The Smith & Wesson Model 4004 gives you a Third Generation .40 S&W semi-automatic pistol built on a 28-ounce stainless steel frame. You’ll find a 4-inch barrel, 12-round magazine capacity, and Browning-type locking mechanism for reliable function. The double-action trigger system features a Walther-style decocking safety lever, while fixed iron sights provide consistent target acquisition. With proper maintenance and ammunition selection, this duty-proven platform delivers law enforcement-grade performance. The following details reveal its full capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- The Smith & Wesson Model 4004 is a .40 S&W caliber semi-automatic pistol featuring a 4-inch barrel and stainless steel construction.
- Built on Smith & Wesson’s Third Generation pattern, it weighs 28 ounces and has a total length of 7.5 inches.
- The pistol features a double-action trigger, Walther-style decocking safety lever, and fixed iron sights with a 12-round magazine capacity.
- New models are valued around $460, while well-maintained used specimens typically sell for approximately $345.
- The firearm utilizes a Browning-type locking system and demonstrates reliable performance suitable for both duty and concealed carry use.
Description
The Smith & Wesson Model 4004 represents the manufacturer’s early venture into .40 S&W caliber pistols, featuring a 4-inch barrel configuration and 7.5-inch overall length.
Built on the so-called Third Generation pattern, this 28-ounce semi-automatic incorporates a well-tried Browning locking mechanism and decocking safety lever. You’ll find a 12-round magazine capacity, with the double-action system delivering a power factor of 180,000 and 8.04 ft-lb recoil.
Price Range
Current market valuations place new Smith & Wesson 4004 pistols at approximately $460, while well-maintained used specimens command around $345. This Third Generation pattern pistol, featuring an aluminum alloy frame and chambered in .40 S&W, maintains strong market presence. Your investment varies based on condition and specific features.
| Condition | Percentage | Value |
|---|---|---|
| New/Unfired | 100% | $460 |
| Excellent | 95% | $345 |
| Good | <95% | Varies |
Specifications
The Smith & Wesson Model 4004 offers a balanced weight of 28 ounces, making it suitable for both duty and concealed carry applications. You’ll find the 4-inch barrel provides an optimal balance between accuracy and concealability, while the .40 S&W chambering delivers substantial stopping power. The pistol’s 12-round magazine capacity gives you adequate firepower for defensive situations.
| Specification | Measurement | Performance Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 28 oz | Carry Stability |
| Barrel Length | 4.0 inches | Sight Radius |
| Magazine | 12 rounds | Combat Capacity |
Weight
Operating at 28 ounces unloaded, Smith & Wesson’s Model 4004 maintains a balanced weight profile characteristic of medium-frame .40 S&W pistols. You’ll find its all-metal construction delivers a standard fighting weight for a medium-sized semi-automatic pistol in this .40 S&W caliber class.
Despite being built with durable metals throughout, the platform’s weight remains optimized for concealed carry applications.
Barrel Length
Featuring a 4-inch precision-machined barrel, Smith & Wesson’s Model 4004 achieves optimal ballistic performance for its .40 S&W chambering while maintaining a compact 7.5-inch overall length.
The barrel length positions this model squarely among other mid-sized S&W caliber pistols, utilizing the well-tried dimensions that balance accuracy with portability. You’ll find the 4-inch tube provides sufficient sight radius for defensive applications while keeping the 12-round platform easily concealable.
Material Made Out Of
Made from precision-machined stainless steel components, the Model 4004’s frame and slide deliver exceptional durability while maintaining its 28-ounce carry weight. You’ll find this pistol among a veriety of S&W caliber pistols derived from the same steel construction series, featuring robust staggered-column magazines that maintain structural integrity.
The stainless steel build provides corrosion resistance while ensuring reliable operation in diverse conditions.
Chambered In
The Smith & Wesson Model 4004 chambers the potent .40 S&W cartridge, complementing its robust stainless steel construction.
This Browning-style semi-automatic pistol launches 180 grain bullets at 1,000 feet per second from its 4-inch barrel. You’ll find the .40 S&W round delivers an optimal balance of stopping power and controllability, while the pistol’s 12-round magazine capacity ensures you’re well-equipped for defensive scenarios.
Capacity
With a double-stack magazine configuration, the Model 4004 delivers a 12-round capacity of .40 S&W ammunition plus one in the chamber.
The staggered-column magazine design allows for increased capacity while maintaining a manageable grip size.
This standard capacity for the 4000 series pistols in .40 caliber provides you with enhanced firepower capabilities compared to single-stack magazine designs of the era.
Trigger Pull
Featuring a traditional double-action trigger mechanism, Smith & Wesson’s Model 4004 delivers a substantial 10-12 pound pull weight throughout its stroke. The consistent trigger pull acts as a deliberate safety feature, helping prevent unintentional discharges.
You’ll need to factor in slight variations between individual pistols due to manufacturing tolerances. Proper trigger control technique is essential for accurate shot placement with this double-action system.
Safety?
Built around a Walther-style decocking safety lever, Smith & Wesson’s Model 4004 incorporates multiple safety mechanisms into its Third Generation design. You’ll find the decocking lever conveniently positioned on the left side of the slide, allowing you to safely lower the hammer while maintaining positive control.
The pistol’s Browning-type locking system provides additional mechanical safety during operation.
Action
The Smith & Wesson Model 4004 operates as a double-action semi-automatic pistol, cycling through its Browning-style locking mechanism with each trigger pull.
When you fire, the barrel and slide remain locked together briefly before separating, allowing for reliable extraction and ejection. This semi-automatic action enables quick follow-up shots while maintaining the firearm’s double-action capabilities for subsequent trigger pulls.
Optic Ready?
Unlike modern pistol designs, Smith & Wesson’s Model 4004 comes standard with a fixed iron sight system, lacking any factory-milled slide cuts or mounting plates for red dot optics.
You’ll find the series features a serrated rear sight paired with a dovetailed front sight. This factor limits your rate of modernization, as there aren’t viable aftermarket solutions for optic mounting without extensive custom machining work that could compromise the pistol’s integrity.
Review
You’ll find the Model 4004’s moderate power factor of 180,000 delivers consistent terminal performance, while its 8.04 ft-lb recoil remains manageable for follow-up shots. The pistol’s 85% defense factor and good concealability make it practical for defensive carry, though its limited production run can make parts availability challenging.
The 12-round capacity strikes a balance between firepower and grip ergonomics, but the $460 MSRP positions it against more modern polymer-frame competitors with enhanced features.
Pros
Sporting a balanced combination of power and concealability, Smith & Wesson’s Model 4004 delivers impressive performance metrics that’ll appeal to both defensive carriers and competitive shooters. You’ll appreciate its 180,000 power factor and manageable 8.04 ft-lbs recoil factor.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .40 S&W |
| Capacity | 12 rounds |
| Barrel | 4-inch |
| Weight | 28 ounces |
| Length | 7.5 inches |
The compact dimensions coupled with substantial stopping power make this pistol an excellent choice for your defensive needs.
Cons
While the Model 4004 offers notable advantages, several design elements warrant careful consideration. The heavy double-action trigger pull impacts accuracy, and reliability issues with feeding and extraction can compromise defensive capabilities. You’ll find small sights that hinder rapid target acquisition, particularly in low-light scenarios.
| Limitation | Impact | Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Trigger | Affects accuracy | Training required |
| Feed Issues | Reduced reliability | Regular maintenance |
| Small Sights | Slow target acquisition | Aftermarket options |
| Large Grip | Control difficulties | Hand size evaluation |
Reliability
Despite earlier feeding concerns, extensive testing has demonstrated the Model 4004’s exceptional operational reliability under diverse conditions. You’ll find its double-action mechanism consistently performs through heavy use, while its robust construction ensures dependable function in harsh environments.
With proper maintenance and ammunition selection, the pistol delivers consistent performance that meets law enforcement standards for failure-free operation.
Similar Models
Several related pistols share design elements with the Model 4004, as Smith & Wesson developed multiple variants in their 4000 series line.
The Model 4003 features a blued finish with an aluminum frame, while the 4006 and 4046 maintain the same 4-inch barrel and 2.375 lb weight specifications.
The compact 4013 offers a shortened 3.5-inch barrel and reduced weight at 1.656 lb with an 8-round capacity.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
Numerous major firearms manufacturers produced comparable .40 S&W caliber pistols during this era, each offering distinct features alongside the Model 4004. You’ll find the Glock 22 offering a higher capacity 15-round magazine, while the Sig Sauer P226 provides a 12-round configuration. The Ruger SR40, with its 10-round magazine capacity, rounds out these service-grade alternatives in the .40 S&W chambering.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance of the Smith & Wesson Model 4004 requires meticulous attention to cleaning and lubrication protocols. You’ll need to regularly clean your firearm using quality bore cleaner and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for optimal performance.
Before operation, inspect all components for wear or damage. Ensure proper lubrication of moving parts and store your pistol in a controlled environment to prevent corrosion.
History
During the early 1990s, Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 4004 as part of their innovative third-generation semi-automatic pistol lineup. The Browning-inspired design featured a .40 S&W chambering optimized for 180 grain bullets, delivering a power factor of 180,000.
You’ll find this short-lived model, produced from 1991-1992, offered a variety of tactical advantages including an 85% defense factor and excellent concealability with its 4-inch barrel configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Rarest Smith and Wesson Gun?
You’ll find that among historical Smith and Wesson models, the Model 39 stands as the rarest, with only 30,000 units manufactured between 1954-1966.
When considering most valuable Smith and Wesson variants, don’t overlook the Performance Center Model 586 and 686.
Among Smith and Wesson collector’s items, the Model 29 .44 Magnum, Model 13 .357 Magnum, and Model 317 AirLite are highly sought-after due to their limited production runs and historical significance.
What Model Smith and Wesson Did Dirty Harry Carry?
You’ll recognize Clint Eastwood’s signature sidearm as the Smith & Wesson Model 29, an iconic movie revolver that became legendary through the Dirty Harry films. This .44 Magnum firearm features a double-action mechanism, blued steel finish, and a 6.5-inch barrel that delivers devastating terminal ballistics.
When Harry asks if you’re feeling lucky, he’s referring to this powerful N-frame revolver’s ability to launch a 240-grain projectile at blistering velocities.
What Year Is a Smith Wesson Model 19 4?
While you’re examining the Model 19-4, you’ll notice it’s from the late 1970s to early 1980s production era. This K-frame .357 Magnum revolver features distinctive characteristics like a smooth trigger pull with crisp break, adjustable rear sights paired with a pinned front sight, and a 6-round cylinder capacity.
It’s worth noting the pre-1982 versions had pinned barrels and recessed chambers, making them particularly desirable among collectors for their superior lockwork and timing.
What Year Did the 40 Smith & Wesson Come Out?
The .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge was introduced in 1990 as a joint development between S&W and Winchester.
You’ll find this round offers standard magazine capacities of 10-15 rounds, depending on the firearm platform. It’s available in various ammunition types including FMJ, JHP, and bonded hollow points.
Common barrel lengths for .40 S&W pistols range from 3.5″ to 5″, with each length affecting your muzzle velocity and terminal ballistic performance.
Conclusion
You’ll find the S&W Model 4004’s stainless steel frame and precision-engineered components deliver consistent performance in the .40 S&W caliber range. The double-action/single-action trigger mechanism, coupled with its 4.25″ barrel and drift-adjustable sights, offers sub-MOA accuracy at defensive distances. When you’re maintaining this robust platform, remember its predecessor, the 4006, shares many internal components. Regular cleaning of the feed ramp ensures reliable 180-grain hollow point cycling.
0 Comments