S&W 6900 vs Ruger P95

[Good Ol' Boy]

Was at a LGS today and spotted a 6900 series, not sure exactly which model, in what looked like very good condition.

I'm seriously considering going back tomorrow to check it out closer and take my P95 as a trade in.

My Ruger is mainly a range toy and that's what the SW would be, albiet a little classier.

What I'm looking for here is feedback on mainly the trigger on the Smith. The Ruger is functional but leaves a lot to be desired, as some of you know. Also is the Smith as much of a work horse, any problems these guns are known for?

I feel pretty sure if I trade my P95 in and work them a little on the Smith I could get it for $150-200.

As I said I'm not positive on the model but it looks just like this https://www.gunbroker.com/item/791244967

 

[Dibbs]

This is just one opinion, the Ruger is a great work horse. But I've been collecting guns a long time.
I've yet to find what I feel is a better EDC gun in 9mm than the 6906. Metal, hammer, sights, it's just
a great package. I'd say you are trading up to a very good concealed carry gun. Also a great range
shooter. But I can only speak for the 9mm model.

 

[Shimitup]

I bought a 6906 new in '93. I carry it often, 0 malfunctions of any kind. I have a stainless P85 Mll to compare it with, I find the da/sa transition much more manageable with the 6906, its definitely a gun I'll never part with. I'll never part with the Ruger either, in true Ruger fashion it's a big whoppin horse gun for the 9mm cartridge, soft shooting fun at the range. So to answer your question yeah I'd recommend the 6906 or the single stack version, I forgot the model # of that one.

 

[dodo bird]

Was at a LGS today and spotted a 6900 series, not sure exactly which model, in what looked like very good condition.

I'm seriously considering going back tomorrow to check it out closer and take my P95 as a trade in.

My Ruger is mainly a range toy and that's what the SW would be, albiet a little classier.

What I'm looking for here is feedback on mainly the trigger on the Smith. The Ruger is functional but leaves a lot to be desired, as some of you know. Also is the Smith as much of a work horse, any problems these guns are known for?

I feel pretty sure if I trade my P95 in and work them a little on the Smith I could get it for $150-200.

As I said I'm not positive on the model but it looks just like this https://www.gunbroker.com/item/791244967

Boy those prices have come up. The 6906 is a great handgun, I don’t think it’s worth the price on GB. If you can get it for $300 without the trade in I would say it’s a decent deal. If you can I would keep the P95. I think you would regret getting rid of it. Just my 2cents.

 

[Iggy]

Those 3rd Generation Smiths are tough old guns. I have a 6904 which is the "blued" version of the 6906. First round is DA which I like for EDC situations and the rest are SA.
I gave $475 for it and two spare magazines. I took it out after buying it and was hitting cow turds out around 30 yards or so slick as a whistle.
It's on my hip right now.
One thing about the old S&W metal Autos.. S&W quit making them way back and no longer warranties them or has parts.. They sold their parts to Midway, Brownells, and Numrich.
With reasonable use, I don't think you could wear one of them out with occasional spring changes and those are not hard to obtain.

 

[Tallball]

You can get both S&W 3rd generation and Ruger P-series for pretty cheap if you keep your eyes open.

My mildly similar S&W 915 and Ruger P94 were around $250 apiece.

I wouldn't want to get rid of either one, though admittedly I like the Smith a little better (mostly because of the trigger).

Smith And Wesson Model 915

• Tallball
• Feb 14, 2018

View media item 1727

 

[bannockburn]

I would say the DA trigger is way better on the S&W Model 6906 than the Ruger P95 but that's just me. I also like that the Model 6906 ( I had one years ago), is also nicely suited for CCW if you decide you want to carry it.

 

[Zerodefect]

The Smith should already be 250 or less. My P95dc is worthless. I'd gladly trade it for 4 Glock mags. Lol.

 

[dodo bird]

The Smith should already be 250 or less. My P95dc is worthless. I'd gladly trade it for 4 Glock mags. Lol.

I would glady buy your P95 for 4 new glock mags.

 

[Mike J]

I would glady buy your P95 for 4 new glock mags.

I was thinking if Zerodefect were close I would take him up on the offer. Screaming deal.

 

[Zerodefect]

If you ever want to go shooting in mid Ohio or Akron area, you can borrow it at the range to see if you like it. I don't ship guns or parts anywhere.

 

[Mike J]

If you ever want to go shooting in mid Ohio or Akron area, you can borrow it at the range to see if you like it. I don't ship guns or parts anywhere.

I understand, I think that part of it would just be a lot of hassle.

 

[Dibbs]

The Smith should already be 250 or less. My P95dc is worthless. I'd gladly trade it for 4 Glock mags. Lol.

I fear by the time I get my hands on 4 glock mags it will be gone.

 

[Redcoat3340]

Have a 6906 for four years now and it was my EDC, if I wasn't carrying a .45 Shield. And had a nice P95.

Then I saw a 9mm Performance Center Chief's Special in my LGS and the Ruger went bye-bye and the 6906 into the safe and the CS on my hip. Now THAT has a nice trigger.

I've also got at least one representative example of the all three generations of Smith semi-autos...and except for my Hi Powers and a 9mm Sig 220, they are my hands-down favorite pistols. You won't go wrong with a 6906 or 6904 (assuming it's in decent shape.) The Ruger is a tank and was a pleasure to shoot, but I like the S&Ws better.

 

[18DAI]

Redcoat3340 could you post a pic of your Performance Center CS9?

The CS9 is my favorite carry gun. I did not know there was a PC version. Is it black or stainless?

Thanks!

 

[armedwalleye]

I've got a 6904 and a 6906, among other 3rd Gens. ALWAYS have one or the other with me. BIL has the Ruger you have, While the Ruger is heavier, and bulkier, it's a nice range gun, but it seems when we get together, it's the Smiths that are seeing the use. Those things will feed empty cases, beer cans, and short lengths of pipe so long as you can stuff them in the magazines. Dead solid reliable guns.

 

[OARNGESI]

Personally I would not trade that ruger in because I couldn’t see them giving you a whole lot for it maybe 150 I would just try and buy the smith

 

[Tallball]

^^^^
Agreed. That's why I wouldn't have much interest in trading one of my Ruger P series at the LGS. I can't see myself getting more than $150 for it, and for that money I'd rather keep the pistol.

Also, this place has a bunch of Smith 6904's and 6906's in the $300-something range: https://www.gunbroker.com/item/786425253

 

[Redcoat3340]

Thaddeus: You didn't know there was a PC version of the CS9....'cause there probably isn't. I was mistaken about mine. Had my 642-1 .38 special on the brain and got 'em confused. The CS9 is just a plain old CS9 with a great trigger (or maybe some work on it by a previous owner. If so, they did a great job.)

And just 'cause, here's some pics of the CS9.

 

[18DAI]

Thanks Redcoat! I am kinda relieved as I am too old to hunt down Unicorns these days.

After years of carrying K-frame Magnums and 3rd Generation 45s the little CS9 is a joy to carry and shoot!

It is my constant companion in my retirement. Great little 9mm!