JMOfartO:
In 1995 I bought my first compact 9mm pistol. It was the just released 3rd generation S&W 3913.... Fantastic pistol then, still is 13 years later.
Recently CDNN was selling nib 6906's (which is just a double-stack 3913), and 5906 (full size/all steel 9mm) for $399.99 w/lifetime warranty.
Since I got my first 3rd generation Smith I've tried the Sig P239, Glock 26, Taurus PT92, Bersa Thunder 9/UC, Star BM, Walther P1, P5, P99c/AS, P99AS and the PPS, HK P7 and probably a few I've forgotten entirely. (I'm old, what can I say?).
Each of the above 9mm pistols had something, (or a lot of somethings) that appealed to me, but OVERALL, none were superior to the old 3913.
Anyway, my Son has placed "dibs" on the 3913 as he likes that pistol better than any of the others I've had, so I put it away for him, along w/several mags. When I saw the new CDNN ad and found out the 6906 WAS just a 3913 with a higher capacity I ordered one.. Crap, new 3rd gen Smith w/lifetime warranty for $400?
I LOVE it... It fits my hands perfectly, and it has "something" about it that makes me want to cc it over my new "flavor of the month" Walther PPS. I've ordered a S&W Grip+2 so that I can use the 15rd mag of the 5906 and have a capacity of 15+1..
In fact I love it so much I started to buy another, but they are all sold.. I started researching the larger and heavier all steel 5906 (they have a few more of those) and everything I found was positive, so I ordered one of those yesterday..
I think the 5906 will make a great "house gun", and my 6906 makes a great 9mm carry gun..
There are several of the other makes and models recommended that I simply have no experience with so I can't comment on whether they are as good or better than the 3rd gen. Smiths, but I can tell you the 3rd gen Smiths are excellent pistols, backed for a lifetime by S&W (who has a superior Customer Service reputation).
Don't know about other S&W pistols, but if you care to research you will find the 3913, 5906,6906 have a history of being very good firearms.
Just more options, no offense to those who might disagree.
Best Wishes,
Jesse