Would y'all make this pistol trade ?

[MIL-DOT]

I'm considering trading a 3rd gen S&W 5906 (15-rd 9mm, stainless,steel framed DA/SA ), for a nearly NIB Walther PPQ M1. In the past year or two, I've been getting away from polymer pistols, and more into metal framed guns again, but the Walther is tempting.
More specifics on the situation: I particularly like the 3rd gen Smiths. I also really like the decocker feature on these, and it's been a great shooter that i've tested with numerous ammos.
Also, I only have $250 in the S&W, and though prices and demand have gone up on these, they're still pretty common and not considered anything "special", well, other than being built like a tank and boringly reliable.
On the negative side for the S&W, it's a pretty heavy pistol, that I would likely never carry, and S&W doesn't (fully) support these anymore, as they've been out of production since the 1990's or so (though most parts can still be found from places like Numrich, you're out of luck on something major like a cracked frame).
Also, the PPQ doesn't have the decocker I like, but as I understand, the M1 does use the same mags as the P99, which is a plus.
The PPQ M1 is an earlier version, but from what I read, I either like it better, or don't mind the differences, versus the newer M2 version.
Financially, I believe the Walther is the better deal, and even more so considering what little i have in the S&W, but as happy as I'm sure to be with the Walther, I know i'm going to really miss the 5906. Tough call.
As always, any advice, input, anecdotes, ruminations, wit & wisdom, constructive criticism and even bitch-slaps, are much appreciated !

 

[Spats McGee]

Caveat: I've never owned or shot either one of those pistols.

That said, I probably would not make that trade. There are some ways in which the trade makes good sense. If it's a straight-across-the-board trade, you come out ahead by making it. The Walther is probably also better if you're looking for something for carry.

I'm not in the market for a new carry gun, though, and I've wanted a 3rd Gen S&W for some time (along with many, many other things). I've been watching for a screaming deal on one and haven't seen it around here yet. By the time I add FFL and shipping to one that I find online, that's not a steal, either.

 

[WVsig]

The PPQ M1 is about a $450 to $475 used gun. It is a good gun but the one I owned the more I shot it the less I like it. It for some reason does not lend itself to shooting at speed for me. I believe it has to do with its recoil impulse. The value of this pistol is declining IMHO. They are not selling at a high rate and they do not command high $$$ in the used market.

The S&Ws value is trending upwards and will continue to move in that direction. It will be hard to replace down the road where the PPQ will be around in one form or another.

I would keep the S&W.

 

[spazzymcgee]

Your Smith 5906 is an appreciating asset, and the PPQ is not. As the Smiths get rarer (and they are quickly) they are going up in price. Just a few years ago, they were $300 everywhere, and now I can't find them for less than $400. The Walther PPQ is getting more common, and will probably drop in value. Short term, you would be trading up by about $50 maybe, but long term, I think you'll regret it.

 

[MIL-DOT]

Thanks guys, some solid,insightful responses here. The guys on another favorite forum seem to largely be recommending the deal, but you guys have made some even better arguments for passing on it.
I think I'm gonna hang on to the Smith. Thanks again for the speedy, useful replies !

 

[wally]

I'd do it in a heartbeat as I don't like DA/SA operation if you goal is a shooter. The S&W model 59 was my first semi-auto.

Never warmed up to the DA/SA trigger and traded it to a buddy for a 10MB (yes, megabyte!) hard drive and controller for a Compaq "luggable" computer. Was a smoking good deal for me at the time, but now the hard drive is a poor joke and would be a near priceless antique if it was still working in its computer, whereas I'm sure that model 59 is still going strong.

IMHO the PPQ trigger is the best of the polymer guns that aren't 1911s.

 

[huntsman]

I will never trade steel for plastic, instead stick the S&W in the safe as an appreciating asset and buy the plastic.

 

[rskent]

Why would you trade away a gun you seem to like?

 

[Robbins290]

Keep the 5906.

 

[bannockburn]

If it were my gun I would keep the S&W and save up and buy the Walther PPQ M1.

 

[samweller]

Keep the S&W. You'll be glad you did.

 

[giggitygiggity]

Yes. Make the trade.

 

[lowercase]

If I had that Walther, I would happily make the trade for your 5906.

 

[SwampWolf]

Keep the 5906. Reliable in the extreme, well-made and tank-like construction. Plus, and I get that this is extremely personal, I much prefer a "traditional" da configuration for self-defense purposes.