Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 6946

Serial Number: VJP3481

Year of Manufacture: 1990-1999

Caliber: 9mm

Action Type: Semi-Auto, “Bobbed” Hammer Fired, Double Action Only (DAO), fed by detachable magazines

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked "SMITH & WESSON / SPRINGFIELD, MA U.S.A.", MODEL 6946". The left side of the frame is marked "VJP3481 / MOD 6946". The right side of the frame is marked with the S&W logo. The top of the barrel is marked "9MM / PARABELLUM".

Barrel Length: 3.5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a dotted blade dovetailed to the slide. The rear sight is a Novak Lo-Mount rectangular notch sight dovetailed to the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one piece checkered polymer that wraps around the backstrap. The front strap is serrated. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is defined with worn peaks. There are scattered nicks and scratches. Overall the grip is in Fair - Good condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: One S&W 12rd 9mm stainless magazine in Good condition.

Type of Finish: Stainless Slide, Aluminum Alloy Frame

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is some modest stubborn fouling near the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows modest handling and operational wear throughout. The markings are crisp. There are some minor nicks on some of the edges of the frame. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good Condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with one magazine.

Our Assessment: The Smith and Wesson Model 6946 represents the third-generation evolution of the company’s duty-oriented semi-automatic pistols, developed during the 1990s for law enforcement agencies seeking simplicity, durability, and consistent trigger operation. Chambered in 9mm and configured with a double-action-only, bobbed hammer system, the 6946 was designed to minimize snag points while providing a uniform trigger pull from first shot to last. Its compact 3.5 inch barrel, Novak Lo-Mount sights, and alloy frame place it firmly within the concealed-carry and plainclothes service niche that defined much of Smith and Wesson’s institutional production during this period.

This example retains approximately 80 percent of its original finish, with honest handling and operational wear consistent with service use rather than neglect. Markings remain crisp and legible, the stainless slide and alloy frame present well overall, and the bore is bright with sharp rifling, rating 8 out of 10 despite modest fouling near the muzzle. The pistol is equipped with its factory polymer wraparound grip and includes one Smith and Wesson 12 round stainless magazine. As a representative example of Smith and Wesson’s third-generation DAO pistols, this Model 6946 reflects the robust engineering and utilitarian design philosophy that made these pistols a staple of American law enforcement in the late twentieth century.