Smith 6906 opinions needed

[bass806]

Thinking of getting a 6906 for IWB carry. Any help on weight, concealability, overall size impressions, etc. are appreciated. Also, dehorning, reliability work opinions. I currently have a Wilson Professional that I love but it's a little heavy. I have a 3913 also but want more capacity. Any comparision to the 3913 would be appreciated. Thanks to all in advance for any help!!!

 

[albanian]

Hello,
I have a 3913 and a 6906 so I think I compare them. Basically, the 6906 is a double stack 3913. The slide is the same but the grip is a little fatter naturally. The 6906 may weigh an once or two more but not much. You get 12rds with the 6906 vs. 8 with the 3913. Those extra four rds may come in handy and considering that there is not much extra weight, it may be worth it. If you are going to IWB carry, the 3913 is going to be much more comfortable.

I really like them both but since you already have the 3913, I suggest you get the 6906 as well. The 6906 will take 5906 15rd mags as well. They only stick out a little from the butt. I got a buttplate adaptor from Brownells that makes the 5906 mags fit flush. You really don't need it but it is available if you want it.

The only downside to the 6906 is that with the factory grips, it is a little slick and it rolls in my hand during shooting. I got some finger groove Houges and they are much better but I wish there was a non-finger groove Houge option. The finger groove Hogues make the grip much larger than it needs to be. A nice slim set of non-finger groove Hogues for this gun would make it perfect. As far as I know, Hogue doesn't make a non-finger groove grip for the 6906.

 

[Coronach]

3rd gen S&W autopistols are the Honda Accords of the handgun world. They're uninspired-looking, unthrilling to use, not the most ergonomical offerings out there, but they're dead reliable and economical. You could do a whole lot worse. Unless you get a lemon (always possible), you should not need any reliability work.

Mike

 

[SouthpawShootr]

I've had 2 6906s (still have one) and also a 3913. I have found the 6900 series guns to be reliable. They're not terribly lightweight considered some of the other offerings available today, but they're not that heavy either. And they offer a significant capacity advantage. In my view these are the best of the S&W 3rd generation line. I was a bit disheartened when they discontinued the 6900s. I'd still like to have a 6946 and even a 6926 (decocker on frame, I've heard of them, seen pictures of them, but never seen one in the flesh).

3rd gen S&W autopistols are the Honda Accords of the handgun world. They're uninspired-looking, unthrilling to use, not the most ergonomical offerings out there, but they're dead reliable and economical.

An interesting (and accurate) take on that. I like it. It fits.

 

[BigEllis51]

I've had both. I think the 3913 is one of the great all time 9mm's. Put Hogues, non finger groove, on the 6906 and it felt HUGE. The trade-off for the extra rounds wasn't worth it to me.

 

[albanian]

"Put Hogues, non finger groove, on the 6906 and it felt HUGE. The trade-off for the extra rounds wasn't worth it to me."

Where did you find non-finger groove Hogues for the 6906? I think the finger groove Hogues makes it feel huge so I thought that non-finger groove grips would be better. I think I might just go back to the factory stocks and put a piece of inner tube around them to give it more grip.

As for reliability, I didn't even mention it because I have never had a problem of any kind with any S&W auto. They are among the very best in terms of reliabilty and don't often have any problems in this area.

 

[Ala Dan]

I have had a S&W 6906 in the past, and as others have said I found it
too be an excellent firearm. No need to dehorn, as its a traditional
double action pistol; meaning there is nothing to dehorn. The only
reason I don't own it now is the fact that I had too use it on trade,
towards something I wanted much worse; like my NIB Les Baer
Thunder Ranch Special .45 ACP~!

 

[wardog]

The only downside to the 6906 is that with the factory grips, it is a little slick and it rolls in my hand during shooting. I got some finger groove Houges and they are much better but I wish there was a non-finger groove Houge option. The finger groove Hogues make the grip much larger than it needs to be. A nice slim set of non-finger groove Hogues for this gun would make it perfect. As far as I know, Hogue doesn't make a non-finger groove grip for the 6906.

Amen! Also, there is a safety recall related to the factory grips. Apparently if the gun is dropped the grip can crack and make it inoperable.

I like my 6906. When it was introduced I thought it was the best combination of capacity vs. size. It is a bit thick with the Hogues, but I prefer the grip on the Hogues to live with it. Other designs, especially polymer, have eclipsed it in the capacity vs size area, but it's still a great gun which can be found used for $270-$300 in great shape. Extremely reliable with any and all ammo I've ever run through it. The only malfunctions I've ever had with mine is the occasional failure of the slide to lock back due to worn mag followers. I've just been too lazy to get new ones.

 

[SwampWolf]

Another vote for the 6906. Reliable as robins in the spring, the 6906 is a mite fat and I could do without the ambi levers but about as close to perfection (light-weight, compact, powerful, high-capacity and reliable) a holstered ccw piece is going to get.

 

[ShelbyV8]

CDNN has both the 6906 and 6946 in their new online catalog. http://cdnninvestments.com/

 

[Alan Fud]

With the hi-cap ban no longer in effect, S&W should give serious consideration to bringing the gun back -- without any accessory rail added.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

With the hi-cap ban no longer in effect, S&W should give serious consideration to bringing the gun back -- without any accessory rail added.

You bet. I'd buy a new one without hesitation. But I doubt it will happen. S&W is pushing the M&P line now. They think they have all the niches covered. They probably think nobody wants metal framed guns anymore unless they're 1911s. The 3rd generation guns have been in decline for a number of years now. Very few are still in the lineup Rather than offera comprehensive line across the major calibers, the TSW line now the one here, one there approach. Pretty soon, they'll all be gone too. Next after that will be the value line. Pretty soon, you'll have your choice between 1911s, M&P, and Sigma. I think the SW99 line will soon falter as well.

 

[Alan Fud]

The 3rd generation metal frame guns was the reason why S&W were my favorite auto-loaders.

 

[Srigs]

Like most people said it is 100% reliable, easy to carry and easy to shoot. My 6946 is my primary carry gun. I use to own a 39-2 but sold it when this became my primary. Buy it!

The 39xx guns have longer barrels and grips by 1/2 each side so the 69xx guns are easier to IWB and grips are shorter but 4 extra rounds. Here is a pick of mine.

 

[Jiml3]

The 6906 is an excellent choice. You can bet your life on it!! I had one for 10 years and it has never failed. Buy with confidence.

 

[pharmer]

Been carrying mine since '94. Never fails. Just shot 112 rounds through it earlier today. Love it, bet my life on it. And it don't rust, very important here in Fl. Joe

 

[10-Ring]

The grip on the 6906 seems to fit me to best of all the S & W auto loaders I've shot, owned or fondled

 

[Line Rider]

I have never met anyone that was overly happy with any S&W auto. I was looking for 9mm I'd go the a Glock 19. The GL 19 is a much lighter gun and more accurate.

 

[SwampWolf]

Did you read the previous posts?

 

[isp2605]

"I have never met anyone that was overly happy with any S&W auto. "

Don't get out much?

I've carried S&W autos (39, 439, 469, 459. 5904, 6904) as issued sidearms for 20 yrs and have for off duty and retired carry (645, 457, 459, 6904) for an additional 6 yrs. I've run thousands of rds thru them, literally crawled with them thru the mud, crud, snow, and rain, carried them while on SWAT and depended on them to save my bacon many times. They work very well. Some I liked better than others but none of them performed poorly. I just never warmed to the grip of the 2nd generation guns. I replaced the backstrap on my 459 with an arched and it is now much better. The 39, 5904, and 6904 were my favorites for my issued guns because they had the best triggers. My 645 is my favorite for my personally owned. Now that I'm retired I carry my 6904 almost exclusively.

 

[MachIVshooter]

3rd gen S&W autopistols are the Honda Accords of the handgun world. They're uninspired-looking, unthrilling to use, not the most ergonomical offerings out there, but they're dead reliable and economical

That is a very fitting description for Glock, but I would have to strongly disagree with that assessment of a S&W 3rd gen. IMO, they have some of the nicest lines and overall styling of the working-class pistols, fit the hand nicely (so long as you don't have itty-bitty mits) and shoot extremely well. I can group nearly as well with my 1006 and 4506 as I can with my Kimber stainless Target II 10mm and my Colt Mk IV stainless that has been worked.

If I could only keep one of my handguns, it would be my 1006 hands-down.

 

[Coronach]

3rd gen S&W autopistols are the Honda Accords of the handgun world. They're uninspired-looking, unthrilling to use, not the most ergonomical offerings out there, but they're dead reliable and economical

That is a very fitting description for Glock, but I would have to strongly disagree with that assessment of a S&W 3rd gen. IMO, they have some of the nicest lines and overall styling of the working-class pistols, fit the hand nicely (so long as you don't have itty-bitty mits) and shoot extremely well. I can group nearly as well with my 1006 and 4506 as I can with my Kimber stainless Target II 10mm and my Colt Mk IV stainless that has been worked.

If I could only keep one of my handguns, it would be my 1006 hands-down.

Naw, the Glock is a Volvo. There was an old movie that featured an ad executive pitching this line to an auto exec: "Volvo: It's boxy, but it's good."

Seriously, there are people who think the Honda Accord has nice lines and styling, too. Statistically, you might be one of them. Ergonomics are subjective, but a very broad line of S&W autopistols are approved for OD/BUG carry by my department, and I don't know many officers who would say that any of them fit their hands great. Adequately? Yes. Pretty good? Sure. Great? I'm sure that some feel that way. I haven't met them.

However, the gun fits you right, and that's all that matters. I'll certainly agree that Gen3 pistols are dead reliable and accurate.

Oh, and what car am I considering next? Honda Accord.

Mike