Deciding between S&W 59, 459 or 5906

[chrismc410]

Hi,

As the title says, trying to decide which of the aforementioned I want to buy. I handled all three but can't decide which. I know all three have many in common since all are descendants of the first, the Model 59 and the magazines will interchange between the three. Price is about equal + or - $100 on the various sites and elsewhere. Which of them are the best in terms of feeding, ammo versatility or any other factor.

Thanks

 

[Storm]

Given those three choices I'd go with the 5906 (or 5903). While I like 2nd Gen Smiths I'd go with the 3rd Gen 5900 Series. FYI, the 2nd Gen 459 was improved to have a firing pin block that the 59 didn't have. Overall I think your best bet for the best gun will be the 5906.

 

[jaholder1971]

Get all 3

 

[Devonai]

I think the 5906 is the epitome of the breed, and you will not be disappointed. The 59 is a classic, but your chances of running into an example that will perform as well as any given 5906 is lower. The 459 is just ugly, in my opinion, but stands as good of a chance of running well as a 59.

 

[GZOh]

Go with the 5906... Great gun, very well made, all-metal heavy gun feel, very accurate shoot, trigger-pull OTB was sweet, and as they say, will out-live their owner!!
I'd call CDNN... they have them priced $299-319 (VG-EX) or NIB $399... am told the the VG's are just that and beyond. Bought one NIB, and like it alot!!

 

[Storm]

I'd also add that the difference in the finish quality and refinement between the 1st/2nd Gen and the 3rd Gen is huge. Today I picked up a 2nd Gen 669 and 3rd Gen 3906, and when you put the guns side-by-side the finish difference are very noticeable. You'll find tool/machining marks on the 2nd Gen that are gone on the 3rd.

 

[gidaeon]

Go with 3rd gen i.e, 5906. My 5904 is well worn but always completely reliable. Great pieces these all are. There are some great deals on these guys.

 

[GZOh]

Ditto Storm... Also, check the 'insides'... very impressive quality!! When you do a 'field-strip' for cleanup you get a firsthand look at the quality/workmanship that went in to these 3rd-Gen babies!!...
To get these 5906's in this $300+ range is GOOD VALUE!

 

[Goldenlight]

I own a 5906. I have owned a 59 (purchased new in 1977) and a 659, also purchased new.

I put 30,000 rounds through the Model 59. It was the most accurate of the three, due to it's barrel bushing. They are getting to be somewhat rare, in good condition. The slide to frame fit on my 59 was pretty loose, by the time I traded it.

The 659 I owned was the least accurate 9mm I ever fired. I traded it as soon as possible. I bought it as soon as they started making them. Perhaps I got a lemon. I'll never know, I guess.

The 5906 isn't quite as accurate at the old Model 59, but it's very serviceable.

It's a fairly heavy pistol: all stainless steel. I like the way it soaks up recoil. I can accurately rapid fire my Model 5906 faster than any other pistol I've ever fired.

I'd go with the 5906, in a second.

 

[Holloman]

I bought myself a VG condition 5906 police trade-in (CSPD) On tuesday. Yesterday I went through 100 rounds, liked the feel a LOT. Worth the $375 I paid for it. (yes, it is a bit high, but I got free range time, night sites and was in PERFECT condition)

I am not very accurate with it yet, but I am positive I will be soon.

 

[Storm]

the Model 59. It was the most accurate of the three, due to it's barrel bushing. They are getting to be somewhat rare, in good condition.

That's unfortunately true. Every 59 that I've seen has been really chewed up and often with a 20 round mag hanging out of it. I see a fair amount of 39-2 in nice condition, but the 59s seem to be pretty ratty.

 

[PCFlorida]

The 659 I owned was the least accurate 9mm I ever fired.

So was mine, I sold it and bought a 92F back in the 80's, was much more accurate.

 

[chrismc410]

Seems the general consensus is that I should get the 5906. With that said, I've seen prices for the aforementioned 5906 anywhere from the $280-$500 range, same with the previous Models 59 and 459. What is a good price for a 5906. Another mention I found is the 5904, I think this the blued steel version. Am I correct?

 

[Storm]

Another mention I found is the 5904, I think this the blued steel version. Am I correct?

Yes the 5904 is blued steel. Unless you have a strong preference for blued steel I would go with the all stainless 5906, or alternatively the stainless and alloy 5903.

There is no need to pay $500 for a 5906. I think that CDNN has or had them for $300 in very good condition and $400 for brand new. I paid $329 for my 5903 as a police trade-in which isn't too bad considering it's in really good condition with night sights with some life left in them.

I'd say that the range here seems to be $300 to $400, although I have heard for some going around $275. Of course if you buy over the Net you have to add in shipping and transfer fees. I prefer to buy guns in person, but with CDNN I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Photo finish

The 5906, because its one-piece wraparound grip gives you choices of configurations (flat or curved backstrap factory, or Hogue), ambidextrous safety and Novak or adjustable sights.

Yes the 5904 is blued steel.

A minor correction: only the slide; the frame is blackened aluminum alloy. I once owned one.

 

[rondog]

The least favorite gun I've ever owned was a model 59. It always worked, but accuracy sucked and the trigger was awful. I hated that gun, and I'd never own another one. But that's just MY opinion.

 

[Storm]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Storm
Yes the 5904 is blued steel.

A minor correction: only the slide; the frame is blackened aluminum alloy. I once owned one.

That is correct. I was thinking of the slide. I wish the frame was steel

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The least favorite gun I've ever owned was a model 59. It always worked, but accuracy sucked and the trigger was awful. I hated that gun, and I'd never own another one. But that's just MY opinion.

"Third Generation" (59XX) guns display neither of those traits. My 3913LS (yes, I still have my "man card") shoots one-hole groups in slow fire and has smooth pulls in both modes. In fact, a shooting buddy who normally prefers 1911s tried it and commented that it might almost make him change his mind.

 

[chrismc410]

A Man card? Referring to the gun or caliber?

 

[Shade00]

I think he was referring to the 'LS' part of the 3913... for LadySmith.

 

[Storm]

I think he was referring to the 'LS' part of the 3913... for LadySmith.

Just so it isn't carried in a "man purse"...

Heck, after first shooting my 3913, incredibly accurate and smooth, my first thought was "holy crap!" followed by giggling like a schoolgirl ("man card" and all). If Smith has made a perfect semi-auto, this one is it. I'm also expecting great things from my "new" 3906.

The 59 looks really rough. I put is beside a 39-2 and there is a world of difference. That so many have reported crappy performance from the 59 doesn't surprise me in the least.

 

[MachIVshooter]

The 5906 is the way to go. 59 is cool/nostalgic. 459/659 are an updated 59. 5906 is the final execution of S&W's wonderful double action 9mm platform. It is one of the most accurate, durable, ergonomic and (IMO) aesthetically pleasing 9mm's out there. And considering that they can be had for under $400 all day long, they definitely rate as a best buy.

Alongside my Baby Eagle, the 5906 has seen test loads that would likely turn lesser pistols into digit removers. You really can't hurt them.

 

[chrismc410]

I saw other possibilities as well, the S&W 910 and 915. I'm told these are in the same family as the 59/459/5906 but more of the economy versions, are these good as well or stick with the previous versions?

Thanks