Case file 02 · updated 2026-10-22

Smith & Wesson 4506 and the Third Generation Pistols

Search for a Smith & Wesson 4506 for sale and you will also find the 4566, the 4006, the 3913 and a dozen other four-digit models. They are all part of one family: S&W's third-generation metal-framed pistols, built from the late 1980s into the 2000s. Once you can read the model number, the whole family makes sense. This guide explains the code, then walks through the models people ask about most.

A short history

S&W's first-generation autos had two-digit numbers, like the Model 39 and Model 59. The second generation used three digits, like the 459 and 645. Around 1988 and 1989, S&W updated the line again. The third generation added a fourth digit and brought changes such as one-piece wraparound grips, a beveled magazine well and improved three-dot sights. Many were built for the police market, which was large at the time. Most of the line was discontinued by the mid-2000s as departments moved to polymer pistols, including S&W's own M&P.

How the four-digit numbering works

The code below is the common reading of the system. S&W did not follow it perfectly, and published references differ on some codes. Treat it as a strong guide, not a law.

First two digits: caliber and frame

39: 9mm, single-stack magazine
59: 9mm, full-size double-stack
69: 9mm, compact double-stack
40: .40 S&W
10: 10mm
45: .45 ACP

Third digit: action and frame size

0: standard DA/SA with a safety-decocker, full-size
1: compact DA/SA
2 or 3: decocker-only versions (3 for some compacts in some references)
4: double-action only (DAO), full-size
5: DAO, compact
6, 7, 8: used for non-standard sizes, such as the midsize .45s, in DA/SA, decocker and DAO form

Fourth digit: material and finish

3: aluminum alloy frame, stainless slide
4: aluminum alloy frame, blued carbon steel slide
5: blued carbon steel frame and slide
6: stainless steel frame and slide

So a 4506 is a .45 ACP (45), standard full-size DA/SA (0), all stainless (6). A 3953 is a single-stack 9mm (39), compact DAO (5), alloy frame with stainless slide (3). The three-digit "value" models of the 1990s, such as the 910, 915 and 457, are third-generation guns that sit outside this code.

The models people search for

4506

The 4506 is a full-size .45 ACP with a 5-inch barrel and a stainless frame and slide. It holds 8 rounds in a single-stack magazine. References list production from about 1988 to 1999. A later "-1" version was strengthened in parts shared with S&W's 10mm models. It is heavy, which makes it soft-shooting. It was sold widely to civilians and also carried by some officers.

4566 and 4586

The 4566 puts a 4.25-inch barrel on the full-size .45 frame. The third digit "6" marks that non-standard size. The 4586 is the DAO version. These were more common duty guns than the 4506. Former issuers listed in references include the New Hampshire State Police (4566), the West Virginia State Police (a DAO 4566 type) and the Idaho State Police (4586).

4006, 4046 and 4043

The 4006 is a stainless .40 S&W introduced in 1990, the same year the .40 S&W cartridge arrived. It holds 11 rounds. The 4046 is the DAO version. The 4043 is DAO with an alloy frame and stainless slide, which makes it lighter. The 4006 family was a major police pistol. Listed users include the California Highway Patrol, which carried it for many years, and other state agencies. When departments replaced them, many entered the used market.

3913 and 3953

These are compact, single-stack 9mm pistols with alloy frames and stainless slides. They hold 8 rounds. The 3913 is DA/SA with a safety-decocker. The 3953 is DAO. Both were popular as off-duty and plainclothes guns, and with civilians who wanted a slim metal 9mm.

5946

The 5946 is the DAO version of the stainless 5906, with no safety or decocker lever. It was issued by several large agencies. Our 5906 police trade-in guide covers it in detail.

Which were police issue

Almost every third-generation model was offered to law enforcement. The ones most often seen as trade-ins are the DAO models (5946, 4046, 4586, 3953) and the duty-size DA/SA guns (5906, 4006, 4566). DAO models were popular with agencies because every shot has the same trigger pull and there is no lever to manage. If you see a DAO third-gen with holster wear and night sights, there is a good chance it was carried on duty. That is still a guess unless the gun carries agency markings or comes with paperwork.

Lists of agency users in public references are useful but incomplete. They also mix up variants. Treat "ex-agency" claims as a selling point only when the seller can show something to back them up.

What to check on any third-generation S&W

Lever function. On DA/SA models, test the safety-decocker with the gun unloaded. On DAO models, confirm the trigger resets fully every time.
Magazine safety. Most third-gen models will not fire without a magazine in place. That is by design.
Grips. The wraparound grips can crack or shrink with age. Check for splits at the backstrap.
Alloy frames. On 3913, 3953, 4043 and similar models, look at the frame rails and the area under the slide for heavy wear. Light wear is normal.
Finish. Stainless guns show holster wear as bright spots. Blued slides show it as silver edges. Neither is a defect.
Springs. Plan on new recoil and magazine springs for any gun of this age.

Our condition guide goes through this step by step.

Magazines across the family

Magazines follow the first two digits. Single-stack .45 magazines for the 4506 are not the same as the shorter compact .45 magazines. The 40-series guns share their own magazines. Full-size 59-series 9mm magazines work across the 5903, 5904, 5906 and 5946. The 39-series single-stack magazines fit the 3913 and 3953. Always test-fit, since a few models and years differ. Check our state law guide before ordering double-stack magazines.

What drives the price

We don't state prices as fact here; check current listings. Value depends on model and condition. The 4506 and other .45s often draw strong interest because they are heavy, simple and well made. Rare finishes, such as blued carbon steel versions, can draw collector premiums. DAO police models often cost less than DA/SA versions in the same condition. Night sights, extra magazines and a box raise value. Pitting, cracked grips and a worn bore lower it.