Hello everyone!
A little history:
I started shooting at 12 years old and started expanding my firearm collection as soon as I turned 21 (handgun age in NH)
I started out with a full-size 45acp and loved the larger calibers ever since.
About 6 years ago I started reading into 10mm and decided that I probably needed one in my safe. As a machinist,  I have never been thrilled with injection-molded polymer pistols and so I knew I was seeking a steel gun.. Narrowing my search greatly.
Well, the Bren was definitely out of the question for obvious reasons.. and my personal belief that 1911s shouldn't be chambered in anything other than .45 or 38super pretty much ruled that out for me. (not trying to start an argument, I'm just stubborn )
I own a couple Witnesses in other calibers and respect them as a great option in their price range, but I already have Witnesses..
Anyway.
I came across the S&W1000 series on Google some time later. Loved the idea of having an American built classic and spent the last 4-5 years (not kidding) looking for one locally.

So, 3 weeks ago, a close friend texted me a link to an ad on armslist- a 98% condition, S&W 1006 with 3 mags, new night sights and a decent price tag. I drove almost 2 hours down the highway, checked it out and it came home with me!        to be honest,

So excited about this thing!
It's realistically more like 95%, but oh well
Within a week of owning it, I put 300 rounds through it-driving nails.
I did a trigger job, rebuilt the magazines, bought the parts and assembled another mag, installed a 22# spring and started turning/fashioning a stainless guide rod at work..

I only have two complaints about this pistol.
First: some jerk (previous owner) apparently tried doing an action job by polishing the bottom of the slide.. Nothing else, just a random mirror finish on a part of the gun there shouldn't be

Second: I have fairly large hands, and I was very surprised by how narrow the grip is on this beast.. Not sure when I'll get around to a new stock(s) but it'll eventually have to happen.

Sorry for the somewhat lengthy post, but I'm a happy fella!

I tried to post another picture, but the file is too large.. See my profile picture!

8strings8rounds, welcome to the forum and the world of 10mm!  The S&W 10xx series have been great 10mm shooters and seeing you have placed the 22# spring you should be all setup for the long haul!  I started with my first 10mm with the S&W1006 taking delivery March 1990 new in the box, since then I have added the 1026, 1046, 1066, 1076 & 2-1086's.

If you are looking to add some girth to the grip I would suggest the Houge Rubber grips but take care with changing grips as people have messed up the Sideplate Assembly by improper procedures.  With the lack of parts you will not want to damage any.

You can lean more about the 10xx series here at this link; http://10mm-firearms.com/10mm-semi-auto-handguns/the-sw-10xx-series/

Best regards and good luck with your 10mm, but BEWARE! The addiction is strong!

The_Shadow, thank you for the welcome and the advice!
I am very aware of the lack of parts for the third gens. Unfortunate, really. Luckily, my father in law worked for Smith&Wesson for over 30 years and walked me through the complete disassembly/assembly of both the 1006 and my 4006.

That 1046.. Isn't that the model they only made a handful of? Impressive collection! Already looking forward to adding another 10 to mine!

Welcome aboard. You won't find a crew of friendlier and more knowledgeable  people with a strange addiction to the 10mm cartridge.

Yes only 151 1046's were said to be made

Smith & Wesson 10mm pistols
1006 - 26,979 units produced 1990-93
1076 - 13,805 units produced 1990-93
1066 - 5,067 units produced 1990-92
1026 - 3,135 units produced 1990-91
1086 - 1,660 units produced 1990-92
1046 - 151 units produced 1991 (only)

Either you knew someone at S&W or there was some luck involved.

Yeah know the feeling.

But dumb logic made me balance the wants with needs but wants over ruled the uber logic of "You don't really need that!" so Got a Glock 40 in 10mm. Fits my need for a hunting gun and my WANT for a 10mm that can take big game!  Been wanting a 10mm for a long time, Glock just was the platform available that fit my needs.  Didn't even shoot it yet and I got a few minor upgrades for it.

Quote from: The_Shadow on September 18 2016 03:30:53 PM MDT
8strings8rounds, welcome to the forum and the world of 10mm!  The S&W 10xx series have been great 10mm shooters and seeing you have placed the 22# spring you should be all setup for the long haul!  I started with my first 10mm with the S&W1006 taking delivery March 1990 new in the box, since then I have added the 1026, 1046, 1066, 1076 & 2-1086's.

If you are looking to add some girth to the grip I would suggest the Houge Rubber grips but take care with changing grips as people have messed up the Sideplate Assembly by improper procedures.  With the lack of parts you will not want to damage any.

You can lean more about the 10xx series here at this link; http://10mm-firearms.com/10mm-semi-auto-handguns/the-sw-10xx-series/

Best regards and good luck with your 10mm, but BEWARE! The addiction is strong!

Considering your collection and obvious knowledge, I have a question about the side plate assembly that I'm sure you can shed some light on: I've seen other people on here and the s&w forums looking for a replacement, and the only ones anywhere online are for the 1086. Can you confirm whether or not that would be interchangeable with with 1006? I can't image the frames would have differed that much

Quote from: Roguer on September 19 2016 12:15:21 AM MDT
Yeah know the feeling.

But dumb logic made me balance the wants with needs but wants over ruled the uber logic of "You don't really need that!" so Got a Glock 40 in 10mm. Fits my need for a hunting gun and my WANT for a 10mm that can take big game!  Been wanting a 10mm for a long time, Glock just was the platform available that fit my needs.  Didn't even shoot it yet and I got a few minor upgrades for it.

I would definitely jump at the chance to try one, now. How does that one feel in your hand?

Here is the info I have about the side plates, some of these will cross over to the 45xx series as well.

Model        Key# Manufacture# Item# Description
1046/1086  66     106990000     362550 Sideplate Assembly
1006/1066  66     108600000     343510 Sideplate Assembly
1026/1076  66A    205380000    597990 Sideplate w/ Spacer Assembly