The Smith & Wesson 5946: A Legacy of Reliability
The Smith & Wesson 5946 arrived on the scene during an era of significant change within the firearms industry. The late twentieth century witnessed a shift towards semi-automatic pistols as the preferred sidearm for law enforcement agencies, replacing the revolvers that had dominated for decades. Smith & Wesson, a company with a long and successful history of revolver production, adapted and responded to this shift with a series of semi-automatic pistols that were intended to meet the evolving needs of this market. The 5946, a key member of the 3rd generation S&W pistols, represented the company’s commitment to providing reliable, robust, and easy-to-use firearms. Its design was a direct result of the demands for enhanced safety, simplified operation, and increased magazine capacity.
Technical Marvel: Unpacking the Features
The Smith & Wesson 5946 is more than just a firearm; it’s a testament to pragmatic engineering. Its core construction boasts a stainless steel frame and slide. This is a significant feature that provides exceptional corrosion resistance, making it ideal for demanding environments and consistent exposure to the elements. The stainless steel construction also gives the 5946 a satisfying weight, contributing to its overall balance and recoil management.
The 5946 is chambered in the popular and effective 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge, a round widely favored by law enforcement and self-defense practitioners for its balance of stopping power and manageable recoil. This caliber ensures that ammunition is readily available and that the pistol is effective in a variety of defensive scenarios.
The 5946 distinguishes itself through its use of a Double-Action Only (DAO) trigger system. This means that each pull of the trigger performs two functions: it cocks the hammer (if it is not already cocked) and then releases it to fire the round. This DAO design offers several key advantages. It provides a consistent trigger pull for every shot, which, with proper training, enhances accuracy. The DAO system also simplifies operation; there is no need to manually cock the hammer. Furthermore, the heavier trigger pull of a DAO pistol serves as a built-in safety feature, reducing the risk of accidental discharge.
Examining the Components
Delving deeper into the construction, the 5946 features a barrel of practical length. This contributes to a good balance between maneuverability and ballistic performance. The sights, a critical element of any firearm, provide a clear and intuitive aiming picture, enabling rapid target acquisition. These are often standard three-dot sights, offering good visibility in a variety of lighting conditions.
The grip of the 5946 is crafted for comfort and control. Its ergonomic design facilitates a secure hold, even in adverse conditions. The grips themselves are generally made of a durable polymer, ensuring a secure grasp and offering good resistance to wear and tear. The overall design contributes to the pistol’s comfortable feel and its manageability, whether firing rapidly or engaging in accurate, deliberate shots.
Weight plays a significant role in the feel and handling of a handgun. The 5946, due to its stainless-steel construction, has a substantial feel that contributes to its inherent balance. This weight helps mitigate felt recoil, facilitating faster follow-up shots and enhancing control during firing. This characteristic, along with the other features, contributes to making the 5946 a practical and reliable sidearm.
Understanding the DAO Trigger System
One of the most distinctive features of the Smith & Wesson 5946 is its Double-Action Only (DAO) trigger. This is a critical element of its overall design and operation. To understand how it works, consider that with a DAO trigger, each time you pull the trigger, you’re completing a full cycle of the action. First, the trigger pulls the hammer back, then the trigger releases the hammer, and that impact ignites the cartridge.
The advantages of a DAO trigger are many. The consistent trigger pull provides uniformity, which, with practice, helps shooters develop consistency. This means the trigger pull feels the same every time, promoting accuracy. DAO triggers are also considered inherently safe because the relatively heavy trigger pull reduces the likelihood of unintentional discharges. However, there are trade-offs; the heavier trigger pull can require greater practice and may present a disadvantage compared to lighter trigger pulls found on other action types.
Reliability, Accuracy, and Usability
The Smith & Wesson 5946 has a well-deserved reputation for dependability. Its robust construction and quality components contribute to its longevity and ability to function flawlessly in a wide range of conditions. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and corrosion, so it withstands moisture. The overall design is known to withstand prolonged use and abuse. The pistol’s reliability is a key reason for its popularity.
Accuracy is another critical aspect of a handgun’s performance. The 5946, with its good ergonomics, sight system, and consistent trigger pull, is capable of delivering impressive accuracy in the hands of a trained shooter. It excels in self-defense scenarios and also does well in target practice, making it a versatile firearm. Its inherent accuracy, combined with its reliability, makes it a top choice for users who prioritize these qualities.
Law Enforcement and the 5946
The Smith & Wesson 5946 found widespread adoption among law enforcement agencies across the United States and globally. Its reliability, ease of use, and DAO trigger system made it a favored choice for police departments seeking a sidearm that balanced safety with functionality.
Many police departments, including various state police agencies and municipal police departments, selected the 5946 to equip their officers. Its DAO design was also appreciated, as its consistent trigger pull promoted accuracy and offered an added layer of safety during stressful encounters. The stainless steel frame and slide also offered enhanced durability, which was important for a sidearm carried daily.
The enduring popularity of the 5946 within the law enforcement community speaks volumes about its effectiveness and dependability. Its adoption was driven by its ability to withstand the rigors of law enforcement work while providing officers with a reliable tool for self-defense. The 5946 played an important role in shaping the landscape of law enforcement sidearms.
Comparing Choices: Weighing Options
The Smith & Wesson 5946 is often compared to other members of the Smith & Wesson third-generation pistol family. The Smith & Wesson 5906, for instance, is similar in construction and design, but features a traditional Double Action/Single Action (DA/SA) trigger system. The 6906, a compact variant, offers a more concealable option. The 5946 distinguishes itself through its stainless steel frame and slide, DAO trigger, and high degree of reliability.
The 5946 can also be compared to other prominent pistols that were popular during its time, such as the SIG Sauer P226 and the Beretta 92 series. Both of these pistols share the same fundamental purpose, offering reliable and capable self-defense tools. The 5946’s stainless steel construction, DAO trigger, and proven track record set it apart.
Practical Considerations: Maintenance and More
Maintaining a Smith & Wesson 5946 is straightforward. Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to ensure the pistol’s continued performance. Field stripping, the process of disassembling the firearm into its major components for cleaning, is relatively easy. This usually involves removing the magazine, clearing the chamber, and then following a few simple steps to remove the slide, barrel, and other internal components.
A regular cleaning regime, which includes brushing away any fouling or debris, lubricating moving parts, and inspecting the pistol for wear or damage, can contribute to reliability and longevity. This essential work should be followed by a visual inspection of the pistol. Proper maintenance allows owners of the 5946 to rely on its performance for years.
Availability and Accessories
While the Smith & Wesson 5946 is no longer in production, it remains a desirable pistol among collectors and enthusiasts. Its availability can be found in the used market. The price for a 5946 typically varies depending on condition.
Accessories designed for the 5946, such as magazines, holsters, and replacement parts, are available. The popularity of the Smith & Wesson third-generation pistols ensures that there is a range of accessories available to enhance performance and optimize carrying capabilities.
Weighing the Good and the Not-So-Good
The Smith & Wesson 5946 presents a compelling package, but it is also important to assess its strengths and weaknesses. Its clear advantages include its proven reliability, durable stainless steel construction, DAO trigger system, and its well-designed ergonomics. These features contribute to make it a desirable option.
The disadvantages include its relatively heavy trigger pull, which may require practice, and its heavier overall weight, which some users might find less ideal for concealed carry. The 5946 has also been discontinued, and there may be challenges in finding new parts.
The Final Verdict
The Smith & Wesson 5946 is more than just a firearm; it’s a testament to a time-honored design and a commitment to delivering dependable tools. Its legacy is built on the principles of reliability, durability, and user-friendliness. For those who value a robust, reliable sidearm with a proven track record, the 5946 remains a compelling choice. The pistol’s popularity with law enforcement, and its solid reputation with enthusiasts, solidify its place as a classic handgun. Whether for self-defense, target practice, or collecting, the Smith & Wesson 5946 continues to command respect.
