jpatterson
Member
I can get a decent deal on a 5904 this weekend, does anyone have any experience with these? I've heard S&W autoloaders are average, but their revolvers really shine. Just trying to get some feedback. Thanks!
S&w 5904
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The Lone Haranguer
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I had one in the early 1990s, my first autoloading pistol. It was 100% reliable, as has been every other S&W autoloader of this type that have passed through my hands. It was accurate enough but lacked the one-hole accuracy of the SIG P228 I eventually traded it in on. The trigger pulls in both modes were as smooth and actually shorter than the SIG, but the grip was a little "blocky." The SIG's frame mounted decocker is easier to use than the S&W's slide-mounted safety.
Overall, highly recommended, especially for the low prices many of them sell for.
Overall, highly recommended, especially for the low prices many of them sell for.
krs
Member
I have a 469 that's been completely reliable for over 15 years. In general S&W auto pistols are kind of ugly but they work good. Lot's and lot's of people have posted about the various models that they're not earthshaking but the just keep doing what a pistol is supposed to do.
Yes, S&W makes, or has made, very fine revolvers. I'm hooked on them.
Yes, S&W makes, or has made, very fine revolvers. I'm hooked on them.
Have a 5906 (Stainless) and it's a great gun (the 04 is the identical 'blue' version)... and it's far from 'average!'
I'm not much of a 'plastic' fan (only one I've got is the FNP-9), I love that heavy feel and shoot of an all metal gun, my favorites are the CZs!... and the 5906 is just that... a 'tack-driver, work-horse', that's extremely durable and reliable.
When you field-strip it you get to see the gun's QUALITY first hand... it's made real well... and it's a great shoot.
Been looking for a NIB 5904 myself... hard to find. Got my '06 NIB from CDNN for $300+... and it was worth every cent!
If yours is in VG+ condition and it's priced right, jump on it!..
I wouldn't put it quite in the same league as my CZ 75B or P-01, or my Sig-P229... but it's areal good gun and worth getting if you like ALL METAL!
I'm not much of a 'plastic' fan (only one I've got is the FNP-9), I love that heavy feel and shoot of an all metal gun, my favorites are the CZs!... and the 5906 is just that... a 'tack-driver, work-horse', that's extremely durable and reliable.
When you field-strip it you get to see the gun's QUALITY first hand... it's made real well... and it's a great shoot.
Been looking for a NIB 5904 myself... hard to find. Got my '06 NIB from CDNN for $300+... and it was worth every cent!
If yours is in VG+ condition and it's priced right, jump on it!..
I wouldn't put it quite in the same league as my CZ 75B or P-01, or my Sig-P229... but it's areal good gun and worth getting if you like ALL METAL!
My dept issued us 5904s for several years. We had about 2100 of them in use at any given time. They are very durable and reliable guns. Since they have alloy frames they are somewhat lighter than 5906s. One of our range guys thought he would try to tear up a 5904 by shooting it to death using our duty load of W-W 115 +P+. He replaced the barrel at 50,000 and the springs. When he retired he bought that same gun and still shoots it today. Knowing how much he shoots he has to have over 100,000 rds thru it by now. Last time I talked to him he was approaching the 100K count and said he was probably going to have to replace the barrel as it was shooting out smooth. It's not likely you'll wear out a 5904.
I bought my 5904 when we transitioned to other guns. It's a great shooter.
I bought my 5904 when we transitioned to other guns. It's a great shooter.
schmidtundveßon
Member
A tiny correction here: the stainless version of 5904 is 5903 (both having alloy frames) while the 5906 is an all stainless steel gun.
schmidt... you're absolutely correct... I generalized a bit too much.
Beyond the 'color' (blue vs. stainless) the '06 is significantly heavier than the '04 and '03 aluminum-frame/alloy versions... and I guess that's why many LE agencies went in that direction (ie. the lighter gun).
If you really want to see/feel the extremes, set-down a 5906, 5904 and an M&P-9 (plastic)... and you'll quickly see which S&W is right for you.
BTW JP... when you get that 5904, post some pics, and if you don't mind, let us know the going $$. Thanks.
Beyond the 'color' (blue vs. stainless) the '06 is significantly heavier than the '04 and '03 aluminum-frame/alloy versions... and I guess that's why many LE agencies went in that direction (ie. the lighter gun).
If you really want to see/feel the extremes, set-down a 5906, 5904 and an M&P-9 (plastic)... and you'll quickly see which S&W is right for you.
BTW JP... when you get that 5904, post some pics, and if you don't mind, let us know the going $$. Thanks.
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The agency I worked for used the 659 (same as the 5906 with the steel frame). The weight sure soaked up the recoil and made follow up shots easier. There is something to be said for the extra weight.
The weight variances among the models answer the question do you want something easier to carry or easier to shoot.
The weight variances among the models answer the question do you want something easier to carry or easier to shoot.
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