S&w 5906

[308win]

My son just bought his first house and I am thinking of getting him a used S&W 5906 or some variant as they can usually be had for a fair price around here. He has used my 4506 so he is familiar with the operation.

Is there anything I should know or look for with this pistol. Also any advice on factory magazines - e.g. the recommended magazines for the 45XX are the black followers.

 

[Airburst]

They are all pretty solid guns. Early production had squared off trigger guards and adjustable rear sights, later they went to the round guard and novaks. Mags are available on the used market and tend to run between 20 and 30 bucks each. I bought one new 15 almost 20 years ago and I still have it. Great shooter. Feeds and shoots any kind of ammo.

 

[distra]

I picked up a 910 (economy model of the 59xx series) a couple months ago for ~$300. I use Mec-Gar mags and they run great through this pistol. I believe Mec-Gar is the original manufacture of OEM mags for the 59xx series. Nothing wrong with a 910 either if can be had for a little cheaper price. S&W autos are a good value in my opinion. Solid guns.

 

[SOCO]

I have the 4506 and like it mainly because it's very similar to the Beretta 92 (my first pistol). If you don't find a S&W he likes, you can't go wrong with the Beretta, IMHO.

 

[308win]

He has used my 4506 so he will be familiar with the 5906. I will not give him my 4506 as it is my favorite pistol (some things are thicker than blood).

 

[MachIVshooter]

Nothing to watch for. The 5906 is, IMO, the best combat 9mm ever made.

 

[481]

Nothing to watch for. The 5906 is, IMO, the best combat 9mm ever made.

This.





Immediately after Glocks 17s/19s, the 4506/1006/4006/5906/3906 series is the best autoloader design that S&W has ever put out. They are all "over-built", no-nonsense designs that can rack up the round count without complaint or failure. Shame that they are discontinued.

As for shopping for one in "used condition", look for excessive holster/exterior wear, evidence of unnecessary "tinkering" and make sure that no one has "improvised" the grip retention pin with something else.

Pristine examples (Never fired, minty, "safe queens") should command $450+ and specimens that have seen some use, but remain in excellent condition are worth every bit of $375 - $400.

Well used, but mechanically "sound" examples, will be found in the $250-$300 range but will still have a lot of "service life" left in them.

 

[19-3Ben]

^^^ Indeed. S&W third generation autos are incredibly good guns.

Now here is some food for thought. Think about the 4566. I know you don't want to give him your 4506, and buying another would be expensive, BUT the 4566 is very very similar. All it's missing is about 1/2 inch of barrel on the end. Also relatively inexpensive.

On the other hand, 5906 is much cheaper to shoot, and you can't really get a better gun than the 5906.

 

[Beagle-zebub]

Both the 4506 and the 4566 can be had for $450 here

 

[Homerboy]

Newer followers are orange. If you buy older mags, they will only be marked to 14 rounds. Changing the black follower to orange will increase that to 15 rounds. I have the older model 5903 with the square trigger guard and adjustable sights. Fantastic gun. Buy one!

 

[Jim PHL]

I went away from "full-size/duty-size" guns years ago. My only full size gun is a 1911. But I own/have owned and like a few different S+W autos. If I were to buy a full-size gun right now it would be a steel S+W and the 5906 would be on the short list.

Summit Gun Broker has 'em currently for $315.

 

[novalty]

I think the 5906 or even a 5903 would be a good choice, as they are quality weapons, cheaper to shoot than the 45 series S&W's, and have the option of adding Crimson Trace Lasergrips. Here is a pic of my HD gun.

 

[gidaeon]

My S&W 5904 has never failed and was a great price as a holster worn trade in.
The 5904 is a blued DA\SA, aluminum frame (thus a good bit lighter) than the stainless 5906. I still want to add a 5906 some day! The SA trigger pull is quite short and crisp with 0 over travel. DA pull is .. eh blaaaa.

The 5906 is built like a tank. As long as you both like the double stack grip and feel of the the gun, I think you'll be pleased.

 

[BCCL]

Great thread folks! I pick up my first 5906 Thursday and this has me really looking forward to getting it!!!

 

[dondavis3]

Here's my 6906



It is a great shooting gun and easy for concealed carry.