady Smith) is also similar, but is finished in gray for the frame and stainless steel for the slide, and has a Delrin grip and a non-ambidextrous safety.  The Model 3914 is a Lady Smith with a blued finish and more rounded contours; it is not called the Lady Smith, but is basically the same weapon.  (There is also a 3914LS version, identical to the 3914 except for the inscriptions on the slide.)  The Model 3953 is the Model 3913, but was re-named in 1998 and changed to double-action-only operation; the Model 3954 is the same weapon with a blued finish.  All of these are identical to the Model 3913 for game purposes.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The Models 3953 and 3954 do not exist.

Smith & Wesson 41 Series

     Notes: Though prototypes of this pistol existed as early as 1947, the Smith & Wesson 41 did not actually go into production until 1957; competition shooters were using early prototypes of the Model 41 in the national Matches at Camp Perry starting in 1947.  (Some sources claim that tool-room protypes existed as early as 1941, thus the designation, but many experts consider this story less-then-reliable. It is known, however, that during World War 2, two prototypical Model 41s, designated X-41 and X-42, were made and had a lot of rounds put through them in a continual upgrade process.) The Model 41’s lineage, however, goes all the way back to the Smith & Wesson Clement .35 caliber pistol of 1913, which was discontinued in 1936. The version that then went into production (the 1^st Model below) did so only on a small scale; it was a version with a 7.5-inch medium-weight barrel and a muzzle brake, as well as the same grip angle as the M1911.  Surviving features from the Clement included the sights mounted directly to the barrel, to eliminate any possible play from the reciprocation of the slide, and a takedown lever mounted on the trigger guard, similar to the later Walther PP/PPK designs. (The sights on the first model, while dovetailed in and therefore adjustable for windage, could accept only a few aftermarket sights.) Some design features were also borrowed from the Model 39 (above). Shooters went wild for the new weapon, and production was exponentially increased, becoming the 2^nd Model, with a 7.4-inch match-quality medium-weight barrel tipped with an aluminum muzzle brake.  In 1959, a lightweight version was introduced with a 5-inch barrel, and versions without the muzzle brakes were also introduced (these had plastic grip plates); this version is equivalent in game terms to the Model 46 with a 5-inch barrel. A less-well-known version of this pistol was the Model 46, built for the USAF as a match pistol; it had a 5-inch or 7-inch interchangeable match-quality barrel and fully-adjustable sights.  In 1960, a version in .22 Short chambering called the Model 41-1, with an aluminum-alloy slide and 5-inch barrel, but it was not very popular (though production continued at a low rate until 1973).  The Model 41-1 was, however, used in Olympic competitions in various Olympiads.

     In 1963, a version with a heavy, match-quality 5.5-inch barrel (with no muzzle brake) was produced.  Later, versions with 5, 6, 7-inch barrels were added, with the same characteristics as the original barrel. This model has a far better front sight than earlier models, and a micrometer rear sight was added.  This sight does not move with the slide.  The different barrel and slide lengths are interchangeable. By 1990, only the 5.5” and 7-inch heavy barrel versions were still being produced, and they were not high priorities in the manufacturing scheme. 

     This did not sit well with the shooting public, and in 1994, the Model 41 was brought back as the Model 41 (New Model).  The grip plates are of hardwood, the rear sight is a Millet micrometer sight, and the pistol is drilled and tapped for a telescopic sight.  The slide is a bit more slab-sided.  The trigger is finely serrated.  Pull weight is advertised by Smith & Wesson at 2.75-3.25 pounds, but many shooters have been getting them from the factory with a 1-pound pull weight. Shooters say that the New Model 41 has an almost “can’t miss” quality – 40-millimeter groups are common at 100 meters! It comes only in a 5.5-inch or 7-inch heavy barrel version.  The receiver is grooved to accept barrel balance weights.

     The New Model 41 Performance Center version is as the standard New Model 41, but improved for competition.  It does not come from the factory with a rear sight; instead, a Picatinny Rail is milled in, to almost the entire length of the slide.  The front sight is dovetailed-in and removable.  Shooters routinely report 1 MOA accuracy with the New Model 41 PC.  Unfortunately, the PC gets dirty fast, and as it does, failures to extract occur more and more often, until serious cleaning is required at 500 rounds fired (or even less, according to some shooters).  Barrels are medium-weight, match-quality, and tipped by a target crown.  The barrels and slides may also be swapped between a single frame.

Smith & Wesson 52 Master Single-Action

     Notes: Related to the Model 39, this pistol was designed specifically to fire the .38 Special Wadcutter round.  (It is not capable of chambering or firing a standard .38 Special round.) They are modified to fire from a single-action only (early models required the user to do this modification manually).  Though the grip size is normal, the magazine holds only five rounds. The five-inch barrel is match-quality.  The hammer and trigger are serrated; the trigger has an adjustable stop. Finish is in blue, with construction is steel. The Model 52’s shipped with a small tool kit (barrel bushing wrench, screwdriver, and cleaning kit), as well as a detailed instruction book.  The sights consist of a fixed front sight and a rear micrometer-adjustable sight. The Model 52’s were built from 1961-63.  The Model 52-1 changed the lockwork to true single action and offered with a counterweight rail; it was built 1963-70.  The Model 52-2, built from 1971-93, featured an improved extractor (on earlier examples, they tended to break). The last Model 52, a -2, was built in late 1993 and went straight to the Smith & Wesson Gun Vault.

     One Model 52 was made with a 4-inch barrel. Five were chambered for 9mm Parabellum with a 4-inch barrel, and were probably made using modified Model 39 slides.

Smith & Wesson 52-A

     Notes: This unusual pistol was designed at the request of the Army Marksmanship Unit, to fire a round they had created from the .38 Special round.  The .38 AMU is essentially a rimless version of the .38 Special round; the AMU wanted to duplicate the .38, but wanted it to chamber in a pistol instead of using a revolver. At the time, they were using a modified Colt M1911A1, but had considerable feed problems. The primary problem was the stacking effect in a magazine holding rimmed rounds. (This was in 1958, before the Desert Eagle and rimmed-round-firing pistols like it.)  Three prototypes were built, they were all-steel, and had hardwood grips with texturing on the lower part of the grips. They had 4-inch barrels. Later, 87 production examples were built between 1961-1964,

Smith & Wesson 59/5900

     Notes:  This is a modified Model 39; changes include a straight backstrap and thinner checkered black plastic grips.  However, the biggest change was a wider, squared off grip, to accept a high-capacity 14-round magazine.  It took some time, but the Model 59 became one of Smith & Wesson’s best selling pistols.  A version of the Model 59 was also modified for silenced use in the same manner as the Hush Puppy, to provide SEALs with silenced high-capacity weapon pistol.  As with the Model 39, a carbon steel version (the 459) and a stainless steel version (the 659) were also made. 

     The basic Model 59 is an enlarged version of the Model 39, with a wider grip to accommodate a double-stack 14-round magazine.  The Model 59 came out in 1971 in a blued finish, but in 1972 a nickel-plated finish version was added.  The Model 59 has an alloy frame, and was manufactured until 1982. 

     The Model 459 is a version of the Model 59.  It has an alloy frame with a blued finish (a small amount were made with a nickel-plated finish), and nylon grip plates.  The buyer could choose between a fixed and adjustable rear sight, and a single or ambidextrous safety.  Until 1984, the Model 459 has a rounded trigger guard, but this was replaced with a squared trigger guard thereafter.  This version was built until 1987.  The Model 559, introduced a year later in 1980, is a steel-frame version of the 459 with a blued finish, and is somewhat heavier.  The Model 659 was introduced in 1982 and is the stainless steel version of the 559; it is identical to the 559 for game purposes.  The Model 659 was produced until 1989.

     The Model 669 was introduced in late 1985 as a smaller version of the 659.  It is a compact pistol operating on double-action, and having a 3.5-inch barrel and a full-sized grip.  20-round oversized magazines were also made for the Model 669. The construction was an frosted aluminum alloy frame and a frosted stainless steel slide. It has a bobbed hammer, a smooth combat trigger, and a front serrated ramp front sight with a red bar inlay. The rear sight is a notch which is dovetailed in and adjustable for windage. The backstrap is stippled, and the Delrin grips are pebble grain textured.  It was produced 1985-89.

     In 1968, Smith & Wesson started what was then a top-secret project: the Model M59-WOX-13A.  (This is otherwise identical to the Model 39 for game purposes.)  This weapon was designed for the US Marines, but some were given to the Navy, fitted with a silencer kit, modified for use with subsonic ammunition, and became the Mk22 Mod 0 “Hush Puppies” (elsewhere in these pages). 

     The Model 5903 is a newer version of the 459, introduced in 1990.  The alloy frame has a faux stainless-steel finish and a stainless steel slide.  It began manufacture with either a fixed or adjustable rear sight available, but in 1993 a Novak Lo-Mount rear sight was also made available.  Also made available in 1993 was wrap-around Xenoy grip and ambidextrous safety.  The Model 5903 is identical to the Model 459 for game purposes.  In 1990, a small amount (1500) of compact versions of the Model 5903 were made, called the Model 5903-SSV.  The Model 5903 TSW is another subtype of the 5903; this version is a double-action model introduced in 2000, with a Novak sight, tritium sight inlays, and a rail under the frame for mounting lights or aiming modules.  Some other similar models include the 5924, a blued 5903 with a Novak Lo-Mount rear sight (introduced and withdrawn in 1990); the 5943, a double-action-only version of the 5903 (a 5943-SSV version was also made, identical to the 5903-SSV for game purposes) that was introduced and withdrawn in 1991.  A Model 5943 TSW was produced, identical to the Model 5903 TSW for game purposes; it was introduced in 2000.

     The Model 5904 is also an updated 459, introduced in 1988.  It has a slightly larger magazine capacity and a Novak Lo-Mount rear sight (after 1993).  A very small amount of this model was produced in 9x21mm and sold only on the Italian market.  A double-action-only version of the 5904, known as the Model 5944, was produced from 1991-1992.

     The Model 5905 was a very limited version of the series, with a blued steel frame and slide, and Novak Lo-Mount rear sight.  It was manufactured only in 1991, in very small numbers.  Before this, however, the 5906 was produced; this was a stainless steel version with a Novak Lo-Mount rear sight.  As with the Model 5904, a small amount were produced chambered for 9x21mm and sold exclusively on the Italian market; a smaller number were chambered for .356 TSW for use by the Smith & Wesson competitive team.  The 5905 and 5906 are identical for game purposes.  The Model 5906-M (Military) was introduced in 2000; it has a stainless steel frame and slide, with a dark Melonite composite coating.  It has an ambidextrous decocker, a Novak triple-dot sight, wrap-around Xenoy grips, and a double-action operation.  The Model 5906 TSW is as the other TSW series pistols, but based on the 5906, with a Novak Lo-Mount rear sight, tritium sight inlays, double-action operation, and a rail under the frame for accessories.  The Model 5926 was built from 1990-1993, and is a 5906 with a decocker, a Novak rear sight, and a wrap-around Xenoy grip.  The Model 5906 iterations are collectively known as the “Super 9” series.

     The Model 5946 is a double-action-only version of the Model 5906. It has significant changes, such as a Novak Lo-Mount rear sight and Xenoy wrap-around grips, and is substantially heavier than the 5906.  There is also a TSW version of the 5946.

     The Model 69xx series is a development of the Model 59 series.  The first of these, the Model 669, is a compact version of the Model 659.  It is a double-action pistol with a shorter grip and shorter barrel.  It has a light alloy frame.  The rear sight is adjustable, but only laterally.  The grips are of wrap-around Delrin.  The Model 669 was succeeded by the Models 6904 and 6906.  The 6904 is similar to the 669, with a blued slide and blued alloy frame, but it has a fixed rear sight and the wrap-around grip is made of Xenoy.  It is 1 millimeter longer (but not in the barrel), and slightly heavier.  The 6906 is also similar, but the slide is of stainless steel and the frame has a stainless-steel-like finish.  The rear sight is also a Novak Lo-Mount, with optional tritium inlays.  The 6904 was manufactured until 1997; the 6906 until 2000.  Both are identical for game purposes.

     The Model 6924 is a 6904 with a decocker, and with a Novak rear sight with tritium sight inlays.  The 6926 is the same, but based on the 6906.  The 6944 is a 6904 with double-action-only operation and a Novak rear sight.  The 6946 is the same as the 6944, but based on the 6906.  All are identical to the Model 6904 for game purposes.

     The Model 147A is so rare these days that it is classified by the BATF to be a Curio & Relic (C&R).  The differences are primarily in the markings, and they were originally to be called a “Model 47.”  As it was a limited production handgun, the Model number on the frame was overstamped with a 1 at the beginning and an A at the end.  They have rear sights adjustable for windage.  Only 112 were built, and only in 1979.

     Alert fans of the X-Files TV series may have noticed that Agent Fox Mulder uses the Model 659, while Agent Dana Scully uses the smaller Model 639.  However, neither were ever FBI issue; apparently, those two broke FBI regulations and bought their own weapons for use while on duty! However, the FBI did purchase a small amount (803) of the Model 459, though I have been unable to find who was issued them.

     The Model 459M was designed for the US Army XM9 trials in the 1980s.  It was not chosen, and the prototype is in Smith & Wesson’s Gun Vault.  They were similar to the Model 459A prototype, also produced for the XM9 trials.  They were blued and had ambidextrous controls, and a short extractor.  Some 30 were produced, with half being sold to Smith & Wesson employees, and the rest going to the Gun Vault.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The following weapons of this series do not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline: Model 5903 TSW, Model 5943 TSW, Model 5906-M, Model 5906 TSW, Model 5946 TSW.

Smith & Wesson 61

     Notes: This is a set of related Smith & Wesson pistols that share the same basic design, though they may differ widely in size, shape, and purpose.  They were the first commercial small-caliber designs that Smith & Wesson made after the Model 41, debuting in 1970 with the Model 61.

     The Model 61 Pocket Escort is a tiny automatic pistol designed for self-defense.  It was designed to be cheap and easily concealable, basically a “Saturday Night Special” type of firearm.  It was available in blued or nickel-plated finishes and black or white plastic grip plates.  Production stopped in 1973.

     The next small-caliber model was introduced in 1987, the Model 422.  Two versions were made: the Model 422 Field with a fixed sight and black plastic grip plates and blued finish, and the Model 422 Target, with an adjustable rear sight, walnut grip plates, and a stainless steel finish.  Both could have either a 4.5-inch or 6-inch barrel.  Both are identical for game purposes.  Initial models had a magazine capacity of 10 rounds, but in 1992, this was increased to 12 rounds.  Production stopped in 1996.

     In 1989, the Model 622 was introduced.  This weapon is similar to the Model 422, but has a light alloy frame finished to look like stainless steel, and a stainless steel slide.  Like the Model 622, this pistol changed to a 12-round magazine in 1992, but this reverted back to a 10-round magazine in 1996 with the advent of the Brady Gun Bill.  Field and Target versions were produced.  Production stopped in 1996.

     In 1996, the Model 622 VR was introduced.  The “VR” stands for “Ventilated Rib,” and refers to the sighting rib above the front portion of the slide.  The Model 622 VR has an alloy frame and an adjustable rear sight.  Most have black plastic grip plates, but a few were built with walnut grip plates.  Only 6-inch barrel versions were made, and no provision was ever made for a 12-round magazine.  Within months of being introduced, it was withdrawn.  For game purposes, it is identical to the Model 622 with the 6-inch barrel.

     The Model 2206 was introduced in 1990 as a totally stainless steel version of the Model 622.  It was originally available in 4.5-inch and 6-inch barrel versions, but only 6-inch barrel versions were made after 1993.  Three versions were built: the standard 2206 (identical to the Model 622 for game purposes); the Model 2206 Target with match-quality barrels and a micrometer rear sight, and the Model 2206 Target Match with an ergonomic grip, adjustable hand support, micrometer rear sight, and heavy match barrel.   Production of all 2206’s stopped in 1996.

     The Model 2213 Sportsman Stainless is an update of the Model 61 Pocket Escort, introduced in 1991.  The barrel is an inch longer than the Model 61, but it is not physically much bigger than the Model 61.  The Model 2214 is similar, but the 2214 has an alloy frame and a blued finish.  Manufacture of the 2213 and 2214 stopped in 1997.

     The Model 22A Sport is basically a very large version of the Model 2214.  It has an alloy frame and blued finish and comes in barrel lengths of 4, 5.5, or 7 inches.  The grip is made of polymer.  A version of the Model 22A is the Model 22A Target; this version has a bull barrel with 5.5 inches.  Both versions have an adjustable rear sight.

     The Model 22S Sport is a variant of the Model 22A Sport, introduced in 1997.  The slide is of stainless steel; the frame is of light alloy, finished to look like stainless steel.  It is a much heavier weapon than the Model 22A, but is otherwise similar.  A Target version also exists.  It is still in production.

Smith & Wesson 99

     Notes:  This is described by the company as a hybrid pistol – in this case, a hybrid of US and European pistol design.  It is basically an Americanized Walther P-99.  Modifications include a .40 Smith & Wesson version, a .45 ACP version, the lack of a hooked trigger guard, addition of a decocking bar, and a “chamber loaded” indicator that can be both seen and felt.  The sights have tritium inlays.  They are double-action-only weapons.  They have 3 interchangeable backstraps to allow for shooters with different-sized hands.  The barrel of the 9mm S&W 99 is four inches long, but the .40 S&W-firing version’s barrel is 4.125 inches long, while the .45 ACP version has a 4.25-inch barrel.

     The S&W 990L Compact is a pistol that is designed to be useful to those who don’t normally carry firearms, such as those who require one for self-defense.  The idea is to make a pistol with decent power, but small and light enough that it won’t be onerous for the untrained to carry.  For the same reason, the S&W 990L Compact is designed to be easy to shoot, maintain, and get a first shot off.  The S&W 990L Compact is fashioned mostly out of polymer.  The barrel for all calibers is 3.5 inches.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This weapon does not exist.

Smith & Wesson 410 Value Series

     Notes: This is a traditionally constructed pistol designed for less-heeled customers desiring a gun firing the then-new .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge.  It has a full-sized frame, but with a 4-inch barrel. It has a special combat trigger, rendering trigger pulls, even initial ones, relatively light.  They have a straight backstrap and three-dot sights. In 2002. A Hi-Viz sight replaced the front sight dot.  The frame is alloy, with a carbon steel slide, Most versions were of carbon steel, blued; in 2003, Smith & Wesson introduced a version with a polished stainless steel slide and a frosted silver alloy frame.  In 2005, the magazine well was redesigned to accept an 11-round magazine.  From 2005-06, a version was built with a Crimson Trace laser sight.

     The Model 411 came first, but was replaced by the Model 410 in production in 1996.  The Model 411 has the same alloy frame with carbon blue slide.  The trigger pull is designed to be smoothed even on that first shot. The grips are wraparound Xenoy. It has a manual decocker and a manual safety.  All have the 11-round magazine.

     The Model 457 is the same idea, but in.45 ACP and with a compact frame and barrel. The barrel is 3.75-inches, with a Commander-type hammer, a carbon steel blued slide, and an alloy frame finished to look like frosted stainless steel. The sights are a one-piece wraparound Xenoy grip.  The trigger is a wide combat trigger. The safety and slide lock are combined on the left side of the slide.  In 2003, Smith & Wesson changed the Model 457 to a stainless steel slide and a frosted aluminum frame. In 2006, they went back to a black carbon steel slide and a frosted aluminum frame. The Model 457 has fixed sights.

     The Model 410 is still in production, as is the Model 457.

Smith & Wesson 469 Mini

     The Model 469 Mini is a smaller version of the Model 459, with a 3.5” barrel.  The operation is DA, and is constructed with an alloy frame with a steel slide.  The hammer is bobbed. Most were finished sandblast blue, but a special production order for Ashland Shooting Supplies had a nickel finish. The sights are a front serrated ramp with a yellow bar painted on it, and the rear sight has a white outline and is adjustable for windage.  The grips are molded Delrin with a pebble finish. Originally called the Mini-Gun, the Model 469 was strongly influenced by Devel pistols of the time.  A small amount of 20-round oversized magazines were produced.  They were produced from 1983-88.

Smith & Wesson 645/745/945 Series

     Notes: Public demand led to the development of this series; the American appetite for the .45 ACP round could not be denied.  Smith & Wesson began experiments with .45 ACP-firing pistols in 1984, and produced their first one, the Model 645, in 1985.  The series is basically a .45 ACP version of their 9mm Parabellum weapons.  They typically have a wider grip than equivalent Colt designs, allowing more rounds to be carried in the magazine, and they are normally double-action weapons.  They generally have a coned muzzle instead of a separate barrel bushing.  Like many Smith & Wesson models, each variant was generally in production for only a few years.

     The Model 645 was introduced in 1985, and produced until 1988.  It has a stainless steel frame and slide, an ambidextrous safety/decocker, a squared trigger guard, and black plastic grip plates.  The Model 745, built from 1986-1990, was a single-action target version of the Model 645, with a match barrel, Novak sight (an adjustable rear sight was optional), an adjustable trigger stop, and walnut grip plates.  It does not have ambidextrous controls, but does have a half-cock safety. 

     When Smith & Wesson changed its numbering system, one of the first in this series was the 4505; this is essentially the 645 with only the safety catch ambidextrous and a blued finish.  A Novak Lo-Mount rear sight was installed on a small number of 4505s.  It was produced only in 1991.  The 4506, has  stainless steel finish, a Novak Lo-Mount rear sight, and a Xenoy wrap-around grip.  After 1998, the 4506 had a squared trigger guard.  It was produced from 1988-2001.  The 4505 and 4506 are a bit heavier than the 645, and both are identical for game purposes.

     Some other similar to the 4505 (identical for game purposes) are the 4526, a stainless steel weapon without a manual safety and with a decocker on the left side, built only in 1991; and the 4546, a double-action-only version of the 4506, built only in 1991.

     The Model 4513 TSW was a compact version fitted with the TSW kit: light alloy frame, ambidextrous safety, Xenoy wrap-around grips, tritium inlays for the sights, no hammer spur, and a rail under the frame for accessories.  It was introduced in 2000, and is still being manufactured.  The 4553 is a similar weapon, but from an earlier series, it was introduced in 1999 and is still in production. 

     The Model 4516 is a compact version of the 4506, with a frame and slide of stainless steel, Novak Lo-Mount rear sight, and wrap-around Xenoy rear sight.  It was introduced in 1991, and was produced until 1999.  In 1992, the trigger guard was squared, and it was then known as the 4516-1.  The 4536 is the same weapon without a manual safety and with a decocker; it was built only in 1991.  The 4556 is virtually identical, but from the 4500-series, and was built only in 1991. 

     The Model 4563 TSW is a mid-sized pistol with the TSW kit; it was introduced in 2000 and is still in production.  It has a light alloy frame.

     The Model 4566 is mid-sized version of the 4506, totally stainless steel and with a with a Novak Lo-Mount rear sight.  It was introduced in 1991 and is still in production, but in 2000 was given the TSW kit and renamed the 4566 TSW.  The Model 4567 is a 4566 with a blued slide, manufactured only in 1991.  The 4576 is a 4566 with a decocker, manufactured 1991-1992.  The Model 4583 TSW is virtually identical to the 4566 TSW, but is double-action-only and has a light alloy frame; it was introduced in 2000 and is still in production. 

     The Model 457 is another compact version, double-action and with a blued light alloy frame and blued steel slide.  It was introduced in 1996 and is still manufactured. 

     The Model 945 PC (Performance Center) is a target version manufactured by Smith & Wesson for the German company Akah.  It has a stainless steel frame and slide, a safety on the left side of the weapon, a match barrel, and a Bo-Mar micrometer rear sight.  It was manufactured only in 1999.

     Despite the similar name, the Micro 945 PC is quite different from the 945.  It is the smallest member of this series, with 3.25-inch barrel.  Smith & Wesson manufactured the Micro 945 for Camfour Distributors in 2001.  It is a single-action weapon with a light alloy frame and stainless steel slide, and a titanium barrel bushing.  It has a Novak Lo-Mount sight, Hogue laminated wood grip plates, and a grip safety with an extended beavertail.  The Micro 945 PC Black was manufactured for RSR Distributors in 2001; this version has a matte black coating and is slightly lighter.

     The Model 945-40 was produced for Sports South Inc.  It is similar to the Micro 945 PC, but is chambered for .40 Smith & Wesson.  The barrel is also longer at 3.75 inches.  The trigger is treated like a 4516 for game purposes.

     The Model 4596 was manufactured for Lew Horton, has a Novak Lo Mount rear sight and a low ramp front sight.  It is essentially otherwise a 4506-1 frame with a 4516-1 slide, and shoots like a 4516 for game purposes.

     The newest version of this series is the Model 457S; though based on the design of the Model 4516, the Model 457S is in fact much different than the 4516.  Introduced in 2005, the Model 457S uses a blockier slide, but the 457S has regardless been largely dehorned.  The ambidextrous manual safety is gone, replaced by a safety/slide catch on the left side. The slide of the 457S is constructed of stainless steel which is lighter, yet stronger than that used on the Model 4516, but the frame is alloy, and the dovetailed 3-dot sights are of plastic and dovetailed in (but otherwise fixed).  The trigger, hammer, and several internal parts are made using Metal Injection Molding instead of being machined or stamped.  The checkering on the front of the trigger guard is not found on the Model 457S, and the backstrap and grip plates are not as tightly checkered.  The action is DA/SA, and the barrel length is 3.75 inches.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The following weapons of this series do not exist: any TSW-series weapon, Model 457. Model 945 PC, Model Micro 945 PC, Model Micro 945 PC Black, Model 945-40, Model 457S

Smith & Wesson 900 Series

     Notes: The 900 series is derived from the Model 59 series, especially the Model 5904. It enjoyed a good number of sales to US civilians and police forces, despite its shortcomings.  The 900 Series' magazines and magazine catch are ill formed, and a very hard smack is necessary to seat a magazine in the well.  Modifications can be made to alleviate this (Formidable: Small Arms (Pistol), or Easy: Gunsmith).  Complaints were also made about the shape of the safety/decocker, often cutting thumbs when used.  Again, this can be reshaped (Easy: Small Arms or Gunsmith).

     The first version of the 900 series was actually the Model 909.  It is a medium-frame pistol with a light alloy frame and steel slide, finished entirely blued.  The magazine is a single-row magazine, but slightly larger in capacity than that of the Model 59.  The rear sight is fixed and the grips are wrap-around Xenoy.  The 909 was introduced in 1995 and produced until 1997.  The next version was the 908; it is a compact version of the 909, with a shorter barrel, shorter grip, and no exposed hammer spur.  It was introduced in 1997, and is still being manufactured.  The Model 910 came out the same year as the 908; it is the Model 909 with a wider grip to accommodate double-row magazines. 

     The Model Super 9 is based on the 5906 and is designed for sport shooting.  It has the longest barrel of the series at 5 inches, has a micrometer adjustable rear sight, and is available in three calibers, including the proprietary .356 TSW (Team Smith & Wesson).  The barrels and parts are interchangeable to allow the Super 9 to fire any of these three calibers.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: Of all these pistols, only the Model 909 exists, and it is very rare.

Smith & Wesson 952 Stainless

     Notes: This is a new-old pistol – it was introduced in early 2005, but it is basically a reincarnation of the old Smith & Wesson Model 52 target pistol.  Designed by the Smith & Wesson Performance Center, the Model 952 is not only a very attractive pistol, it is also functional and accurate, meant primarily for competitions, but also applicable for service use.  The balance of the weapon is superb despite the long, match-quality barrel, and the checkered wooden grips fit in the hand so well it almost seems to many shooters that the Model 952 was made for their hand.  The front strap is grooved, and the backstrap is also checkered.  The trigger is single-action.  The Model 952 has a safety lever at the rear of the slide which puts a steel bar between the firing pin and hammer.  The weapon also has a grip safety linked to a passive firing pin safety.  The trigger pull is very light and crisp, with no creep.  The rear sight is a Wilson fully adjustable match sight, and the front sight is a square post-type blade.  The Model 952 is compatible with virtually any sort of 9mm Parabellum ammunition, including +P loads.  The pistol is deliberately built heavy to help control recoil, being largely constructed of heavy-gauge stainless steel.  Construction tolerances are very tight, and even shaking the pistol vigorously does not produce any rattles.  Many of the operating parts are also coated with titanium or tungsten to guard against wear and provide increased smoothness of operation. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This pistol does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Smith & Wesson 1000 Series

     Notes: These pistols were designed for use with the 10mm Colt cartridge.  They are based on the Model 4506, but retooled for the new caliber.  These pistols were first requested by the FBI, who wanted something much more effective than its Smith & Wesson 13 Military & Police revolvers.  Therefore, the first version built was the Model 1076-FBI, which has an ambidextrous safety, a special trigger group, an enlarged trigger guard, a beveled magazine well, a three-dot sight system, and a decocker on the left side of the frame.  The FBI originally ordered 10,000 of the Model 1076-FBI, but later cut the order to 2,400, delivered in 1993. 

     The second model built was the 1006, designed for civilian sales, and introduced in 1990.  This weapon has most of the features of the 1076-FBI, except for the special trigger group, beveled magazine well, and the ability to use double-stack magazines.  It is made from stainless steel.  Production of this weapon stopped in 1992.  The Model 1026 was also introduced in 1990, with only a decocker and no safety catch.  Production ended in 1991.  It is identical to the Model 1006 for game purposes.  Another weapon that is identical to the 1006 for game purposes is the 1046; it has a blued finish despite being made from stainless steel, and has a double-action-only operation. Only 148 Model 1046’s were built.

     The Model 1066 is a compact version of the 1006.  It has wrap-around Xenoy grips, an ambidextrous safety, and was produced from 1990-1992.  The Model 1076 is the same weapon with the addition of a decocker.  It was produced from 1990-93, and is identical to the Model 1066 for game purposes.  The Model 1086 is a double-action-only version of the Model 1066, but is otherwise identical for game purposes.  It was produced from 1991-92.

     In 1992, Smith & Wesson decided to abandon their work on the 10mm pistol in favor of their own .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge.  Manufacture of Smith & Wesson 10mm pistols largely stopped in 1993.

Smith & Wesson 2213 Stainless Sportsman

     Notes: The Model 2213 was designed as a last-ditch holdout weapon; as such, it is a very small pistol with a small caliber.  It’s a Browning Baby-looking thing. It is a single-action pistol operating by simple recoil; though the magazine is surprisingly large given the small grip, the barrel is only 3 inches. A small pin protrudes on the butt when the weapon is cocked, though this is merely a design quirk and not actually designed as a cocking indicator. The finish is frosted stainless steel with neoprene grips, a target trigger with a very short pull length (even at rest, the trigger is just in front of the frame). The rear sight is fixed, but the front sight is dovetailed in and adjustable for windage.  Between the two sights, you have a 3-dot sight.  The Model 2213 was in its first year a limited production pistol with only 1500 built; from 1992-1999 it became standard production. The Model 2214 Sportsman is the same pistol in a blued or nickel-plated finish. Both have internal hammers which are not reachable from the outside, i.e., they cannot be thumb-cocked.

Smith & Wesson 4000 Series

     Notes: This Smith & Wesson pistol was designed specifically to use the .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge and introduce it to the public.  It was meant to do this with as little retooling and cost as possible; as such, it is basically a Model 4506 modified to accept the then-new caliber.

     The first of these pistols to enter the scene was the Model 4003.  This is a double-action pistol with a stainless steel slide and an alloy frame finished to look like stainless steel.  It has a standard-sized serrated trigger, a medium-width smooth trigger, and a front post sight finished in white.  The rear sight is a Novak Lo-Mount sight with two white dots, and fixed. The grip is of black rubber, textured, and wraparound.  It functions by DA and has an ambidextrous safety. The barrel is 4 inches long, with a medium-sized grip. The Model 4003 TSW is a full-sized version of the 4003; it has a 4-inch barrel, but a full-sized grip.  In 2000, the 4003 TSW was fitted with black hardware on the frame and slide. The pistol has a loaded chamber indicator (visual only; it works by giving the shooter a small hole through which he can see the tip of the cartridge in the chamber). The 4003 TSW’s has a fixed barrel bushing, and an accessory rail under the dust cover. For game purpose, the Model 4004 is identical to the 4003, but it has a blued carbon steel slide and a matching color alloy frame.  The 4003 and 4004 were produced from 1990-93; the 4003 TSW was produced from 2000-2003.

     The Model 4006 had a stainless steel slide and frame, with a front sight dovetailed in and adjustable for windage; and the rear sigh adjustable for windage and elevation.  Together they are a 3-dot-type sight.  The finish is natural stainless steel.  Operation is double action.  The grip is a Delrin wraparound grip, textured. The 4006-NS has tritium inlays on Novak Lo-Mount sights; these sights are fixed. In 1997, the Model 4006 TSW was introduced; this version has a rail under the frame for the attachment of accessories, a stainless steel slide and alloy frame, a wrap-around Delrin grip, and an ambidextrous safety.  The Model 4006 TSW may have an adjustable, fixed, or tritium-inlay sight. It has the same chamber loaded indicator as the Model 4003. The 4006 was produced 1990-99; the 406 TSW 2000-2001.

     The Model 4013 is a compact version of the Model 4003, with a shorter barrel and alloy frame.  The finish from the factory is natural stainless steel and a clear-coated alloy frame; however, a few 4013s have been found with a two-tone finish with a black slide, black hammer, black trigger and with unusual markings.  Their origin is unknown. In 1997, a modified version of the 4013 was introduced – the 4013 Tactical.  It’s slightly heavier than the 4013, and uses a larger magazine. The finish is satin stainless. In 1997, the Model 4013 was spun off into the 4013 TSW model, with a rail under for frame for accessories, and Novak Lo-Mount rear sight with tritium sight inlays.  In 2000, the 4013 was given black controls on the side and frame. The barrel bushing is fixed. A double-action-only version of the Model 4013 TSW is known as the Model 4053 TSW.  Model 4014 is a blued version of the Model 4013, with a carbon steel slide.  The Model 4026 is a stainless-steel-finish version of the 4013 with a double action. The Model 4014 stopped production in 1993, as did the 4026.  The Model 4053 is a double-action-only version of the 4013, with a Novak Lo-Mount rear sight.  A TSW version also exists.  They are identical to the 4013 and 4013 TSW, respectively, for game purposes.

     The Model 4043 is a double-action-only version of the 4013, with a 4-inch barrel.  It was introduced in 1991.  It has no safety catch, only a firing pin safety.  The 4044 is a blued version of this weapon.  This weapon also has a TSW version, the Model 4043 TSW.

     The Model 4046 is a double-action-only version of the 4006.  It has a Novak Lo-Mount rear sight with a wrap-around Xenoy grip.  Production of this model was halted in favor of the 4046 TSW version, which is still being manufactured.           

     The Model 4054 is a DAO version of the Model 4014.  It was not popular and only 154 were built from 1991-1992.

     The Model 4056 TSW is a DAO compact pistol with a stainless steel frame and slide. Barrel length is 3.5 inches, with a 3-dot fixed sight, and a semi-bobbed hammer.  Due to the all-steel construction, it is surprisingly heavy for such a small package.

     The Model 4001 “Shorty Forty” is an unusual variant of the 4000 Series, introduced in 1992.  It has a very short 3.5” Bar-Sto barrel, Novak-Lo-Mount rear sight, and a large magazine for its diminutive size. 

     Two more variants of the 4000-Series are the Model 410 and 411.  The 411 came first; it is standard type of service pistol with a blued finish, and alloy frame.  It was basically an advanced prototype, and was manufactured from 1992-1995.  The Model 410 was built starting in 1995 and is still being manufactured.  It has a alloy frame, blued finish, and wrap-around Xenoy grip.  It has a safety as well as a decocking lever.

     The Model 4040PD (more commonly known as the AirLite PD) is a very light version of the 4000 Series.  To make the weapon, Smith & Wesson started off with the Model 3913’s frame instead of the heavier 4506 frame.  In addition, the frame is made from scandium alloy instead of steel.  It looks almost identical to the 3913, but has several differences to allow it to fire the more powerful .40 Smith & Wesson round.  The 4040PD also has a DAO trigger, and Novak LoMount 3-dot sights.  The grips are Hogue rubber wrap-around types, and the front strap is checkered.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The Models 410 and 411 are very rare.  None of the TSW-series weapons exist, nor does the Model 4040PD.