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carguychris · February 29, 2016, 06:16 PM

If used guns are potentially in the running, I suggest the S&W Models 6904 and 6906. These guns are arguably a bit thick and blocky, and the SA trigger isn't the best, but they're extremely well-built and tend to be an excellent value in less-than-LNIB condition.

They technically have a decocker/safety, but as they also have a trigger-actuated firing-pin block, the lever can safely be used purely as a decocker—i.e. always returned to the FIRE position after decocking. S&W offered a gun similar to the M6906 but with a SIG-style frame decocker as the M6926, but they are rare, and collector interest tends to keep prices pretty steep.

The earlier M469 and M669 are very similar to the M6904 and M6906 respectively, but they lack some refinements of the later 69xx series, and generally aren't that much cheaper in my experience.

I would also suggest looking at the Beretta 92 Compact L, but I'll be honest—as much as I like the gun, it's only compact in relation to the standard 92, and is perhaps better characterized as the 92 Less Large or the 92 Only Moderately Big.

It's as big or bigger than many so-called full-size pistols.

February 29, 2016, 06:16 PM	#8
carguychris Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2007 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 7,523	If used guns are potentially in the running, I suggest the S&W Models 6904 and 6906. These guns are arguably a bit thick and blocky, and the SA trigger isn't the best, but they're extremely well-built and tend to be an excellent value in less-than-LNIB condition. They technically have a decocker/safety, but as they also have a trigger-actuated firing-pin block, the lever can safely be used purely as a decocker—i.e. always returned to the FIRE position after decocking. S&W offered a gun similar to the M6906 but with a SIG-style frame decocker as the M6926, but they are rare, and collector interest tends to keep prices pretty steep. The earlier M469 and M669 are very similar to the M6904 and M6906 respectively, but they lack some refinements of the later 69xx series, and generally aren't that much cheaper in my experience. I would also suggest looking at the Beretta 92 Compact L, but I'll be honest—as much as I like the gun, it's only compact in relation to the standard 92, and is perhaps better characterized as the 92 Less Large or the 92 Only Moderately Big. It's as big or bigger than many so-called full-size pistols. Last edited by carguychris; February 29, 2016 at 11:20 PM.