Smith & Wesson Model series 1000 and 4000

When the 10 mm auto-cartridge was introduced for the Bren-Ten pistol in 1984, Smith & Wesson spent a short time developing a pistol in this caliber, but abandoned the project for more urgent issues. In 1988, this project was resumed at the request of the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation). The FBI wanted a pistol in the new caliber to replace their existing firearms. This consisted largely of the Smith Wesson Model 13 M&P (Military & Police) revolvers in .357 Magnum caliber. A new Weapon was designed for this new 10 mm auto-cartridge but it was based on the 4506 .45 ACP pistol. This was more complicated than it appeared. It was not just a case fitting a replacement barrel to the 4506 pistol. The gas pressure of a 10 mm auto-cartridge is higher than that of the .45 ACP. As comparison, the 10 mm auto-cartridge reaches a gas pressure of 40,000 psi, the .357 Magnum cartridge 37,600 psi and the .45 ACP cartridge ‘only’ 19,500 psi. The FBI asked the Federal ammunition factory to develop a slightly tamer 10 mm auto-cartridge. This was a 180 grain JHP (Jacketed Hollow Point) with a muzzle velocity (V0) of around 350 m/s. Computer and prototype studies showed that the slide of the 4506 was strong enough to withstand the faster reloading action (withthe highergas pressure) of the 10 mm auto-cartridge. In order to reduce the recoil a heavier recoil spring was fitted. The FBI version was given the name the Model 1076-FBI and was never sold to civilians.
smith wesson series 1000 150x150 Smith & Wesson Model series 1000 and 4000
m4506 pistol 150x150 Smith & Wesson Model series 1000 and 4000Model 1076 150x150 Smith & Wesson Model series 1000 and 4000sw1086 150x150 Smith & Wesson Model series 1000 and 4000



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This pistol has a special trigger group and 11 and 15-shot magazines. The FBI originally ordered 10,000 weapons, but the first series was rejected. Eventually, the FBI took delivery of 2,400 weapons in 1993. The exterior dimensions of the M1006 are identical to that of the M4506.
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The new features of the M4506 pistol were also applied to the M1006 such as:
  • ambidextroussafetycatch;
  • specialbarrel connection in the slide;
  • revampedtrigger system (third generation);
  • enlargedtrigger guard;
  • improvedgrip;
  • beveledmagazine well;
  • tripledot aspect sight;
  • rubberprotection of the magazines;
  • transferablemagazine release;
  • separateuncockinglever on the left-hand side of the frame (government versions only).
The mass production of the 1006 started in 1990. This pistol has an ambidextrous safety catch mounted on the slide. In 1990, Smith & Wesson also launched the model 1026. This pistol only hasauncocking lever on the left-hand side of the frame. The production of this model was stopped in 1991. Model 1046, was another member of the 1000-series of which only 148 were manufactured in 1992. This weapon has a 127 mm  barrel and a double-action-only trigger mechanism. A special feature of this weapon is in spite of being blued it is manufactured in stainless steel.
Other models in the 1000-series are:
- The model 1066 is a totally stainless steel pistol and has a 108 mm barrel, an ambidextrous safety catch mounted on the slide, awrap-around Xenoy grip and a fixed sight. This pistol was produced from 1990 until 1992;
- Model 1076 resembles the previous model, but hasauncocking lever on the left-hand side of the frame. This weapon was produced from 1990 until 1993;
- The Model 1086 is derived from the model 1066, but is a double-action-only version. This pistol was manufactured from 1991 until the end of 1992.
In 1992 Smith & Wesson abandoned the caliber 10 mm auto-cartridge and concentrated on the new pistol caliber .40Smith& Wesson. They found that the 10 mm cartridge was not only slightly too long, but more importantly the bullet velocity developed was too high. Smith & Wesson introduced a shorter cartridge that fitted a double rowed magazine perfectly. The muzzle velocity and energy is lower than that of the 10 mm Auto-cartridge.Scepticsoriginally named this cartridge the .40 Short & Weak, however ballistic research demonstrated that it is not only the ideal police cartridge, but is also an excellent sporting caliber for the American civilian market. US weapon legislation had banned the use of magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds, which also meant the end of the 9mm Para pistols with their large magazine capacity. The advantage afforded by high magazine capacity had been lost,resultigin American shootersprefering the .45 ACP or .40 S&Wpistol.