I have an itch for anoher S&W 3rd Gen or 2nd Gen gun....

[Miami_JBT]

I've owned a 5906 and sold it. Great little pistol but someone made me an offer I could not refuse. From S&W I currently own a 4506-1, 4006TSW, 59, and a M&P 45 plus my revolvers. I know that CDNN is currently selling 5906s and 6909s for $299 a pop.

Here is my problem. Do I order the 5906 or the 6906? I only CCW service size firearms. I'm not a fan of medium and compact guns. I've owned a couple of gen 2 and gen 3 GLOCK 19s and 23s along with some other medium frame guns like a Kel-Tec P11 and a couple of others from Beretta, etc... they just don't fit my hand right.

Another problem is that my local gun shop has a S&W Model 459 for $350. With tax and background that comes out to $375. Is that a good price? I don't have a 2nd Gen gun in the stable and I would like to eventually get one to round out the evolution of the S&W series of wondernines. A Nickle 59, a 459, and a 5906.

So many choices and so little money.

 

[Ranger30-06]

Go for it! I've got a 4046 (DAO 4006) and I'm already worried about what will happen when the prices shoot back up!

The way I see it: anything 9mm or .40 is worth between $250-400 right now depending on condition
The bigger 10mm's or .45's are worth between $350 and $600 right now depending on condition

I would personally go for the 5906 as they are about as cheap as they will ever be. I too share your love for full size handguns as I have fairly large hands and compacts have never worked well for me. The 459 is very, very close to the 5906. I would have a hard time deciding though, and might go with the 459 because I could walk out with it the same day

Consider them the Colt Pythons of today. They may be cheap now, but 15 years from now you'll be sitting on a gold mine. Those second gens are getting pretty hard to find though...

 

[Sky]

I have the 5906 and the 6906 but it seems the 6906 gets the most usage. Both have been no problem and are keepers.

 

[481]

I've owned a 5906 and sold it. Great little pistol but someone made me an offer I could not refuse. From S&W I currently own a 4506-1, 4006TSW, 59, and a M&P 45 plus my revolvers. I know that CDNN is currently selling 5906s and 6909s for $299 a pop.

Here is my problem. Do I order the 5906 or the 6906? I only CCW service size firearms. I'm not a fan of medium and compact guns. I've owned a couple of gen 2 and gen 3 GLOCK 19s and 23s along with some other medium frame guns like a Kel-Tec P11 and a couple of others from Beretta, etc... they just don't fit my hand right.

As one who also only carries concealed full size service weapons (a G17 or a USP45), I'd say go for the 5906 except for one thing- that all steel frame makes for a heavy carry piece at 38-39 ounces! The aluminum frame of the 6906 lightens it considerably making attractive in that regard, but losing that 1/2" of tube really annoys me since I like the added velocity and increase in sight radius that comes with it. Guess the choice comes down to whether you don't mind the weight of the 5906 or are willing to accept the loss of runway and sight radius in exchange for the weight reduction. Up to you...

I have two pristine 5906s, one NIB and the other with just a few hundred (350-ish) rounds down the pipe and won't part with 'em ever. Once you get a nice one you gotta keep it!

I s'pose that the G17 at 26.5 ounces unladen has spoiled me. The USP45 at 32 ounces ain't too bad either 'specially since it holds 12+1 rounds.

Another problem is that my local gun shop has a S&W Model 459 for $350. With tax and background that comes out to $375. Is that a good price? I don't have a 2nd Gen gun in the stable and I would like to eventually get one to round out the evolution of the S&W series of wondernines. A Nickle 59, a 459, and a 5906.

So many choices and so little money.

Only if that 459 is pretty clean. You can do better (in terms of overall firearm condition) for the same price at CDNN or other similar suppliers that might have them.

 

[Nico Testosteros]

Me, I'd get the 6906. But I already have a 5903.

 

[Plan2Live]

Back in 1986 when I bought my 459, some of the local departments (Florida) were using the 459 as a service weapon. Or so I was told at the time. Sooo.....get the 459. Mine has served me well over those 25 years. Just reccently I noticed the lip on the guide rod that rests in the tiny little indentation on the barrel is slightly bent. I'm going to order another one from S&W. In 25 years that's the only thing that gun has needed and it eats any ammo I load in it.

 

[gearchecker]

IIRC, the 459 is a single stack 9mm and the 5906 is double stack. The weight differece between the two is substantial. The 5906 is fully stainless steel and has quite a bit of heft to it.
I have a 669 and a 5906 and they both suit me to their purpose. I much prefer to carry my 669 with a spare mag on a regular basis. I bought my 5906 from CDNN, and am 100% satisfied with my purchase. Mine is in much better condition than I ever expected.
Either way you can't go wrong. Consider the differences, and if your lucky you'll be able to buy both of them.

 

[Plan2Live]

459 = double stack, 13 or 14 rounds, I don't remember, I just load till it's full.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

ditto the 5903. I would not trade mine for a Steyr. course I have a Marlin Camp 9 uses same mags too.

 

[carbuncle]

I like the 5906, myself!

 

[wnycollector]

I picked up a Beretta 84 a few months ago from Coles Distributing. Garry Cole has a WHOLE bunch of 2nd and 3rd gen S&W pistols for great prices on Gunbroker. For less than $500 you could get BOTH a S&W 915 (value line 5904) and a 6904 Here are the links:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=254689174
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=254638069