S&w 3906

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John828

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I have been looking at the budsgunshop 5906 police trade ins, but they appear to be in pretty rough shape at $350, so I passed. Now, I found a 3906 locally that's in 80-90% shape for $325.

I am looking for opinions on the gun from people who have owned one. I am not going to carry it. It's just going to be a range toy.
 
The 3906 is basically a single stack 5906. I have 2 5906's ; I believe that the 3rd generation Smith autos are grossly undervalued. The are very reliable ; great shooters. Mine were both carries. The grips were badly worn but the mechanical condition was excellent. I re-gripped and Flitzed them ; now they are beauties! I believe that a lot of LEO carries have high cosmetic wear but low round counts. Of course , if buying online you do not have the opportunity to strip and inspect. I like the steel frames best ; they point and stay on target beautifully. The 3906 is all stainless , I think? You will be very happy with the Smith. The price is reasonable. Private seller, or what? Offer 3 C notes.
 
Yeah, it's face to face. The more I read about them online, the more I like them. Pics of it don't show any wear, but I am sure it's going to have some.
 
I am not going to carry it.
Why not?

I was around for the first gen Smiths and the problems they had with them tainted me; I would never consider buying a S&W auto because of it.

Fast forward 25 years or so and my dad sends me his 5906 because he didn't feel like dealing with CT's new registration scheme. The gun is fantastic! It shoots everything I feed it every time I pull the trigger. Those are good qualities in a carry gun. I recently picked up a 1076 for carry only because I prefer 10mm or 45acp over 9mm.

Third gens are great carry guns.
 
The 3906 is a great full sized single stack 9mm. All stainless steel, very reliable and decent accuracy.

People with smaller hands and those the like the slimmer grip frame from a single stack mag would really appreciate the 3906 as a great range gun.
 
People with smaller hands and those the like the slimmer grip frame from a single stack mag would really appreciate the 3906 as a great range gun.

That's what I am looking forward to. I will post pics when I pic it up tonight.
 
I do not have the 3906 but I do have 4 other 3rd gen guns that are as fine as any SIG or H&K that I have. Like Waveski said they are undervalued guns. Buy it, you will not be disappointed.
 
I have a 6904, a 5946, and the CS9 (9mm Chief's Special). The first two are double stack and the CS9 is a single stack. I love them all. Dead on accurate, flawlessly reliable. Compared to today's pistols though, they are "big ole guns".
 
Just off and on my way to look at. I tell you, I have not been excited about buying a gun in a long time, but I am thus time.
 
John , Go with the knowledge that you have a pretty good rooting section in the bleachers pulling for you!
 
Very nice, 3rd gen Smiths are about as reliable as an Estwing hammer.
I have a 6926 and a 1076.
 
The 3906 is one of my Holy Grail pistols. I have never seen one in person after 17 years of lurking in gun shops. I've had opportunities to get either a 39-2 or a 439, but for some reason I am holding out for the 3906.
 
I would love a 3906 as well. I've gotten pretty close - I have a 39, a 39-2, 39-2 in nickel, a 439, 2 639's, and a 3904, but no 3906.
 
You will love the 3906 - I know I do. That is an early example (blade rear sight). You may want to make sure that the grip recall was taken care of.

RECALL: Smith & Wesson has shipped over 300,000 Third generation Pistols. We have had a very small number or reports where a dropped pistol resulted in a broken grip resulting in a failure to fire by releasing mainspring tension. Resultant testing and review have shown that a pistol dropped at a specific angle can cause a fracture of the grip.

As a result of these occurrences and our testing, we have made a change in the grip material to a thermoplastic alloy of increased durability. This new material, which is now being used on all current production models, can be identified by a dimple on the bottom of the grip, next to the large opening. Additionally, the blue product box has a green dot sticker on the label end.

We believe it unlikely that you will experience any problem with your original grips. However, in order to safeguard our customers from the possibility of such a malfunction, we will make available, free of charge, an easily installed replacement grip. Please inspect your pistol and if you have a model listed below that does not have a small dimple next to the large opening, please write us including your model and serial number or call 800-338-2466. If you prefer, you can send your pistol to a Smith & Wesson Warranty Station where we will replace the grip for you.

Models Affected:

3904, 3906, 3913, 3913LS, 3914, 3914LS, 1006, 1066, 4506, 4516, 4516-1, 5903, 5904, 5906, 5946, 6904, 6906 & 6946

Smith & Wesson's development process is a continuing one. We are constantly striving both to develop new products and improve existing products. We are committed to building the safest, most reliable, finest performing firearms possible.
 
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