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carguychris · May 17, 2013, 02:28 PM

Short answer:

$250 for an ugly but shootable "beater" up to $500-$550 LNIB. Most trade in the $350+/- range.

Longer answer:

There are 4 basic variations of the Model 6906, in order of decreasing age and roughly increasing desirability:

Square trigger guard, vertical blade rear sight
Square trigger guard, slanted Novak Lo-Mount rear sight
Round trigger guard, Novak rear sight, silver-color flash chrome trigger, silver-color flash chrome solid-sided hammer (last two also used on all earlier guns)
Same as #3 but with black MIM trigger and black MIM "skeletonized" or "cutaway" hammer

The early vertical blade rear sight is OK but the Novak is better and has more aftermarket replacement options (slide dovetails are different sizes so they don't interchange).

The square trigger guard does not fit in all holsters and is ugly to boot.

The later MIM hammer and trigger yield a better out-of-the-box trigger pull, particularly DA, and some S&W pistol fans prefer them; yes, you read that right, this is an instance where shooters think MIM is actually better.

The later pistols are worth more, and you should consider picking one if your friend lets you choose.

[EDIT] Forgot to mention... 14/15rd S&W 59-series and Marlin Camp 9 Carbine mags work perfectly in these pistols, although they project below the grip.

May 17, 2013, 02:28 PM	#2
carguychris Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2007 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 7,523	Short answer: $250 for an ugly but shootable "beater" up to $500-$550 LNIB. Most trade in the $350+/- range. Longer answer: There are 4 basic variations of the Model 6906, in order of decreasing age and roughly increasing desirability: Square trigger guard, vertical blade rear sight Square trigger guard, slanted Novak Lo-Mount rear sight Round trigger guard, Novak rear sight, silver-color flash chrome trigger, silver-color flash chrome solid-sided hammer (last two also used on all earlier guns) Same as #3 but with black MIM trigger and black MIM "skeletonized" or "cutaway" hammer The early vertical blade rear sight is OK but the Novak is better and has more aftermarket replacement options (slide dovetails are different sizes so they don't interchange). The square trigger guard does not fit in all holsters and is ugly to boot. The later MIM hammer and trigger yield a better out-of-the-box trigger pull, particularly DA, and some S&W pistol fans prefer them; yes, you read that right, this is an instance where shooters think MIM is actually better. The later pistols are worth more, and you should consider picking one if your friend lets you choose. [EDIT] Forgot to mention... 14/15rd S&W 59-series and Marlin Camp 9 Carbine mags work perfectly in these pistols, although they project below the grip. __________________ "Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules... MARK IT ZERO!!" - Walter Sobchak Last edited by carguychris; May 17, 2013 at 02:33 PM. Reason: minor reword...