The Smith & Wesson Model 5946 is a double-action-only 9x19mm Parabellum pistol featuring all-stainless steel construction and a consistent 9-pound trigger pull. You’ll find a 4-inch barrel, 15-round capacity, and Novak Lo-Mount three-dot sights on this purpose-built law enforcement firearm. At 37.6 ounces unloaded, it’s heavier than modern polymer options but offers excellent recoil management. While production has ceased, you can still acquire these reliable service weapons through police trade-ins and secondary markets. There’s much more to explore about this iconic third-generation S&W semi-automatic.
Key Takeaways
- The Smith & Wesson Model 5946 is a purpose-built law enforcement pistol featuring all-stainless steel construction and double-action-only operation.
- It has a consistent 9-pound trigger pull, Novak Lo-Mount three-dot sights, and holds 10 or 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
- The pistol weighs 37.6 ounces unloaded and features a 4-inch barrel, making it relatively heavy for modern carry preferences.
- It was used by major law enforcement agencies including the New York Police Department and Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
- Secondary market prices range from $400-700, with police trade-ins commanding higher values due to limited availability.
Description
The Smith & Wesson Model 5946 stands as a purpose-built law enforcement pistol, featuring an all-stainless steel construction and double-action-only (DAO) operation.
You’ll find a consistent 9 lb 9 oz trigger pull, Novak Lo-Mount three-dot sights, and a rounded hammer spur. The pistol incorporates a magazine safety instead of a thumb safety, ensuring it won’t fire without a magazine inserted.
Price Range
Market pricing for the Smith & Wesson Model 5946 centers around an MSRP of $697, though you’ll typically find these pistols available for $400-$600 in the secondary market. Former police trade-ins can command premium prices due to their collectible status.
| Market Type | Price Range | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| New MSRP | $697 | Limited |
| Secondary | $400-600 | Common |
| Police Trade-in | $500-700 | Rare |
| Quantity Discount | $550+ each | Varies |
Specifications
The Model 5946’s all-stainless steel construction delivers a substantial 37.6-ounce unloaded weight while maintaining a compact 4-inch barrel length. You’ll find this 9x19mm Parabellum pistol measures 7.625 inches in overall length, making it suitable for duty or defensive carry. The double-action-only mechanism features a consistent 9-pound 9-ounce trigger pull, feeding from either 10 or 15-round magazines.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight | 37.6 oz (unloaded) |
| Barrel Length | 4.0 inches |
| Construction | Stainless Steel |
| Capacity | 10 or 15 rounds |
Weight
Weighing in at 37.6 ounces unloaded, Smith & Wesson’s Model 5946 stands notably heavier than polymer-framed contemporaries like the Glock 17, which is roughly 13 ounces lighter.
The pistol’s all-stainless steel frame construction accounts for this substantial weight, reflecting its law enforcement heritage. While you’ll find enhanced durability from this added mass, you’re also dealing with a trade-off in maneuverability compared to lighter options.
Barrel Length
Coming in at precisely 4 inches (101.6 mm), the Model 5946’s stainless steel barrel delivers optimal performance for a full-sized service pistol. You’ll find the barrel’s length strikes an ideal balance between accuracy and portability, while its traditional rifling effectively stabilizes 9mm Luger rounds.
The stainless steel construction ensures excellent durability and rust resistance, contributing to the pistol’s overall weight of 37.6 ounces.
Material Made Out Of
Made entirely of stainless steel, Smith & Wesson’s Model 5946 showcases robust construction that complements its 4-inch barrel. You’ll find the frame, slide, and guide rod are all crafted from this corrosion-resistant material, contributing to the pistol’s substantial 37.6 oz unloaded weight.
The stainless steel construction ensures durability while providing precise slide-to-frame fit, though you’ll notice it’s heavier than polymer alternatives.
Chambered In
The Smith & Wesson Model 5946 chambers the widely-used 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge, featuring a standard 4-inch barrel that pairs with its 7.625-inch overall length.
You’ll find this stainless steel pistol accepts 9mm ammunition in either 10 or 15-round magazines. The 4-inch barrel provides adequate sight radius and muzzle velocity for the 9x19mm cartridge, while maintaining a practical overall length for duty and defensive use.
Capacity
Equipped with a staggered-column magazine, the Model 5946 delivers a standard capacity of 15 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition. This high-capacity semi-automatic pistol features a magazine disconnect safety that prevents firing when the magazine is removed.
Despite offering substantial ammunition capacity for law enforcement duties, you’ll find the all-steel construction results in a hefty 37.6-ounce unloaded weight.
Trigger Pull
Designed with law enforcement requirements in mind, the Model 5946’s double-action-only trigger system delivers a consistent 9-pound 9-ounce pull weight throughout its entire stroke. You’ll find this DAO configuration eliminates the need for a manual safety lever, as the lengthy trigger press serves as an inherent safety mechanism.
The heavier trigger pull demands deliberate finger strength, which many law enforcement officers preferred over lighter-triggered alternatives.
Safety?
Safety features on the Model 5946 center around its double-action-only mechanism, which provides inherent drop safety and prevents accidental discharges.
You’ll find the pistol’s 9-pound DAO trigger pull offers consistent, predictable operation without an external thumb safety. The magazine safety prevents firing when the magazine is removed, while the rounded hammer spur serves as a visible cocked-hammer indicator for quick status checks.
Action
Beyond its safety mechanisms, the Model 5946’s double-action-only operation defines its core functionality. Unlike traditional double-action/single-action (DA/SA) pistols, you’ll experience a consistent 9.5-pound trigger pull for every shot.
The rounded hammer serves as a cocked-hammer indicator, while the magazine safety prevents firing without a magazine. This DAO design prioritizes simplicity and predictability in your shooting experience.
Optic Ready?
Unlike modern pistols with modular optics systems, the Model 5946 comes with fixed Novak Lo-Mount three-dot sights and isn’t optic-ready from the factory. If you’re looking to add an optic, you’ll need custom gunsmithing work to mill the slide and install a mounting plate. This modification requires significant alterations to the original design and may affect the pistol’s functionality.
Review
Your S&W 5946 will prove reliable and durable with its stainless steel construction, though you’ll need to adjust to the heavy 9-pound DAO trigger pull that remains consistent through thousands of rounds.
The pistol’s weight of 37.6 ounces helps manage 9mm recoil effectively, while the Novak sights provide quick target acquisition for law enforcement scenarios.
You’ll appreciate the built-in safety features and hammer indicator, but the magazine disconnect and substantial weight may not suit modern concealed carry preferences.
Pros
The Smith & Wesson Model 5946 stands out with its robust stainless steel construction, offering serious advantages for both duty and defensive use. The all-stainless steel Model combines durability with the double-action-only (DAO) trigger for consistent performance.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 15-round magazine capacity | Extended engagement capability |
| Textured grip design | Enhanced control in all conditions |
| Law enforcement proven | Time-tested reliability |
Cons
While the Model 5946 offers notable strengths, several characteristics may pose challenges for modern shooters. The all-stainless construction, while durable, adds significant weight compared to polymer alternatives. You’ll find the double-action only (DAO) mechanism requires extensive practice for proficiency.
| Feature | Limitation |
|---|---|
| Weight | Heavier than polymer frames |
| Trigger | Long DAO pull |
| Size | Less concealable |
| Ergonomics | Dated grip design |
| Operation | Limited trigger flexibility |
Reliability
Having endured decades of rigorous law enforcement service, Smith & Wesson’s Model 5946 stands as a benchmark for semi-automatic pistol reliability.
You’ll find the Wesson Model’s reliable performance stems from its full-length stainless steel slide and guide rod assembly. Law enforcement and military units trust its consistent double-action trigger and tight slide-to-frame fit. The all-metal construction ensures dependable operation under demanding conditions and extensive use.
Similar Models
Smith & Wesson rolled out several variants alongside the Model 5946 within their 5900 series lineup. You’ll find the double-action/single-action 5906 in stainless steel construction, while the 5903 and 5904 feature lightweight aluminum alloy frames.
These law enforcement-focused semi-automatic pistols offered configuration options to suit different needs, with some models including manual safeties for single-action operation, unlike the DAO 5946.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
Five major manufacturers produced notable alternatives to the Smith & Wesson 5946 during its service life. You’ll find the Glock 17’s polymer frame contrasting with the Wesson 5900 series’ all-steel build, while the Sig P226’s double action/single action mechanism differs from the DAO trigger.
The Beretta 92FS, HK USP, and budget-friendly Ruger P-series rounded out law enforcement’s semi-auto pistol designations as well-regarded options.
Maintenance
Maintaining the Model 5946 requires three essential procedures: regular disassembly, thorough cleaning, and proper lubrication of its stainless steel components.
You’ll need basic tools to perform routine maintenance on the double-action-only trigger mechanism. Inspect the recoil spring and guide rod regularly for wear.
Store your pistol in a climate-controlled environment to prevent corrosion. These steps ensure optimal performance and extend the firearm’s service life.
History
During the late 1980s, law enforcement agencies began seeking more streamlined duty weapons, leading to the development of the Model 5946 as part of Smith & Wesson’s third-generation semi-automatic pistols.
The double-action-only design specifically targeted police departments wanting simplified manual of arms. The stainless steel 5946 quickly gained adoption by major agencies, including the New York Police Department and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who valued its reliability from 1990 to 1999.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is a Smith and Wesson 5946?
You’ll find the 5946’s price typically ranges between $400-$600 on today’s market. When evaluating features, consider its stainless steel construction, fixed 3-dot sights, and double/single action trigger.
This 9mm caliber pistol offers a 15-round capacity and weighs 34.5 ounces unloaded. Its accuracy and reliability made it popular with law enforcement. While police trade-ins are scarce, well-maintained examples command higher prices due to their collector appeal.
When Was the Smith and Wesson 5946 Made?
You’ll find that production history dates from 1990 to 1999, when this double-action-only pistol was manufactured. The design specifications included an all-stainless steel frame, fixed sights, and a 15-round magazine capacity.
Its trigger mechanism featured a smooth DAO pull, making it ideal for law enforcement use. While weight and dimensions were substantial at 39 ounces unloaded, you’d appreciate its robust build quality during its decade-long manufacturing run.
Is the Smith and Wesson 5946 Reliable?
You’ll find this pistol to be exceptionally reliable with remarkable accuracy during firing. Its stainless steel construction delivers superior durability in harsh conditions, while the DAO trigger mechanism ensures consistent performance.
Though it’s a bit heavy for concealed carry, you’ll appreciate its ease of maintenance and abundant availability of replacement parts. The full-length guide rod and recoil spring system contribute to dependable cycling, making it a trusted choice for law enforcement worldwide.
What Is the Smith and Wesson 5946?
Like a trusted service revolver’s steady companion, the Smith & Wesson 5946 is a 9mm double-action-only semi-automatic pistol that served law enforcement from 1990-1999. You’ll find its all-stainless steel frame manages recoil effectively, while the consistent 9.5-pound trigger pull characteristics mirror revolver operation.
The 15-round magazine capacity offers significant advantages over six-shot revolvers. Its grip ergonomics and fixed sights provide familiar handling for officers transitioning from wheelguns.
Conclusion
You’ll find the Smith & Wesson Model 5946 stands as a proven law enforcement sidearm, with over 50,000 units deployed to police departments during the 1990s. The 9x19mm Parabellum stainless steel pistol offers 15+1 capacity, double-action-only operation, and no manual safety. For reliable performance, maintain the 32.5-ounce pistol’s factory-spec recoil spring replacement schedule at 5,000 rounds.
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