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Miami_JBT
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Local shop had one in okay condition for $550. Problem is they have that buffer that needs to be replaced or the gun destroys themselves.
One 1,500 were made and now one of them is mine.
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Miami_JBT
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Yeah, they closed up recently. I know they were out of Massachusetts. Sucks that they're gone.
Homerboy
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That’s right. He’s a big fan of the 3rd gens also. He’s been to sr order school and has a great video in tearing them down.
Confederate
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Many people like the 3rd generation S&W autos, but they go to them as though the 2nd generation guns weren't ever in existence. I have several 2nd and 3rd generation pistols (including a 659 and a 5906) and I love 'em both, but if I had to l lose one, it would be the 5906 as I prefer the 659. I also have a 645 and a 3906, and the 2nd generation guns are just as reliable as the 3rd generation guns.
When the Model 59 was first introduced, I really, really wanted one. But they had horrible reputations and were called jammomatics. People didn't understand how S&W could make s such good revolvers but make such lousy autos. So I waited and bought an Italian Beretta. It wasn't nickel plated like the S&W 59, but they ate anything that fit into the magazine. S&W later fixed the problems, but I think the 2nd generation was the "lost" generation. Many people seemed to forget it even existed. The problem with the 3rd generation was similar to the Ruger rear sight issue. Ruger adjustable rear sights are all the same: the .22LR Single-Six has the same adjustable sights as the Super Redhawk. And the S&W 3rd generation plastic grips are all the same!
S&W 457 .45 auto has the bsame plastic grips as 3rd gen pistols.
If someone came up and offered to swap me a S&W 39 for my 3906, I'd trade in a heartbeat, because the 3906 has the same type of plastic grips as my 5906. I'd love to have some wood grips for my 3906. I don't know if S&W changed them to cut corners or for ergonomics, or both, but I prefer the 2nd generation. The Model 457 has them, but I don't know if it is a 2nd or 3rd generation pistol.
S&W 645 is a great 2nd generation .45 auto.
The S&W 659 is a superb 9mm 2nd generation pistol that is every bit as accurate and reliable as the 3rd generation 5906, and it's a beautiful gun as well, and both take the same 10-/14-/20-round magazines. Oh, and the 6906 also is a great little 9mm that takes 13-round magazines, or all the magazines the 659/5906 takes. It's a truly magnificent little pistol with an alloy frame.
S&W 5906
S&W 3906
S&W 6906, takes 13-round or 20-round mags.
S&W 659
Monac
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Confederate, thanks for your interesting, well-illustrated post. I just thought I would mention that the videos you have links for in your sig file are "unavailable", at least to me.
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Miami_JBT
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I owned a Model 59 and a Model 669. Sold them both. I still have a Model 645 and a Model 745.
Here's the current gaggle of Smiths....
I actually CCW my Model 645.
My Model 669 and Model 59 that I sold.
Why did I sell them? Because the 3rd Gen is a vastly superior design in terms of quality and improvement.
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bannockburn
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Miami_JBT
Nice collection of S&W autos! I had a few of them when they were still being made; a couple of 469s, a 669, and a 6906. They were all good, serviceable guns but felt their DA/SA triggers were just so-so and I never did like slide mounted safeties/decockers.
Nice collection of S&W autos! I had a few of them when they were still being made; a couple of 469s, a 669, and a 6906. They were all good, serviceable guns but felt their DA/SA triggers were just so-so and I never did like slide mounted safeties/decockers.
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Miami_JBT
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I had a 5926 for a period of time.
It felt cluttered with the frame mounted decocker.
Devonai
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On the base where I work, both of our Ford Rangers, hand-me-downs from Security Forces, still have torn-up seats from M9 muzzles.
Homerboy
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I just never got into 1st or 2nd gen guns. I’ve held a few but never fired one. They just seem clunkier to me. I especially don’t like the screw holding the safety on. Used to be an actual Phillips head before they moved to an Allen key looking one. Just looks like somebody rigged it up at their kitchen table. I’m sure they’re fully functional but there must be a reason why they got rid of them for the 3rd gen guns.
Confederate
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And thank you for your comments. Fixed the links and hope you like them.
Understood. But check out Nutnfancy's summation of the S&W 59. If you aren't subscribed to him, I highly recommend his channel. He reviews guns and knives. I've listened to him for years.
I've always viewed the safeties as unnecessary on the S&W autos. Rack a round into the chamber, drop the hammer on it and turn the safety off. But safeties are a personal thing.
Yes, some said they look "boxy." I find them beautiful!
Since we're displaying S&W autos, here are mine...
52, 52-2, PPC9, Target Champion, PPC9
952-1, 952-2, Comp 40, 945, 845
I only do the Performance Center pistols these days, with the exception of my old 52's. I had several 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gen autos over the years and sold every one of them.
52, 52-2, PPC9, Target Champion, PPC9
952-1, 952-2, Comp 40, 945, 845
I only do the Performance Center pistols these days, with the exception of my old 52's. I had several 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gen autos over the years and sold every one of them.
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Miami_JBT
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I'm officially jealous of those PC guns!
The 5903 SSV hanging out with my Beretta 92FS Centurion.
SwampWolf
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I still have a couple of "Third Generation" Smith pistols; models 4006 (.40 cal.) and 6906 (9mm cal.). I still don't think there ever was a more reliable or better built pistol made (yep, including the Glock 
). I carried a Model 6906 for several years after my agency transitioned from revolvers to autos and it is one of my favorite edc pistols as a "civilian" (mine has the earlier "hooked" trigger guard that I don't like nearly as well as the more conventional "rounded" variant, strictly in terms of subjective aesthetics). I'm not a big fan of dao actions and much prefer the classic da (da/sa) configuration; mostly, I suppose, because that's the format I was trained on.
I don't know what you paid for it, Miami_JBT, but you got a great pistol.
). I carried a Model 6906 for several years after my agency transitioned from revolvers to autos and it is one of my favorite edc pistols as a "civilian" (mine has the earlier "hooked" trigger guard that I don't like nearly as well as the more conventional "rounded" variant, strictly in terms of subjective aesthetics). I'm not a big fan of dao actions and much prefer the classic da (da/sa) configuration; mostly, I suppose, because that's the format I was trained on.I don't know what you paid for it, Miami_JBT, but you got a great pistol.
armedwalleye
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I purchased a used standard 5903 where the original owner had also had fitted a 669 barrel and slide, effectively "making" an SSV. I sure like carrying it with that shorter barrel and slide. The original frame was a little beat up, but I couldn't pass it up for the price.
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