9mm for fun: S&W 639, S&W 5906 or Sig p6/225

The second and third generation S&W are totally different except for the upper slide assembly. It is way beyond a few cosmetic differences. The trigger is vastly improved on the third generation units and many parts do not interchange.

We have used both extensively since the mid 80's and they have been trouble free. The only problem on the second gen units were the ambi safety falling off. There is no way to keep the screw tight. We swapped out those for third gen safeties but they are tough to find today.

While it can't hurt changing the springs, we have units still in operation since 84 using original magazines and springs. Zero problems. I would suggest getting someone who is a S&W armorer to swap out the springs outside of the mainspring, recoil and firing pin spring. Hate to see you wind up with a pile of gun parts.

 

Having shot many of the 2nd and 3rd gen guns over the past 20 years I would agree with that. But, there are 2nd Gen guns that are pretty much the equal of most 3rd gen guns, and there are some 2nd gen guns that can exceed 3rd gen guns in terms of trigger. Overall the 3rd gen refinements added a lot to the guns and made for more consistent weapons. 2nd Gen guns can be a mixed bag. That said, I wouldn't part with my 645, 469, 669, or 659.

 

I have a S&W 659 and a Sig (it's my father's), and there's no contest; I like the 659 much better, and I have smallish hands. Both pistols are far more reliable out of the box than any 1911 I've seen and I like the steel frame of the 659. I also love the double action trigger of the 659—far more than that of the Sig.

The 639 is a gun I've always wanted. It's also a very robust gun. The 659 has 20-round mags you can get for it, too. It makes the package an incredible choice, especially with +P 115-gr. JHPs.



With a 20-round magazine.




The 5906 also is a handsome gun.




Both guns.

 

I think the 5906 is such a nice looking gun . Does anyone know if it's still in production ?

 

JW, I've owned 2 Smith and Wesson pistols and one revolver, still have the revolver. My first ever firearm was a Smith model 39-2, beautiful gun liked high end ammo, but would fire most cheap stuff, light strikes probably, pull the trigger again and maybe... Sold it for rent money circa 1978. Later I bought the next best thing a used model 59, absolutely spotless, would not feed most cheap ammunition really liked the good stuff, This was when I fell out of shooting 9mm pistols... Until I bought a used SIG P226, then a Glock G34, then traded the Smith model 59 toward a CZ 75D PCR (never regretted this). When I had the 59 I really disliked 9mm, SIG changed that and the G34 showed the real potential for fun and accuracy in the 9mm. Wish I could say I miss the Smiths, well maybe the 39-2, but to me they are and always will be a revolver maker that sells pistols too. Get the SIG or a used CZ or if you can stomach having a tupperware pistol a used Glock.

 

I own a S&W 910 (value line S&W 5904) and a SIG P6, my 910 will out shoot my P6. IMOO S&W 2nd and 3rd gens pistols are undervalued and overlooked by collectors. Get the 5906...but the 639 is hard to beat for the $$$!

 

I have a S&W 645, 3913, 669 and Model 59 and really like them. I also have a Sig P239 and P226 and enjoy shooting them also. I prefer cleaning the Sigs as they disassemble and reassemble a little easier than the S&W's, but they are both fine firearms...

 

Good pick and a good price, a smoking good price. You, your sons, and your grandsons will not live long enough to put any serous wear on the 639.

Sigs are good, but I think you got a better deal.

 

910 is the current incarnation of the 59xx. All alloy. There's also the 908 which is the compact version. IMO, the 59xx series were some of the the finest US made pistols.

 

Wow, this post is really back from the grave....

Surprised to see this old post pop back up, but it seems these pistols have a very loyal following. As an update, I still have the 639 and got it a nice set of original wooden grips. In the mean time, I picked up the Sig P6 at Aim back when they had them in stock.

As you already know, both are really nice, accurate, and reliable. But on these cold winter evenings when I go to my gun closet just to look things over, it is always the stainless 639 with wood grips that speaks to me. It is just a handsome, solid piece which looks and feels like a pistol should.

Thanks for all your comments.

 

The trigger on the Sig P-5 SUCKS. Glad you got the 639.

The only problem I've found with them is that the trigger pinches my finger agaisnt the frame right after the shot.

My 645 did this a little bit and I rounded the rear right edge of the trigger and also relieved the side of the frame behind the trigger into a 1/2 moon. It's just above the mag release on the right side. It gave my finger more room and no more finger getting pinched.

 

All I can say is, I have had my Smith 5904 for 20 years and it has never jammed on me. It has and is a nice pistol and is my concealed carry gun. Works pretty good for me.