Proper 3rd generation S&W auto for me

[lastditch]

Having shot several variations at the local club, I've decided to take the plunge and buy one. Here's the rub. The nomenclature is fuzzy to me. Here's a list of what I desire.

*9mm
*all stainless
*about "Commander size"-Alittle bigger than a 3913 but smaller than the 5906

Does the beast exist?

Many thanks in advance

 

[MachIVshooter]

3906?

There are no compact all-stainless 3rd gens. The 6906 matches your requirements closest, but it's alloy.

 

[cmr0226]

Having shot several variations at the local club, I've decided to take the plunge and buy one. Here's the rub. The nomenclature is fuzzy to me. Here's a list of what I desire.

*9mm
*all stainless
*about "Commander size"-Alittle bigger than a 3913 but smaller than the 5906

Does the beast exist?

Sorry, but I think you're out of luck. The 3913 has a 3-1/2" barrel while the 5906 has a 4" barrel and S&W made nothing in between. The only area where you might find a compromise is in magazine size. The 3913 has a single-column, 8-round magazine, while the 5906 has a double-column, 15-round magazine (or 14+1, I can't remember for sure). There is one other model, the 3906 which might fit your needs. It has a 4" barrel, is all stainless but with a single-column, 8-round magazine. But good luck finding one.

Hope this helps!

cmr

 

[minutemen1776]

There is one other model, the 3906 which might fit your needs. It has a 4" barrel, is all stainless but with a single-column, 8-round magazine. But good luck finding one.

Here's one. A bit pricey though, but maybe not too bad with the extra mags and the finish.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=287038663

 

[tuj]

while the 5906 has a double-column, 15-round magazine (or 14+1, I can't remember for sure).

15 round OEM, 17 round Mecgar flush-fit mags available aftermarket.

 

[kellmark]

I have had a 6906 since they were new many years ago, like the mid 1980's. I had a normal hammer put on it and a trigger job and it is just perfect for me, fairly compact, stainless slide, double stack, and nice all around gun. I have both flush mags and extended higher capacity ones. It handles really well. Now I use it for my standard home defense gun. I would recommend it for what you are describing.

 

[SwampWolf]

Before retiring, I carried the Model 6906 for over a decade. Its relatively compact, relatively light in weight, relatively affordable and super reliable. I agree with kellmark: it's the model I'd recommend.

 

[clang]

Already beed said above, for traditional DA guns (1st shot Da, following SA) -

3906 - same size as 5906, but simgle stack, all stainless.

6906 - compact double stack, alloy frame

3913 - compact single stack, alloy frame

An all stainless version of the 6906 would have been nice, but I don't think they ever made one.

 

[minutemen1776]

15 round OEM

Older factory S&W mags (with black followers) held 14 rounds. Later ones (with orange followers) held 15.

 

[thedriver101]

Yea, you either go with the 5906 (full frame, double stack, all stainless) which is on the large end of your preference.

Or you can go with the 6906 (compact frame, double stack, alloy) which is slightly smaller/about the same size as a 1911 Commander.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The obvious answer is the the 3906

It is in 9mm and has a stainless frame and slide. It is the big brother of the 3913/14 as it has a 4" barrel and takes a longer magazine in the .5" longer buttframe. The only thing that would make it thicker is the thicker grips they usually came with.

It is comparable to the Colt Commander in size. Its predecessor was the M-39, which was designed to competed with the 9mm Commander (now called the LW Commander) for an Air Force contract.

I've found the M-39, and its follow on models (in stainless the 639 & 3906) to be very accurate and to point very well in the hand

 

[Rush_Fan]

5903 maybe?

I've got a 5903. It's the same size as a 5906 but the frame is alloy rather than steel like the 5906.

 

[Kymasabe]

I may be totally missing the mark here but what about a single stack like a CS9?
I had a 6904 once and was a little fat, the CS9 is perfect.