S&W 5906 VBE prefix series number? any ideas
- Thread starter Mark_Mark
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NIGHTLORD40K
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Did it have import marks, perhaps under the dust cover? Im thinking it could be an overseas export run with a special serial range- weve been seeing a number of those reimported lately.
Another possibility is a special order run for a domestic LEA or distributor.
Another possibility is a special order run for a domestic LEA or distributor.
Anchorite
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And you’re hesitant to snatch this up?
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Mark_Mark
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I didn’t look under the dust cover. But they had the original box with all the stuffings. So not sure if LEA or Such kept the box or not.
They want $599 but the factory mags were taken away and replace with Metgar 10 round. (WA mag Ban!)
I think it’s COOL as all heck!
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Mark_Mark
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Trying to make smart choices!
P5 Guy
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Very Bad & Evil?
VBE isn't a special serial code, it's just part of the serial number.
There was a 5906 a while back that had a VZE serial number that dated to around 1996
There was a 5906 a while back that had a VZE serial number that dated to around 1996
PistoleroWadcutterGANG
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I got the "You're being naughty" again warning. redacted!
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Mark_Mark
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I’m just wondering the year, can’t find VZE22xx anywere
JN01
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Trolling for suckers?
hemiram
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It's got to be one of those "There is some idiot out there willing to pay this much!" sort of guns. I used to see this a lot at Ham Radio "Hamfests" where some guy, usually older, would have some totally insane price on a radio. At one point, I made up some "Most insane Price" first, second, and third place certificates and handed them out. Most of the time, the "winners" did not take it well, but one guy cracked up laughing. One old guy had a price 3X times what the going rate was and he made a big show out of tearing up his "1st Place" certificate and telling me off. About 50 feet away, I bought the same model radio, in near mint condition, for just about 25% of what the "MIP" guy wanted. It had zero issues and I still have it like 30 years later. I don't really understand why people do this. Do they actually want to sell it?
Rock185
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FWIW, I have owned S&Ws whose serial number prefix did not appear in SCSW, etc. Nothing unusual in the VBE prefix that I can see. Interpolating from SCSW 4th. ed., looks likely VBE is '94 production. But without checking with S&W or getting a letter, nothing is guaranteed since S&W did not necessarily ship guns in prefix or serial number order.
Looks like a clean gun in any case, with factory grip replaced with Hogues..
Looks like a clean gun in any case, with factory grip replaced with Hogues..
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Mark_Mark
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thank you!
It comes with the Factory card board blue box, Factory grips, paperwork, and grease paper. but no factory mags because of our WA magazine ban. $599… I’m tempted!
Howland937
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Probably not. An old gun collector guy I knew would price some of his guns astronomically high at shows. He was mostly there to buy, but if someone came along willing to pay his price he'd sell. Another old timer I knew would have swarms of people around his table at every show and sometimes not have enough left to justify coming back for day 2. Motivated sellers will sell.
Rock185
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Mark Mark, FWIW, I've owned regular production and PC 5906 pistols. All boringly reliable with any ammo I used, nothing broke, the heavy guns absorb recoil well with even the heaviest factory or reloaded ammo. "Bullet proof" might be a good way to describe the 5906s. Years ago, I bought a few extra parts, still waiting to use them. I still have a couple of the PC versions.
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Mark_Mark
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thang THOSE are BEAUTIFUL!
Well, I think I’ll start collecting 59’s
my only Smith Auto is a 52-2, it came with 4 mags and the take down tool. bought on a wim
Rock185
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I've been tempted by the 52-2s. Beautiful pistols, but didn't really know what I'd do with a .38 WC gun. Years ago, I saw a small magazine ad for a 952, and immediately tried to get one. My busy FFL asked me to find out who the distributor was, so I called S&W and asked. A very unpleasant woman at S&W acted like I was trying to get some kind of government top secret. It was like pulling teeth, but she finally revealed who the distributor was. I made arrangements with my FFL to order one. Later acquired a 952-1. Should have kept at least one of them..
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Mark_Mark
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Midrange Wade Cutters, says it right on the barrel. The 52 is a over price paper hole puncher. I load a very light 148 Speer with enough HP-38 to clear the barrel and function the slide.
Those 952 PC are very rare now and I want a few!!!
but the 59’s are cool too and 1/3 the price. They don’t make them like the us too. BTW that lady from Smith was probably from the Massachusetts area and they are naturally not friendly, that’s why Smith moved to the South!
ditmo
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I really like the 3rd Gen S&W's. I've got 5904, 3913, 3913TSW, and a 457. All boringly reliable. The 5904 I bought in '89 and who knows how many thousands and thousands of rounds its had through it. I don't take it out much anymore, but I still carry the 3913 once in a while.
Ks5shooter
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3rd gen smiths are tanks.
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Mark_Mark
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It’s funny that the New Berettta 92 has similar style to old Smith Autos
