The Smith & Wesson Model 4054 is a rare semi-automatic pistol with only 154 units produced. You’ll find it features a 3.5-inch barrel, carbon blued slide, and black alloy frame chambered in .40 S&W. The double-action-only trigger system enhances carry safety, while its 26.4-ounce weight aids in concealment. Current market values range from $2,500 to $4,000, depending on condition. This limited-production variant holds several unique design elements that set it apart from standard S&W offerings.
Key Takeaways
- The S&W Model 4054 is a rare semi-automatic pistol with only 154 units produced, making it a valuable collector’s item.
- Features a 3.5-inch barrel, carbon blued slide, and black alloy frame chambered in .40 S&W with 8-round magazine capacity.
- Current market value ranges from $2,500 to $4,000 depending on condition, with mint specimens commanding highest prices.
- Double-action only trigger system designed specifically for concealed carry applications.
- Weighs 26.4 ounces unloaded and offers reliable performance despite dated aesthetics and higher recoil from .40 caliber rounds.
Description
The Smith & Wesson Model 4054 stands as one of the rarest variants in the company’s semi-automatic pistol lineup, with only 154 units produced.
This Third Generation pistol features a compact design with a 3.5-inch barrel, carbon blued slide, and black alloy frame. You’ll find it chambered in .40 S&W with an 8-round single-stack magazine capacity.
The double-action only trigger enhances its practicality for concealed carry applications.
Price Range
Due to its extreme rarity with only 154 units manufactured, current market prices for a Smith & Wesson Model 4054 typically range from $2,500 to $4,000, depending on condition and provenance.
| Condition | Original MSRP | Current Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| Mint | $825 | $3,800-4,000 |
| Excellent | $825 | $3,200-3,600 |
| Good | $825 | $2,800-3,100 |
| Fair | $825 | $2,500-2,700 |
You’ll find used prices varying significantly from the 1991 MSRP of $825, reflecting the model’s collectible status.
Specifications
The Smith & Wesson Model 4054 features a compact design with a 3.5-inch barrel and weighs 26.4 ounces unloaded. You’ll find the pistol’s construction combines a carbon blued slide with a black alloy frame for durability and weight reduction. The single-stack magazine configuration holds 8 rounds of .40 S&W ammunition, making it an efficient package for concealed carry applications.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 26.4 oz (unloaded) |
| Barrel Length | 3.5 inches |
| Frame Material | Black Alloy |
| Slide Material | Carbon Steel (Blued) |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds .40 S&W |
Weight
At approximately 36 ounces unloaded, Smith & Wesson’s Model 4054 pistol weighs slightly more than comparable .40 S&W caliber handguns of its era. Despite its heft, you’ll find the pistol maintains good compact size and portability for its class.
The all-stainless-steel construction accounts for the additional weight, though you’ll notice this helps reduce felt recoil and enhances ease of use during extended firing sessions.
Barrel Length
Featuring a compact 3.5-inch barrel, Smith & Wesson’s Model 4054 stands apart from its contemporary .40 S&W counterparts that typically sport 4-inch tubes. The shortened barrel design enhances the pistol’s concealability while maintaining respectable ballistic performance.
You’ll find this barrel length strikes an optimal balance between portability and practical accuracy, making it a distinctive feature in Smith & Wesson’s third-generation semi-automatic lineup.
Material Made Out Of
Constructed with precision engineering, Smith & Wesson’s Model 4054 combines a matte black anodized frame with a blued carbon steel slide, delivering durability while maintaining its compact profile.
The stock material selection reflects S&W’s commitment to balancing weight and strength. The finish treatment enhances the pistol’s corrosion resistance, while the grip design integrates seamlessly with the frame’s anodized surface.
Chambered In
The Smith & Wesson Model 4054 chambers the potent .40 S&W cartridge, delivering a balance of stopping power and controllability that made it a standout choice for law enforcement and personal defense.
You’ll find impressive cartridge performance with its 180-grain bullet achieving 967 fps velocity and 374 ft-lbs of energy. The caliber compatibility yields a defense factor of 79% and a power factor of 174,060.
Capacity
With a standard capacity of 10+1 rounds, the Model 4054’s single-stack magazine configuration delivers reliable feeding while maintaining a slim profile. The magazine capacity accommodates 10 rounds of .40 S&W ammunition, while the chamber holds an additional round, bringing the total ammunition capacity to 11 rounds.
You’ll find the ambidextrous magazine release enhances reload efficiency during operation.
Trigger Pull
Operating with a double-action only (DAO) trigger mechanism, the Model 4054 delivers a consistent pull weight between 8 to 12 pounds throughout its entire stroke. The DAO trigger design eliminates the need for a manual safety lever while maintaining optimal trigger pull consistency.
You’ll find the trigger pull weight strikes an effective balance between preventing accidental discharge and enabling accurate shot placement for both defensive and target shooting applications.
Safety?
Safety features on the Model 4054 incorporate both passive and integrated mechanisms to ensure reliable operation. The double-action only trigger system acts as a primary trigger safety, requiring a deliberate, long pull for each shot.
You’ll find the pistol equipped with an internal drop safety mechanism that prevents accidental discharge if the firearm is dropped. A passive grip safety isn’t included in this model’s design.
Action
The Smith & Wesson Model 4054’s double-action only mechanism represents a distinct departure from traditional DA/SA designs. The DAO operating characteristics provide consistent trigger function throughout each pull, enhancing accuracy during defensive situations.
You’ll find the slide’s carbon blued steel construction aids in recoil management, while the trigger system eliminates the need to manipulate external safeties under stress.
Optic Ready?
Unlike modern pistols designed with optics mounting solutions, Smith & Wesson’s Model 4054 comes without any factory provisions for mounting red dot sights or optical accessories. If you’re looking to add an optic, you’ll need to pursue aftermarket mounting solutions and custom gunsmithing work.
The pistol’s standard configuration features fixed rear sights and drift-adjustable front sights, with no factory optic compatibility built into the slide design.
Review
The Model 4054’s limited production run of 154 units makes it challenging to establish definitive performance metrics, but you’ll find the double-action-only trigger provides consistent, if slightly heavy, pull weights throughout its travel. You’ll appreciate the pistol’s reliability with quality .40 S&W ammunition, though the compact size can make follow-up shots more demanding due to increased felt recoil.
While the single-stack magazine capacity might be considered a drawback by modern standards, the slim profile enhances concealability and makes the Model 4054 particularly suitable for discrete carry applications.
Pros
Several noteworthy advantages make Smith & Wesson’s Model 4054 an appealing choice for both collectors and practical users. The compact design and lightweight construction offer excellent concealment options, while the double-action mechanism ensures reliable self-defense capability. With only 154 units produced, it’s a rare collector’s item.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Compact Design | Easy concealment |
| Polymer Frame | Lightweight carry |
| .40 S&W Caliber | Manageable recoil |
| Stainless Steel | Lasting durability |
| Limited Production | Investment value |
Cons
Despite its collectible status, Smith & Wesson’s Model 4054 presents notable drawbacks that warrant consideration. The limited availability of only 154 units makes acquisition challenging, while the double-action only trigger and unappealing aesthetics may deter modern shooters. You’ll also contend with increased recoil from the .40 S&W cartridge.
| Limitation | Impact |
|---|---|
| Production Run | Only 154 units made |
| Trigger Design | Double-action only |
| Aesthetics | Dated matte/blued finish |
| Ammunition | Higher .40 S&W recoil |
| Market Status | Low current demand |
Reliability
Consistently earning high marks from both experts and owners, Smith & Wesson’s Model 4054 has proven itself as a remarkably dependable firearm. You’ll find consistent performance across various ammunition types, with the double-action only trigger enhancing its reliability.
The pistol’s minimal maintenance requirements and ability to function flawlessly after thousands of rounds demonstrate its exceptional durability. Even with extended use, you can count on the 4054’s unwavering dependability.
Similar Models
The Smith & Wesson Model 4054’s family includes several notable variants in the 4000 series, each designed for specific purposes. You’ll find the blued 4004 with its aluminum alloy frame, the popular 4006 that’s been featured extensively in media, the compact 4013 with its 3.5-inch barrel and 8-round capacity, and the 4046 featuring a 4-inch barrel and 2.375-pound weight configuration.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
Several major firearms manufacturers produced comparable .40 S&W pistols during the same era as the Model 4054. You’ll find similar offerings like the all-metal Sig P226 with its 12-round capacity, the polymer-framed Glock 22 holding 15 rounds, and the Beretta PX4 Storm featuring a unique rotating barrel. Each model presents distinct pros and cons in terms of maintenance requirements and reliability.
The Springfield XD-M offers the highest capacity at 16 rounds.
Maintenance
Maintaining a Smith & Wesson Model 4054 requires standard pistol care procedures with particular attention to its stainless steel construction. You’ll need to regularly clean the barrel, slide, and frame using appropriate solvents.
Store your pistol in a climate-controlled environment to prevent corrosion. While the 4054 accepts some aftermarket modifications, it’s essential to use only Smith & Wesson-approved parts for replacements.
History
Introduced in 1991, Smith & Wesson’s Model 4054 emerged during a period when law enforcement agencies were transitioning from 9mm to .40 S&W caliber firearms.
As a limited production variant of S&W’s Third Generation pistols, the Model 4054 featured a compact design with a matte black anodized frame and blued steel slide. Though discontinued in 1992 after just 154 units, this rare model enjoys strong collector’s demand today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Rarest Smith and Wesson Gun?
You’ll find the Smith & Wesson Model 1006 is widely considered the rarest S&W handgun, with just 154 units produced during 1991-1992. This discontinued model variant’s limited historical production numbers have driven its collector’s market value above $3,000 for well-preserved examples.
While other rare S&W models like the 4006 and 4013 are highly sought after, the Model 1006’s extremely low manufacturing run makes it the most exclusive in the lineup.
What Gun Did Smith and Wesson Get Sued by Glock For?
Picture sleek metal slides and polymer frames going head-to-head in the courtroom. The Smith & Wesson Model 4006, introduced in 1990, was at the center of patent infringement claims when Glock sued S&W.
The legal dispute with competitors focused on design similarities to Glock’s polymer-framed pistols. You’ll find it interesting that this product liability lawsuit was settled out of court, with S&W agreeing to modify the 4006’s design to avoid further legal battles.
How Much Is a Smith and Wesson Ladysmith?
You’ll find that a Smith & Wesson Ladysmith’s current market value typically ranges from $300 to $800, with pristine examples potentially exceeding $1,000. The pistol’s production history from 1903 to 1949 makes it a sought-after collector’s item.
Its unique features include a lightweight, compact design and .32 ACP caliber. The value varies based on condition, serial number, and original parts. Collectors prize these pistols for their historical significance in early concealed carry.
Conclusion
You’ll find the Model 4054 represents S&W’s sophisticated entry into the defensive market during the transitional period between traditional steel frames and polymer innovations. While production ceased in the late 1990s, this third-generation semi-automatic continues to demonstrate its engineering prowess through precision-machined stainless steel components and refined ergonomics. Its legacy lives on in contemporary S&W offerings, though enthusiasts still seek this distinctive piece of firearms heritage.
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