Description
Ever wonder where the legacy of the Smith & Wesson Model 4006 began? This is it—an original prototype, and quite possibly the only one of its kind. Designed to lead the charge into Smith & Wesson’s third generation of DA/SA pistols, this early 4006 represents the moment where tradition met innovation.
The official launch date? January 17, 1990. And not long after, the California State Police made a bold statement by adopting it as their standard-issue sidearm. That choice said it all: reliability, performance, and build quality you could stake your life on. The 4006 stayed in CSP holsters all the way through 2011, eventually evolving with a tactical light rail—but it all began here.
This prototype sports a white dot front sight and a fully adjustable rear sight with protective ears, giving it a distinctive profile that hints at the duty-ready design to come. Markings are clean and correct: the Smith & Wesson address on the slide, model designation on the frame, and an “X”-prefix serial number that confirms its prototype status.
It comes with a no-frills hard case and an extra magazine—nothing flashy, just the essentials, as if it’s still waiting to be field-tested. But the real value lies in what this pistol represents: a rare piece of S&W history, forged at the intersection of design change and practical law enforcement needs.
Collectors, take note—this isn’t just another 4006. It’s the one that led the way.
