5906 We shall never part again!

Wreck-n-Crew · September 18, 2013, 11:31 AM

Finally found another 5906! I have been missing this gun like a long lost soul mate. Nothing between the time I sold it to someone I know and love and the present has satisied me quite like the S&W 5906 did when I sold it 11 years, 3monthes and 4days ago.

I found it laying next to a S&W 410 all black. My heart raced and my palms sweat profusely as I see the price tag, my elevated heartbeat raced even more. $379.

Thank you, my favorite Pawn Shop.

Sorry to sound like a 10 cent love novel but I just had to have it!

It's not news to a few of you who have read my post on this pistol. Some may remember my comments on how we parted. I am just on top of the world today...can't wait for some range time.

Beretta686 · September 18, 2013, 11:42 AM

It's a beautiful gun.

Please forgive my ignorance, but what's the big deal about S&W's steel autoloaders?

Though admittedly I've only shot 2 or 3 of them, they've always struck me as high-quality but bulky, heavy and not the that ergonomically pleasing. It may just be my preference, but I've always seen them as a "me too" item to Glock, Sig & HK.

Robk · September 18, 2013, 11:55 AM

Happy to see you are reunited with your 5906. I once had a 6906 (blued version). Wonderful little pistol. Should have never let it out of my hands. But as with you, there were reasons behind it moving on. I do, however every once in a while think of reuniting with that wonderful piece. I for one would rather prefer it to any plastic pistol, just not for me. It has a something hard to pin down, but once you know it, you wil never forget it. And to those in the know, S&W semi auto pistols are a great buy. Hope you do not part with it again.

Quentin2 · September 18, 2013, 12:07 PM

Beautiful pistol and a great price to boot. It looks brand new! I got a $300 LE trade-in 5906 a couple years ago from CDNN and yours looks much nicer plus it already has the factory S&W curved grips that I had to buy to replace the bulky Hogue grips mine came with.

Most people who say the 5906 is bulky probably handled the Hogue grips. Since then I've bought a 5903 and 6906 and love them too. There are some good deals out there on these S&W 3rd gen pistols if you look around. Watch out too, lots of places are asking $450 or more for beat up samples.

wpsdlrg · September 18, 2013, 02:02 PM

" Please forgive my ignorance, but what's the big deal about S&W's steel autoloaders? "

Because they are among the FINEST semi-auto pistols ever built. In truth, ALL of the S&W 3rd gen. semis are wonderful pistols. Truly excellent, all round. They have largely been overlooked by many, so the prices for them have been relative bargains, as well. That is starting to change, though.

Beautiful 5906. Congratulations !

BarryLee · September 18, 2013, 02:27 PM

Very nice gun. I've got a 5903 I hope to never part with.

BillCA · September 18, 2013, 02:39 PM

Congrats on finding your old friend.

The steel and alloy S&W pistols were good guns overall. The 3rd generation had all the quirks ironed out and some of the better features, like night sights and ambidextrous safeties. I have always preferred the 39-series single-stacks. Reliable as sin, fits my hand better and more accurate than I am.

There may be lighter, lower recoiling, slimmer and more compact guns, but most of the S&W pistols are excellent buys. One of my carry guns is a 3914NL, the black version of the 3913 ladysmith. Love the little thing as it's fast reliable and accurate.

mrray13 · September 18, 2013, 02:50 PM

Nice 5906! I need to carry my 39-2 more. Or grab a 3914 like BillCA, and just shoot the 39 on occasion. The 39 series and later are indeed some of the finest semis made. My first ever semi was a 410, might have to re introduce myself to one again.

SC4006 · September 18, 2013, 02:55 PM

I can kind of relate to this because I have the .40 S&W version, the 4006. It's an absolutely marvelous pistol, the way it looks, shoots, etc. I would never sell mine though. My brother has a 4006 as well with a few thousand rounds through it, and according to him it's never had even the slightest malfunction.

Onward Allusion · September 18, 2013, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Please forgive my ignorance, but what's the big deal about S&W's steel autoloaders?

They are the US versions of the older German Sigs. I would not say that they are the FINEST pistols ever made, but I can easily say that they are in the top 5 of the finest commercially available auto-loaders ever made.

If they were made today, it would cost well over $1K to buy.

Beretta686 · September 18, 2013, 04:08 PM

Like I said, I don't have much experience with S&W autoloaders (except a Sigma monstrosity my idiot buddy got for $200). But the people who love them seem to be extremely passionate about them.

Though, I'll probably never get a S&W autoloader, I wouldn't mind having an FBI 1076 without the magazine safety,

pat701 · September 18, 2013, 04:36 PM

You stole it at that price, great find!!

SIGSHR · September 18, 2013, 05:10 PM

Those who have fired my S&W M639 and M659 have commented on how much they like the heft and feel, and on the recoil absorbing qualities of the steir steel frames.

Skans · September 18, 2013, 05:17 PM

The 5906 is a good solid gun that will outlast most anything. I have a S&W 659 that I would never part with.....except perhaps in trade for a 5906.....maybe.

Wreck-n-Crew · September 18, 2013, 07:02 PM

Here's a little clearer picture..>>>>

6.8 · September 19, 2013, 02:52 AM

That is a thing of beauty

I would put their TSW Line above a sig. For Sig to match my 5906TSW, Your looking at a Full stainless (Frame and slide) P-229 Elite with the SRT trigger. How much are those? $1200.00? Yes the 3rd gen smiths are top notch Pistols.

Skans · September 19, 2013, 08:02 AM

The 2nd and 3rd generation S&W pistols are very nice, but their triggers could stand much improvement. My experience has been that they are pretty sloppy and gritty, even for DA/SA. The S&W trigger doesn't even come close to the German made Sigs, although overall construction certainly does.

Has anyone been able to improve the triggers on these guns?

Tactical Jackalope · September 19, 2013, 08:31 AM

Quote:

I found it laying next to a S&W 410 all black. My heart raced and my palms sweat profusely as I see the price tag, my elevated heartbeat raced even more. $379. Thank you, my favorite Pawn Shop.

Oh my God do I know that feeling all too well!!! Happened with my SIG P220 from W. Germany, Colt Series 70, and now my soon to be here Jericho 941

Congrats!!! I know the feeling so well I can relate to this thread. $379 O_O nice nice nice. Happy for you.

Wreck-n-Crew · September 19, 2013, 11:24 AM

Quote:

The 2nd and 3rd generation S&W pistols are very nice, but their triggers could stand much improvement. My experience has been that they are pretty sloppy and gritty, even for DA/SA. The S&W trigger doesn't even come close to the German made Sigs, although overall construction certainly does.

Has anyone been able to improve the triggers on these guns?

The only thing in the trigger I have ever noticed was the slight "blank" spot in the trigger before it engages in SA. The two 5906, one 6906, and the 410 I have owned had the same thing.

Nothing near the blank space in a P89, 90 for example (not trying to down my p90). Is ever so slight in the ones I have.

But the trigger has been smooth with a crisp break, maybe because they were broken in? OR since they were used had a trigger job? Don't know.

One thing I have noticed is how light the SA trigger pull is. Gotta be 3.5lb. Feels like 2.5lbs. Also the slide is snug as a bug and glides so well. I can say the 59, 69, etc models from that time are great guns.

Quote:

Oh my God do I know that feeling all too well!!! Happened with my SIG P220 from W. Germany, Colt Series 70, and now my soon to be here Jericho 941

Congrats!!! I know the feeling so well I can relate to this thread. $379 O_O nice nice nice. Happy for you.

Thanks man. There are others that give me that feeling, not as much, but addictive and heart pumping, Do I need help?

The Beretta 92, A few Sigs from W. Germany

, 1871 Colt Peacemaker.

NJgunowner · September 19, 2013, 01:46 PM

I've always wanted the 10mm version personally

Wreck-n-Crew · September 19, 2013, 05:07 PM

Quote:

I've always wanted the 10mm version personally

That would be the 1006,1026,1066,1076 and 1086 models. At least you can get mags for them!

Been hard to find any for my 6906 so far. Looking @ $50+ per mag.

Found some MecGar mags but not sure how good they are.

5.56RifleGuy · September 19, 2013, 05:33 PM

Mecgar makes quality mags. Probably better than factory. In some cases they probably are factory.

Dunecigar · September 19, 2013, 05:36 PM

That is an excellent gun. Missed my chance to buy one. However, when I was the market for a 9mm I stumbled across my Daewoo DP-51 and noticed that the frame design is based around the 5906... done deal.

Congrats. Enjoy.

**4V50 Gary** · September 19, 2013, 07:35 PM

Congratulations on finding true love. Til death do you part.

ritepath · September 19, 2013, 08:00 PM

I've wanted one of these since a co-worker picked up a peach about 4 years back.

Nothing says forever like steel.

Congrats on your find...

September 18, 2013, 11:31 AM	#1
Wreck-n-Crew Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2013 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,820	5906 We shall never part again! Finally found another 5906! I have been missing this gun like a long lost soul mate. Nothing between the time I sold it to someone I know and love and the present has satisied me quite like the S&W 5906 did when I sold it 11 years, 3monthes and 4days ago. I found it laying next to a S&W 410 all black. My heart raced and my palms sweat profusely as I see the price tag, my elevated heartbeat raced even more. $379. Thank you, my favorite Pawn Shop. Sorry to sound like a 10 cent love novel but I just had to have it! It's not news to a few of you who have read my post on this pistol. Some may remember my comments on how we parted. I am just on top of the world today...can't wait for some range time. __________________ If you ever have to use a firearm, *you don't get to pick the scenario!*

September 18, 2013, 11:42 AM	#2
Beretta686 Senior Member Join Date: May 11, 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 761	It's a beautiful gun. Please forgive my ignorance, but what's the big deal about S&W's steel autoloaders? Though admittedly I've only shot 2 or 3 of them, they've always struck me as high-quality but bulky, heavy and not the that ergonomically pleasing. It may just be my preference, but I've always seen them as a "me too" item to Glock, Sig & HK. __________________ "Our contract called for 16 cases of rifles and ammunition for $10,000 dollars, not a machine gun...........That is our present to the General"-Pike Bishop “When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.”

September 18, 2013, 02:27 PM	#6
BarryLee Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2010 Location: The ATL (OTP) Posts: 3,946	Very nice gun. I've got a 5903 I hope to never part with. __________________ A major source of objection to a free economy is precisely that it ... gives people what they want instead of what a particular group thinks they ought to want. Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. - Milton Friedman

September 18, 2013, 02:39 PM	#7
BillCA Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2004 Location: Silicon Valley, Ca Posts: 7,117	Congrats on finding your old friend. The steel and alloy S&W pistols were good guns overall. The 3rd generation had all the quirks ironed out and some of the better features, like night sights and ambidextrous safeties. I have always preferred the 39-series single-stacks. Reliable as sin, fits my hand better and more accurate than I am. There may be lighter, lower recoiling, slimmer and more compact guns, but most of the S&W pistols are excellent buys. One of my carry guns is a 3914NL, the black version of the 3913 ladysmith. Love the little thing as it's fast reliable and accurate. __________________ BillCA in CA (Unfortunately)

September 18, 2013, 02:55 PM	#9
SC4006 Senior Member Join Date: June 27, 2012 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 525	I can kind of relate to this because I have the .40 S&W version, the 4006. It's an absolutely marvelous pistol, the way it looks, shoots, etc. I would never sell mine though. My brother has a 4006 as well with a few thousand rounds through it, and according to him it's never had even the slightest malfunction. __________________ I don't always go to the range, but when I do, I prefer dosAKs. They say 5 out of 4 people are bad at math.

September 18, 2013, 11:55 AM	#3
Robk Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2011 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 324	Happy to see you are reunited with your 5906. I once had a 6906 (blued version). Wonderful little pistol. Should have never let it out of my hands. But as with you, there were reasons behind it moving on. I do, however every once in a while think of reuniting with that wonderful piece. I for one would rather prefer it to any plastic pistol, just not for me. It has a something hard to pin down, but once you know it, you wil never forget it. And to those in the know, S&W semi auto pistols are a great buy. Hope you do not part with it again.

September 18, 2013, 12:07 PM	#4
Quentin2 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2009 Location: NorthWest USA Posts: 1,996	Beautiful pistol and a great price to boot. It looks brand new! I got a $300 LE trade-in 5906 a couple years ago from CDNN and yours looks much nicer plus it already has the factory S&W curved grips that I had to buy to replace the bulky Hogue grips mine came with. Most people who say the 5906 is bulky probably handled the Hogue grips. Since then I've bought a 5903 and 6906 and love them too. There are some good deals out there on these S&W 3rd gen pistols if you look around. Watch out too, lots of places are asking $450 or more for beat up samples.

September 18, 2013, 02:02 PM	#5
wpsdlrg Senior Member Join Date: August 18, 2009 Posts: 826	" Please forgive my ignorance, but what's the big deal about S&W's steel autoloaders? " Because they are among the FINEST semi-auto pistols ever built. In truth, ALL of the S&W 3rd gen. semis are wonderful pistols. Truly excellent, all round. They have largely been overlooked by many, so the prices for them have been relative bargains, as well. That is starting to change, though. Beautiful 5906. Congratulations !

September 18, 2013, 02:50 PM	#8
mrray13 Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2008 Location: Missouri Posts: 911	Nice 5906! I need to carry my 39-2 more. Or grab a 3914 like BillCA, and just shoot the 39 on occasion. The 39 series and later are indeed some of the finest semis made. My first ever semi was a 410, might have to re introduce myself to one again.

September 18, 2013, 04:08 PM	#11
Beretta686 Senior Member Join Date: May 11, 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 761	Like I said, I don't have much experience with S&W autoloaders (except a Sigma monstrosity my idiot buddy got for $200). But the people who love them seem to be extremely passionate about them. Though, I'll probably never get a S&W autoloader, I wouldn't mind having an FBI 1076 without the magazine safety, __________________ "Our contract called for 16 cases of rifles and ammunition for $10,000 dollars, not a machine gun...........That is our present to the General"-Pike Bishop “When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross.”

September 18, 2013, 04:36 PM	#12
pat701 Senior Member Join Date: November 6, 2005 Location: South west Missouri Posts: 315	You stole it at that price, great find!!

September 18, 2013, 05:10 PM	#13
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,700	Those who have fired my S&W M639 and M659 have commented on how much they like the heft and feel, and on the recoil absorbing qualities of the steir steel frames.

September 18, 2013, 05:17 PM	#14
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,132	The 5906 is a good solid gun that will outlast most anything. I have a S&W 659 that I would never part with.....except perhaps in trade for a 5906.....maybe.

September 18, 2013, 07:02 PM	#15
Wreck-n-Crew Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2013 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,820	Here's a little clearer picture..>>>> __________________ If you ever have to use a firearm, *you don't get to pick the scenario!*

September 19, 2013, 02:52 AM	#16
6.8 Junior member Join Date: February 21, 2013 Posts: 316	That is a thing of beauty I would put their TSW Line above a sig. For Sig to match my 5906TSW, Your looking at a Full stainless (Frame and slide) P-229 Elite with the SRT trigger. How much are those? $1200.00? Yes the 3rd gen smiths are top notch Pistols.

September 19, 2013, 08:02 AM	#17
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,132	The 2nd and 3rd generation S&W pistols are very nice, but their triggers could stand much improvement. My experience has been that they are pretty sloppy and gritty, even for DA/SA. The S&W trigger doesn't even come close to the German made Sigs, although overall construction certainly does. Has anyone been able to improve the triggers on these guns?

September 19, 2013, 01:46 PM	#20
NJgunowner Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 1,254	I've always wanted the 10mm version personally

September 19, 2013, 05:33 PM	#22
5.56RifleGuy Senior Member Join Date: May 9, 2010 Location: USA Posts: 1,212	Mecgar makes quality mags. Probably better than factory. In some cases they probably are factory. __________________ Sic Semper Tyrannosaurus

September 19, 2013, 05:36 PM	#23
Dunecigar Junior member Join Date: August 24, 2012 Location: Guatemala City, Zone 10 Posts: 76	That is an excellent gun. Missed my chance to buy one. However, when I was the market for a 9mm I stumbled across my Daewoo DP-51 and noticed that the frame design is based around the 5906... done deal. Congrats. Enjoy.

September 19, 2013, 07:35 PM	#24
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,838	Congratulations on finding true love. Til death do you part. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

September 19, 2013, 08:00 PM	#25
ritepath Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,419	I've wanted one of these since a co-worker picked up a peach about 4 years back. Nothing says forever like steel. Congrats on your find... __________________ There's only one...