New guy, first question on 5906

[ctgmi]

I’m wondering if anyone around here can enlighten me on S&W 3rd generation autoloaders.

In particular model 5906, from what I’ve seen, it seems that early 3rd gen pistols have a squared trigger guard and protective ears on the rear sight while later one’s have a rounded trigger guard and conventional rear sights.

The one I saw today w/squared trigger guard and the rear sight w/the protective ears, seemed like a fantastic handgun, quality of build appeared to be top notch and the trigger was super nice in both SA and DA with minimal reset in DA.

Besides the above I’d like to know if there are other changes in these pistols from early to late models, before I go a head and “pull the trigger” and bring it home.

Thanks,

[sniper47]

My 5906 was my very first gun I ever bought and I still have it. Just like the one you described. These are great handguns. They digest any kind of ammo you load, you can still find holsters that work for them and they look great too. These also came in DAO, alloy frames, and decockers. I believe the rounded trigger guards and novak three dots came later in the production cycle, but I may be wrong about that. Don't hesitate to buy it.

[JamesArthur60]

All I know is the 5906 was the workhorse sidearm on many police departments in the early 80's and well into the late 90's, maybe further.

[Shorty4T]

Hi ctgmi, welcome to the forum! There is a wealth of information on the 3rd generation guns here. The changes that you describe are pretty much the difference in the early and later 5900 series pistols. However I think what you are calling "protective ears" on the rear sight might be the adjustable sights, similar to what you see on the 4006 below:



The early 5900/6900 square trigger gaurd guns with standard sights had a very plain sight on the rear. S&W then moved to the Novak sights like pictured on the 4003 below:



These sights are still in use today on many of their pistols. Some varients will be slightly different but they will all have the same sight picture.

Sorry but I do not have a picture of the original sights that came on the square trigger gaurd 5900/6900. I'm sure that someone will be along with one of these pistols with a picture.

Cheers,
Sam

[ab4ka]

Grab it! You won't be sorry. I love my 6906 and would love to have a 5906 to go with it.

[ctgmi]

However I think what you are calling "protective ears" on the rear sight might be the adjustable sights,

Thanks all for the welcome and info.

While I have had a chance to disassemble the gun to look for wear/abuse, the sights are new to me even though they are adjustable would you all consider them durable?

[Poohgyrr]

Welcome to the Forum, we have a lot of fun here.

The sights should be fine, or at least I don't remember ever hearing of any problems at all with the adjustables. The 5906 is basically as tough as an anvil and should last just about forever.

In the autumn of 1997 I phoned 2 or 3 of the major shooting schools and asked if they had seen any problems with this 9mm. Each one told me that occasionally some of the "small parts" may break, but it is rare and the pistol is tougher than many or most others and just keeps on shooting.

Magazine wise, I'd really suggest buying only the factory magazines.

[tpd223]

My first S&W 9mm was a 5906 I bought for duty carry in 1989 or so, it had the adjustable sights, and even though a abused that gun for years I never managed to break anything on it.
The 5906 is a tiny little tank, they are very durable.

As to the sights in particular, I used then to many times to count as a means to rack the slide for doing demo's of wounded shooter reloads/malfunction clearance, and I often used the rear sight against the edge of a ballistic shield when I was a SWAT guy (since the other hand was tied up holding the shield). Never had a problem with damaging anything in doing so.

[wproct]

I've owned 4 different specimens of the 5906 and will never be without at least one. My first one had the square trigger guard and all the rest were the round version. I think the square version was made until the late eighties or very early nineties and then they went to the round. All but one of them had the adjustable sights with the protective ears and they are very sturdy and should never be a problem. Just a matter of preference on both trigger guards and sights. As others have said on this post, they are built like a tank, excellent pistols.

[ctgmi]

Again, thanks for all the input.

Well I went and did it, and thought I'd share below. While it wasn't a bargain the shop was willing to work with me on some trades.

[kbm6893]

Very nice! I am super anal about how my guns look, so I always pay more for a pristine sample like yours. I bought a never used 6906 for $650, and I just got a 5903 (alloy frame 5906) for $345. The 5903 was a steal, the 6906 high, but you only live once, and I just couldn't buy some cop trade-in gun that might work well, but looked like ****.

Pick up some mags and you are set. I won't sell either one of my S&W autos.

[wproct]

Nice pistol, looks just like new!

[roaddog28]

Great gun and welcome to the forum. I am looking for a 5906 too. Just have not found one.

roaddog28

[Hendel]

That looks like a wonderful example of one of the best 9mm's ever produced. Good job!

[Beauetienne]

Nice one! Welcome.

[tpd223]

That is the exact same type I bought for carry that I spoke about earlier, solid gun.

I put the flat backstrap grips on mine (like come on the 4006) as I prefered that grip.

[Bear Claw Chris Lappe]

I just bought my first 5906 today, can't pick it up until Thursday, but I went out to find a 9mm for myself and at the third gunshop I found one that someone traded in Sat. 2 16 round magazines, box and all the papers. Look like it has maybe had 3-4 magazines through it, it is in near new condition!!!

[iafirebuff]

CONGRATS! You will love that gun