I saw a 5906 and 6906 at the gun store today, I carry a 6906. Our 6906's were identical. However the 5906's frame and slide matched, unlike the 6906's. I then found a 5903 I liked. What is the difference? I thought 5906's were alloy like my 6906?

The 5903 is the full-size version, of your 6906, and the 5906 is the stainless steel version of the 5903. Your 6906 probably has a 12 round mag, whereas the 5906 and 5903 have a 15 round mag. The main difference you will see is in the length of the grip.

The 5903 is alloy like your 6906. The 5906 has a stainless frame.

One of the confusing ones from when they changed from the 2nd gen to 3rd gen numbering system.

Yep. 5906 is all stainless, so it matches. 5903 and 6906 have stainless slides, but alloy frames, making them lighter. I have a 6906 and used to have a 5903. 5903 was a bit longer, but both felt very comfortable inside waistband.

Ohok, I think I like the 5903 better. The 5906 is very much alike my 915 then.

Actually the 5903 is more like your 915. The 5906 is all stainless steel, the 5903 has an alloy frame (as does the 915).

Ohok, I think a 3913 and 5903 are the next two guns I'm going to buy. Maybe a CS9 instead of the 3913. We'll see. If only I could trade my XD9 for one of those on my list


Thanks

My 5903 was the first S&W in my growing collection. Once I started with it, the romance began! I replaced it as my daily carry with a 908, but still take the 5903 to the range a lot. Probably one of my favorites at the range....15 round mags and affordable 9mm ammo also help the cause.

Did the 5906 have the same safety issue the 4506 had-a change in grips with a "dimple" was what I had to do with the 4506 per S&W's recall. There's a dimple at the very bottom of my grip showing that it is the update.

You mean this one??
If I drop my pistol in a certain way, on a hard surface, it might break the synthetic grip.

It was issued for all 3rd gen pistols

It would more than possible break it. The early manufacture 4506(I don't know about the others) had a recall for the grip. If dropped on a hard surface it could fracture in such a way as to compromise the hammer spring, rendering it non-functional. I think that's more important than worrying about a fracture only.

I haven't seen a non-recall grip since like 1990 IIRC, not a big deal.

I started out with a 5906, got a 6906 as an off-duty/BUG, then got a 5903 the first chance I got. Liked the 5906, but it's a boat anchor when you have to run, etc.

Hi,

I like my 5903. I was going to get a 5906 but ran into this 5903. Bought it right on the spot. I have not looked back.

Good luck,
roaddog28

Right. The recall states failure to fire by releasing mainsping tension.

Don't you find it funny? If you dropped your pistol, with plastic grips, on a hard surface, in just the right way, it could possibly break??
The fact that it releases the mainspring making it inoperable is not good.

However, if you go back and look at my post, I was addressing the safety issue.
If you dropped a 4506 and it broke the plastic grip, it would become inoperable, would not fire. It would not accidentally go off if dropped. i suppose it could affect the safety of the person who dropped it but it would not endanger anyone else's safety.