Trunk Monkey
member
I'm still trying to wrap my head around the idea of a 6906 being a brick
Looking To Replace My Current EDC Pistol
- Thread starter SwampWolf
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SwampWolf
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Let's just say it's some old guy desperately looking for a logical reason (okay, one that my wife of fifty years will buy into and she's getting harder and harder to convince) to buy a new gun. After my agency transitioned from revolvers to autos, the Model 6906 was my duty gun for over ten years before I retired in 1998. I have carried it concealed as a "civilian" ever since that time. Familiarity doesn't breed contempt in this case, only respect; but we're getting tired of looking at each other. Heck, it's been over five years (an inordinately long time between guns for this old-timer) since I bought my last gun (a used Browning Medalist at an OGCA gun show) and I'm on the prowl again. A great way to stay young, if you ask me.
Trunk Monkey
member
Let's just say it's some old guy desperately looking for a logical reason (okay, one that my wife of fifty years will buy into and she's getting harder and harder to convince) to buy a new gun. After my agency transitioned from revolvers to autos, the Model 6906 was my duty gun for over ten years before I retired in 1998. I have carried it concealed as a "civilian" ever since that time. Familiarity doesn't breed contempt in this case, only respect; but we're getting tired of looking at each other. Heck, it's been over five years (an inordinately long time between guns for this old-timer) since I bought my last gun (a used Browning Medalist at an OGCA gun show) and I'm on the prowl again. A great way to stay young, if you ask me.
I understand what you're saying and I'm not saying that it's wrong for you, that's just not the way my mind works.
I haven't bought a new gun since June of 2018. And it hasn't occurred to me to even look for one.
But again I'm not saying that you're wrong or that I disagree with your rationale. It's just not the way my mind works so it's not something that I probably ever would have thought of
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Hey SwampWolf.
I have a kind of similar situation. I have a Smith 6906 that I bought new in the 1980s. I changed the spurless hammer out for a spurred one for a 5906, and added 14 round magazines with a form fitting extension. But I can still use the 12 rounders, of course. But I have always liked the gun. It was a reasonable size for its time and could be carried, as you have. But I never really used it for a carry gun, as I preferred a Walther PPK in the pocket. I still use the Smith as a home defense gun to this day. Its an excellent gun.
I replaced the PPK with a Glock 26, which although a bit bigger, I could carry in certain pockets. Liked it a lot, with its capacity, but I was always wary of it having no safety, unlike the PPK. Then later for carry I replaced that with a SiG P290RS, which didn't need a safety, as it had a heavier double action pull like a revolver, and was smaller than the Glock. I always liked that one. But it is a 6+1 gun.
But my favorite now is the Sig P365 with the manual safety. I have had it a little over a year, and I couldn't be happier with it. The only thing I have done to it is put the Hogue grip on it, which I really like. In effect, it is the size of my old PPK, or P290RS, with the firepower of the Smith. I carry it with the 10 rounder plus the 12 rounder magazine as a backup. But you could go the other way around and carry it with the 12 rounder. It is perfect. I carry it IWB, but it easily fits in a pocket with the 10 rounder, as it is the standard P365, not the XL . I forget that it is even there, in a sense. It is no bother at all. And it shoots very well. I love the trigger. And I carry it with a round in the chamber, safety on. It is the sweet spot for me. I can't recommend a holster, as mine does not have a thumb break.
Good luck with your search.
I have a kind of similar situation. I have a Smith 6906 that I bought new in the 1980s. I changed the spurless hammer out for a spurred one for a 5906, and added 14 round magazines with a form fitting extension. But I can still use the 12 rounders, of course. But I have always liked the gun. It was a reasonable size for its time and could be carried, as you have. But I never really used it for a carry gun, as I preferred a Walther PPK in the pocket. I still use the Smith as a home defense gun to this day. Its an excellent gun.
I replaced the PPK with a Glock 26, which although a bit bigger, I could carry in certain pockets. Liked it a lot, with its capacity, but I was always wary of it having no safety, unlike the PPK. Then later for carry I replaced that with a SiG P290RS, which didn't need a safety, as it had a heavier double action pull like a revolver, and was smaller than the Glock. I always liked that one. But it is a 6+1 gun.
But my favorite now is the Sig P365 with the manual safety. I have had it a little over a year, and I couldn't be happier with it. The only thing I have done to it is put the Hogue grip on it, which I really like. In effect, it is the size of my old PPK, or P290RS, with the firepower of the Smith. I carry it with the 10 rounder plus the 12 rounder magazine as a backup. But you could go the other way around and carry it with the 12 rounder. It is perfect. I carry it IWB, but it easily fits in a pocket with the 10 rounder, as it is the standard P365, not the XL . I forget that it is even there, in a sense. It is no bother at all. And it shoots very well. I love the trigger. And I carry it with a round in the chamber, safety on. It is the sweet spot for me. I can't recommend a holster, as mine does not have a thumb break.
Good luck with your search.
JR24
Member
Let's just say it's some old guy desperately looking for a logical reason (okay, one that my wife of fifty years will buy into and she's getting harder and harder to convince) to buy a new gun. After my agency transitioned from revolvers to autos, the Model 6906 was my duty gun for over ten years before I retired in 1998. I have carried it concealed as a "civilian" ever since that time. Familiarity doesn't breed contempt in this case, only respect; but we're getting tired of looking at each other. Heck, it's been over five years (an inordinately long time between guns for this old-timer) since I bought my last gun (a used Browning Medalist at an OGCA gun show) and I'm on the prowl again. A great way to stay young, if you ask me.
Justifying a new gun is always an acceptable reason!
Heck, the last one I bought was because I don't have a DA/SA gun anymore and wanted to learn it, I have no practical use for the gun as all my "working" and fun guns are SAO or Glocks.
bannockburn
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SwampWolf
I like your line of reasoning, especially if it works on the wife! I will have to try it on mine the next time I want to buy a new gun!
I like your line of reasoning, especially if it works on the wife! I will have to try it on mine the next time I want to buy a new gun!
I have done a fair amount of shooting with the Ruger SR9c and find it to be a reliable and accurate carry gun. I don't shoot it as well as my M&P or Kahr but it seems to be a good firearm. My good friend purchased it as his first handgun so when we go to the range, I will usually put a mag or two downrange with it.
sparkyfender
Member
I have a horsehide IWB holster with a strap that was made by C. Rusty Sherrick. Very well made holster.
SwampWolf
Member
Based on all the replies thus far, it appears as though I will have to do without an iwb holster having a thumb-break and settle for one that features a good friction retention system.
LUCKYDAWG13
Member
I would be looking at https://www.miltsparks.com/store.php then
SwampWolf
Member
I've been trying to find the specific holster sparkyfender referenced but haven't located it yet. By "strap", I'm not sure if he means a thumb-break retention strap or a more conventional one that goes over the back of the pistol and snaps to the body of the holster.
LUCKYDAWG13
Member
I would think that any custom holster maker would make you what you want maybe make a few phone calls good luck
Ignition Override
Member
SwampWolf: You've probably excluded my usual 'prescription'- either a military or commercial Makarov.
No doubt that you esteemed folks are tired of seeing this boring suggestion, over and over.
As Flight Officer Ripley (S. Weaver) said in "Aliens 2" when the executives confronted her that she had used its nuclear engines to destroy a # Class Star Freighter
(Bad alien) -- "Well, you can bill me".
No doubt that you esteemed folks are tired of seeing this boring suggestion, over and over.
As Flight Officer Ripley (S. Weaver) said in "Aliens 2" when the executives confronted her that she had used its nuclear engines to destroy a # Class Star Freighter
(Bad alien) -- "Well, you can bill me".
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SwampWolf
Member
I still find it hard to believe that Alien (my favorite sf film) was made a movie in 1979!
GE-Mini-Gun
Member
S&W MP 2.0 Compact
SwampWolf
Member
In doing my research for finding a new EDC pistol, I've learned something about myself: I'm not a fan of sub-compact pistols, especially when chambered for cartridges larger than the .380 ACP. I have a Ruger LCP for those few times I have to arm myself minimally (due to weather factors or social circumstances); generally a "niche" situation for me.
I tried handling pistols like the SIG 365 XL and SA's "Hellcat" and, as much as I wanted to like them, they felt way too small for my tastes. I like a pistol grip that affords plenty of room for my hand and a pistol heavy enough to control recoil and quick repeat shots better (which is why I've always been a fan of my Smith Model 6906 and why the Springfield XD E had such an appeal for me initially ), all of which, of course, goes a long way in negating the concealment factor an edc pistol should possess. It's just a reminder that all guns are compromises and none of them are everything.
The search goes on.
I tried handling pistols like the SIG 365 XL and SA's "Hellcat" and, as much as I wanted to like them, they felt way too small for my tastes. I like a pistol grip that affords plenty of room for my hand and a pistol heavy enough to control recoil and quick repeat shots better (which is why I've always been a fan of my Smith Model 6906 and why the Springfield XD E had such an appeal for me initially ), all of which, of course, goes a long way in negating the concealment factor an edc pistol should possess. It's just a reminder that all guns are compromises and none of them are everything.
The search goes on.
JR24
Member
In doing my research for finding a new EDC pistol, I've learned something about myself: I'm not a fan of sub-compact pistols, especially when chambered for cartridges larger than the .380 ACP. I have a Ruger LCP for those few times I have to arm myself minimally (due to weather factors or social circumstances); generally a "niche" situation for me.
I tried handling pistols like the SIG 365 XL and SA's "Hellcat" and, as much as I wanted to like them, they felt way too small for my tastes. I like a pistol grip that affords plenty of room for my hand and a pistol heavy enough to control recoil and quick repeat shots better (which is why I've always been a fan of my Smith Model 6906 and why the Springfield XD E had such an appeal for me initially ), all of which, of course, goes a long way in negating the concealment factor an edc pistol should possess. It's just a reminder that all guns are compromises and none of them are everything.
The search goes on.
Yep, I agree. My sweet spot is Glock 19 ish size (around a 4" barrel and about 5" height. Allows a full grip but still conceals well for me).
My first and only conceal-carry was a 1911 commander for a long time. Last year I tried and switched to a 365 with manual safety. It really shoots well and feels good for being small. Its my first polymer/striker-fired gun, and I can accept the change with the higher round capacity. Now I have both the 320-M17 and M18 as well, but the 365 is my carry 99% of the time.
No need to feel bad about that. I'm sure folks are tired of hearing my pitch for the Shield, too. But I'll tell you right now that I'm about to do it again.....No doubt that you esteemed folks are tired of seeing this boring suggestion, over and over.
I'll reiterate my suggestion that you handle a Shield, especially if you can lay hands on one that has an extended magazine. The 8-rounder for the 9mm, or 7 rounder for the .45, if you're looking at .45s. Shoot one if you can. Traditionally, I have not liked pistols that use a magazine sleeve to extend the grip. With one exception, every one I've handled had at least a tiny bit of wiggle where the sleeve meets the grip. I've elected not to buy several pistols for that factor alone. The one exception that I mentioned is the Shield. I carry it with an 8 round magazine and 2 spare mags. It's absolutely rock-solid through the grip. And when I say rock-solid, I mean I can't tell that it uses a mag sleeve to extend the grip by feel alone, not even when shooting. It also handles recoil surprisingly well.In doing my research for finding a new EDC pistol, I've learned something about myself: I'm not a fan of sub-compact pistols, especially when chambered for cartridges larger than the .380 ACP. . . . .I tried handling pistols like the SIG 365 XL and SA's "Hellcat" and, as much as I wanted to like them, they felt way too small for my tastes. I like a pistol grip that affords plenty of room for my hand and a pistol heavy enough to control recoil and quick repeat shots better (which is why I've always been a fan of my Smith Model 6906 and why the Springfield XD E had such an appeal for me initially ), all of which, of course, goes a long way in negating the concealment factor an edc pistol should possess. It's just a reminder that all guns are compromises and none of them are everything.
The search goes on.
Agreed. I've long thought that the 1911 commander was pretty much the perfect size for carry. The G19 is almost the exact same height and length, and a smidge thicker. Well, maybe I should say it's the perfect size for carry for me. That's one of the reasons I was so excited to find that 4" Shield. I'll be equally excited to see how it performs when it gets back from S&W.
JR24
Member
Add a bobtail and slimline grips and a commander conceals just as well as a Glock 19 size gun on me, add an aluminum frame and it's pretty close in weight. 10+1 9mm or 8+1 .45 isn't exactly unarmed either.
I do like my DW Valkyrie CCO as well, shorter grip does carry a little easier (though I use the extended 9 round baseplate so that offsets a bit) but the thin profile really hugs the body and conceals well. Shoots lights out too!
If I could get over my dislike of the M&P hinged trigger I'd really like the shields.
Maybe next year when gun prices get less crazy (we hope!!) and I've finished figuring out the DA/SA system to my liking I'll pick up an M&P and learn to love it too. Been working on trying to better myself by figuring out all the triggers I have disliked and avoided in the past.
I've decided that my comfort zone is right around 25 rounds, all total. A G19 with a spare mag got me to 30, but a Shield with 8 and 2 spares gets me to 24, 25 if I top off. And in terms of weight, my Shield 45 comes in at 24.8 oz, as compared to 23 and some change for a G19, & 36+ for an SR1911 Commander. (According to S&W and handgunhero.com
https://www.apextactical.com/blog/apex-news/upgrade-your-mp-shield-with-apex-trigger-kits/
JR24
Member
I've decided that my comfort zone is right around 25 rounds, all total. A G19 with a spare mag got me to 30, but a Shield with 8 and 2 spares gets me to 24, 25 if I top off. And in terms of weight, my Shield 45 comes in at 24.8 oz, as compared to 23 and some change for a G19, & 36+ for an SR1911 Commander. (According to S&W and handgunhero.com
https://www.apextactical.com/blog/apex-news/upgrade-your-mp-shield-with-apex-trigger-kits/
Yeah, 8 with 2 spares is usually what I was ok with as a minimum myself, especially with single stacks since the second fits so nicely in a pocket.
As for trigger kits, I have a thing where I don't like to monkey with the trigger on any guns that might be used for SD, and consider all my autoloaders as potential carry/SD guns. It's a quirk of my semi OCD worrying about reliability and liability, even though my logical brain knows it's likely a non issue.
Somehow having a custom shop or build do the work doesn't bother me.
Still, the appeal would be to learn the new trigger, I'm perfectly happy with Glocks and their triggers in my hands so swapping to a Glock like trigger has significantly less appeal
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