S&W 4006 Pistol Guide: Complete Review of the Classic .40 Duty Gun

The S&W 4006 is a full-size, stainless-steel DA/SA pistol chambered in .40 S&W with an 11+1 capacity, a 4-inch barrel, and a reputation for tank-like durability. Built as part of Smith & Wesson’s legendary third-generation semi-auto lineup, it delivers excellent accuracy, very mild recoil for a .40-caliber duty gun, and unmatched long-term reliability.

Designed originally for law-enforcement contracts and known for its all-metal construction, ambidextrous decocker, and Novak sights, the 4006 remains one of the most respected legacy service pistols on the modern surplus market.

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Why Is the Smith & Wesson 4006 Still Relevant?

The Smith & Wesson 4006 remains relevant today because it combines old-school service-gun engineering with the .40 S&W cartridge it helped bring into existence.

The S&W 4006 is a heavy, stainless-steel DA/SA pistol designed for law-enforcement duty use, known for durability, exceptional reliability, and soft recoil compared to modern polymer .40s.

Introduced in 1990, the 4006 was part of Smith & Wesson’s transition into the .40 era, arriving simultaneously with the new cartridge. The pistol quickly became a staple for agencies like the California Highway Patrol, who valued its weight, controllability, and ruggedness during a time when the .40 S&W was sweeping through U.S. law enforcement.

As part of the third-generation S&W auto family—which included icons like the 5906 and 3913—the 4006 inherited decades of refinement. Built for duty first and foremost, it catered to agencies wanting a DA/SA manual of arms, an all-metal frame, and reliability under hard use.

What Are the Core Specs of the S&W 4006?

The S&W 4006 is a full-size .40-caliber duty gun with a 4-inch barrel, 11+1 capacity, and an all-stainless-steel construction weighing about 37 ounces unloaded.

These specifications define the pistol’s performance and handling.

Caliber

• .40 S&W

Dimensions

• Overall length: approx. 7.5 inches

• Barrel length: 4 inches

• Height: approx. 5.5 inches

• Width: around 1.3 inches (varies slightly by grips)

Weight

• Unloaded: ~37.3 ounces

• Loaded: ~41–42 oz depending on ammo

Materials & Finish

• Frame: stainless steel

• Slide: stainless steel

• Finish: bead-blasted matte stainless typical of S&W’s 3rd-gen lineup

• Grip: Xenoy one-piece wraparound

Magazine Capacity

• 11+1 rounds

• Double-stack stainless magazines

• Compatible with 4000-series mags

These specs place the 4006 squarely in the “old-school duty gun” class—similar in spirit to the SIG P229, Beretta 96, and HK USP .40.

Design & Build Quality — How Is the S&W 4006 Built?

The Smith & Wesson 4006 is built with an all-stainless-steel frame and slide, giving it extreme durability and unusually soft recoil for a .40 S&W. Its third-generation engineering emphasizes longevity, reliability, and precise machining.

Frame and Slide Materials

The 4006 is completely stainless steel—rare in today’s market. This makes it heavy but incredibly rugged. Many police trade-ins show cosmetic wear yet run flawlessly after decades of use.

Ergonomics & Grip

• The Xenoy wraparound grip gives a surprisingly modern feel.

• Medium-to-large hands generally find it extremely comfortable.

• The grip’s contour and checkering keep the gun planted during rapid fire.

Users frequently comment:

“It feels like a solid block of steel, but in the best possible way—stable, balanced, and confidence-inspiring.”

Controls

• Safety/Decocker: Ambidextrous, slide-mounted

• Trigger system: DA/SA

• Magazine release: Left side, reversible

• Slide stop: Stainless, easy to reach

The slide-mounted safety is a love-or-hate feature, but it’s positive and extremely secure.

Accessory Compatibility

• Most 4006 models do NOT have a rail

• Later TSW variants added a Picatinny rail

• No optics cuts

• Standard Novak dovetail for iron sight upgrades

This gun predates the modern accessory era, so out-of-the-box modularity is limited unless you find a TSW model.

Variants & Model Differences — What Versions of the S&W 4006 Exist?

The S&W 4006 has several notable variants including alloy-frame, DAO, and TSW railed models, making the lineup diverse despite being discontinued.

Major Variants

• 4003 / 4043: Alloy-frame versions (approx. 8 ounces lighter)

• 4046: DAO version (double-action only)

• 4006 TSW (Tactical Smith & Wesson):

  • Accessory rail

  • Enhanced trigger system

  • Special agency contracts (CHP, etc.)

Performance Center Models

Rare and desirable:

• “Shorty .40” pistols

• Tactical Forty: These feature hand-fitted barrels, improved triggers, and upgraded accuracy.

Comparisons to Similar Guns

To help readers relate:

• SIG P229: similar DA/SA feel but lighter

• Beretta 96: larger overall footprint, softer slide impulse

• Glock 22: lighter, higher capacity, less shootable with snappy recoil

• S&W 5906: same third-gen toughness, but 9mm instead of .40

Many shooters describe the 4006 as a more durable but less modular P229-style workhorse.

Performance — How Does the S&W 4006 Shoot?

The Smith & Wesson 4006 performs exceptionally well in accuracy and recoil control thanks to its weight, Novak sights, and robust barrel lockup.

Accuracy

Real-world results consistently show:

• Tight groups at 15–25 yards

• Predictable DA/SA trigger break

• Low muzzle rise

For a service .40, it’s one of the most accurate pistols of its era.

Recoil Management

Heavy stainless construction reduces snap dramatically.
Many shooters note that it shoots closer to a 9mm than a .40 in terms of comfort.

Reliability

User reports describe the gun as:

• “Boringly reliable”

• “A brick that just runs”

• Capable of digesting thousands of rounds without major wear

The magazine disconnect is the only widely-cited annoyance.

Trigger Quality

• DA: long but smooth

• SA: crisp, with a strong reset
  It feels like a classic metal-frame service gun—slightly dated but extremely consistent.

Ammunition Compatibility — What Ammo Works Best in the S&W 4006?

The S&W 4006 handles a wide range of .40 S&W ammunition, from 165-grain defensive loads to 180-grain FMJ practice ammo, with excellent reliability.

Ideal Grain Weights

• 165gr: best balance of velocity and recoil

• 180gr: very soft recoil in the 4006

Best Defensive Loads

• Federal HST 165gr

• Winchester Ranger

• Speer Gold Dot 180gr

• Remington Golden Saber

Range Ammo

• 180gr FMJ from Federal, Blazer, or Winchester typically shoots very softly.

+P Ammunition

.40 S&W +P is rare, but the 4006’s stainless construction handles hotter loads well—still, stick to standard pressure unless required.

Known Issues

None widely documented; it feeds hollow points reliably and cycles a wide variety of loads.

Use Case Suitability — What Is the S&W 4006 Best For?

The S&W 4006 excels as a home-defense firearm, duty pistol, and collector-grade legacy gun, but it is not ideal for concealed carry due to its weight.

Concealed Carry

• Heavy and thick

• Hard to conceal for most body types
  Only practical with a heavy belt and winter clothing.

Home Defense

Excellent choice:

• Soft recoil

• Very reliable

• Novak sights

• DA/SA safety margin

Competition (IDPA/USPSA)

Suitable for:

• IDPA SSP division

• USPSA Limited if competing casually

Not the optimal choice, but fun and accurate.

Hunting or Outdoors

Not commonly used, but:

• Capable against small predators

• Stainless finish resists corrosion

Range Use

This is where it shines:

• Fantastic recoil control

• Long-term durability

• Engaging, mechanical shooting experience

Many owners say it’s one of the most enjoyable .40s to shoot.

What Is the Best S&W 4006 Holster Setup?

A S&W 4006 holster setup should match how you plan to carry the pistol. Since the S&W 4006 is heavy and full-sized, holsters that distribute weight and enhance stability are ideal.

Cloak Tuck 3.5 IWB Holster

A flexible and supportive inside-the-waistband option for discreet carry. It helps distribute the 4006’s weight more evenly for improved comfort.

Belt Holster

A strong, stable OWB solution ideal for open carry or range use. Its rigid design supports the gun’s stainless-steel mass extremely well.

OWB Paddle Holster

Designed for quick on/off convenience without sacrificing retention. Perfect for training sessions or home-defense staging.

Swivel Drop Leg Holster

A dynamic, mobility-focused setup for field or tactical activity. Keeps the 4006 accessible when wearing bulky gear or outer layers.

Chest Holster

Ideal for outdoor use, hiking, or ATV riding. Carries the weight centrally and works very well with heavy pistols.

Hook & Loop Holster

 

Flexible mounting for bags, vehicle compartments, or modular surfaces. Offers secure retention while remaining lightweight.

Pros & Cons Summary — What Are the Strengths and Weaknesses of the S&W 4006?

Pros

• Incredibly durable all-stainless construction

• Extremely soft recoil for a .40

• Excellent accuracy and Novak sight picture

• “Boringly reliable” reputation

• Great value on the used market

• Comfortable Xenoy wraparound grip

Cons

• Heavy for concealed carry

• No rail on most models

• Magazine disconnect irritates some shooters

• Discontinued — parts are harder to find

• DA/SA system feels dated to striker-fired shooters

Final Verdict — Should You Buy the S&W 4006?

The S&W 4006 is an outstanding choice for shooters who want a durable, accurate, mechanically refined .40-caliber pistol with decades of proven service history. It delivers unmatched recoil control thanks to its stainless construction, offers superb long-term reliability, and remains a cult classic among collectors and LE veterans.

Best For

• Home-defense users

• Range shooters

• Collectors of S&W duty pistols

• Fans of DA/SA metal-frame guns

Value for Money

Often priced between $350–$600, the 4006 is one of the best values in the used duty-gun market.

Long-Term Ownership

Parts are not as common as Glock or M&P components, but the guns are built to last—many will easily outlive their owners.

If you want a pistol that embodies the golden age of American duty guns, the Smith & Wesson 4006 is one of the finest and most reliable examples ever produced.