S&W 4586. Not as well known as others.
 

My father was an Idaho State Trooper for 21 years (73-94). When he retired they presented him with the 4586 as a retirement gift. ISP transitioned to the 4586 from the S&W Model 65 revolver in 1991. This particular pistol was issued to him brand new in 91. Twenty years ago (wow. Has it really been that long?) when I first shot this model I didn't like it. Didn't like the DA trigger and didn't like the ergonomics of the pistol. But as the years have gone by I've become a better shot and I've developed an appreciation for the 3rd Gen S&W autos. Now I really like this pistol. It's very accurate and the trigger job is the equal of some of my better DA revolvers. In some cases it's superior. Funny how time changes things.

Sorry about the picture quality. My wife is using our better camera so I had to make do with our old Kodak. The 4586 doesn't seem to be as well known. So here is one that is a little different.

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...1/PC270002.jpg

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...1/PC270004.jpg

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...1/PC270008.jpg

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...1/PC270007.jpg

Nice gun as always - I like the Idaho logo on the slide. The RCMP issue 5946 have a similar logo on theirs.

Thanks. The logo is a nice touch. Dresses it up.

Nice gun, I'm looking into getting a 3913.

Nice 3rd Gen. I see policemen all over Houston carrying something kind of similar, the 4046

Twenty-years ago I didn't appreciate the 3rd and 2nd Generation S&W autos. Now I do. Of course I know that there are those who don't agree with me and some of their criticisms are understandable. The Smith autos are over-engineered, they're bulky and heavy. Not necessarily incorrect observations. But for all that they are very good pistols. Strong, reliable and accurate. It took the company several years to get the bugs ironed out after the Model 39 was introduced in 1955, but they finally got it right with the 2nd Generation (1980) and with the 3rd Generation they tweaked the design. Mainly in ergonomics.

What's not to love?

True. Very true.

I want a S&W 1076 something fierce.

last real gun the FBI issued. :D

If I were able to, I'd trade my '74 for a nice little 4513 at Collector's Firearms tomorrow afternoon, since I'm going to be over there tomorrow