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Old 02-11-2010, 02:53 PM
finesse_r finesse_r is offline
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Default 915 vs 5904

Can someone tell me the differences between the Model 915 and the Model 5904. They look very much alike to me, but the 915's appear to sell for a hundred or so less.
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Old 02-11-2010, 03:03 PM
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The 915 was made as an economy version of the 3rd gen 9mm's.
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Old 02-11-2010, 03:38 PM
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Default Thanks Max

Thanks for that info.
Do you know what items they economized on? Does it have plastic or alloy where it should be steel? I know some gun makers do that and I always worry that such economizing makes for an Achilles hill.

So far all the reviews I have seen on the 915 have been very general and very positive with no indication of weakness. I am looking at getting a 5904, but I always look to save a buck if I can without losing quality.

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The 915 was made as an economy version of the 3rd gen 9mm's.
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Old 02-11-2010, 04:05 PM
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The 915 was real close to the early 5904s', it had the plain straight blade rear sight, one mag and a simpler machined frame than the 5904. When they went to the 910 they went further with some plastic parts, simpler machined slide and such.
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Old 02-11-2010, 05:24 PM
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Default Better and Better

Thanks Hangunner,

The 915 is looking better and better to me as an inexpensive, but reliable high capacity 9mm. Besides the 5904 I was looking at had that old style square trigger guard that I really don't care for.
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Old 02-11-2010, 09:41 PM
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Here's a somewhat generic answer as it relates to the Value Series, of which the M915 is part of.

The Value Series guns saved on cost by:

1- using plastic parts, to include some sights, as opposed to the standard production guns using Novak sights.

2- single side safeties, instead of ambi safeties as found on the standard production guns.

3- Frames had less milling, resulting in the Value Series having more of a straight frame profile, with no "step" in the area just above the dust cover. Interestingly, you need to be careful with holster selection, as with closely formed holsters made for some standard production guns won't work with their Value Series counterparts due to the frame differences.

4- back to plastic parts, some of the Value Series guns had plastic guide rods, while the standard production guns had steel.

Not all the above are negatives, but they saved production costs - allowing the Value series guns to sell for less.
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Old 02-18-2010, 11:06 PM
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New member

So does the 5904 have an alloy frame also, haven't held one so I was wondering. Just paid $340 for a lightly used Ppt 915 at my local indoor gun range... What's diff with the 5906?
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Old 02-19-2010, 12:15 AM
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5904-Blued steel slide/alloy frame
5905-Blued steel slide and frame
5906-Stainless steel slide and frame
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Old 02-19-2010, 12:37 AM
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Thks for the info:

Very nice forum...
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Old 03-20-2014, 01:21 AM
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Anyone know the thread size of the mag release shaft of a 5904 ? Lost all
My thread tools Thank You for your time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Old 03-21-2014, 09:49 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SmithNut View Post
Here's a somewhat generic answer as it relates to the Value Series, of which the M915 is part of.
Not to be contentious, but I think the Value Line pistols are later production than the 915. The 915 was an effort to economize on the 39XX through simpler machining, but, technically speaking, is not a Value Line gun. The Value Line came a few years later and took the conception a step further in machining simplicity and material changes for some smaller, non critical parts.

An advertisement lists the VL as the 908/908S (version of the 3914/3913), 910/910S (VL for the 3904/3906), the 410/410S (VL 4004/4006), and 457/457S (VL 4504/4506). I believe this ad dates from 1996-97. A two page ad that comes from 1993 shows the new 442, 411, and 915. There's also a 1994 single page ad that shows the 915 and its brethren.
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File Type: jpg value line.jpg (120.0 KB, 310 views)
File Type: jpg 1993 1.jpg (80.8 KB, 278 views)
File Type: jpg 1993 2.jpg (75.5 KB, 392 views)
File Type: jpg 1994.jpg (110.3 KB, 304 views)
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Old 03-21-2014, 11:58 AM
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One other thing too keep in mind, the 915 was produced from 1992 to 1994 then superseded by the 910 . I would not think twice about getting a 915 no ambi safety ,beefy frame , whats not to like ? It's almost a prelude to the TSW guns frame wise .
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Old 03-21-2014, 01:00 PM
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As state above, the 915 is NOT part of the "Value" line, that series was introduced later on. The 915 had a simple blade rear sight which saved S&W from paying royalties to Wayne Novak, and the front of the alloy frame has more metal that was not milled away, saving manufacturing costs. Practically EVERYTHING else is the same as a top-shelf 5903, except the ambi safety. Even though the gun is finished in a black oxide, the slide stop, extractor and safety are black coated stainless steel. Excellent pistols and a very undervalued deal when you can find them under $350.

Oh hell, I just noticed this thread is four years old! Where do all these zombie threads come from?

Last edited by DASA; 03-21-2014 at 01:05 PM. Reason: anger
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Old 03-21-2014, 01:21 PM
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You've gotten a good summery of the 915; let me just add.......

I would equate the 915 to the 28....... in a 27 vs 28 comparison

Novack used the 915 to build (several) customized carry 9mms.

I've got a couple of 915s (not Novack's guns).......they are great guns generally at a great price.... but they are creeping up in price

4years old..... why did Dr Dick use the OPs thread to ask his question????????

Last edited by BAM-BAM; 03-21-2014 at 01:23 PM.
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Old 03-21-2014, 01:37 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DASA View Post
As state above, the 915 is NOT part of the "Value" line, that series was introduced later on. The 915 had a simple blade rear sight which saved S&W from paying royalties to Wayne Novak, and the front of the alloy frame has more metal that was not milled away, saving manufacturing costs. Practically EVERYTHING else is the same as a top-shelf 5903, except the ambi safety. Even though the gun is finished in a black oxide, the slide stop, extractor and safety are black coated stainless steel. Excellent pistols and a very undervalued deal when you can find them under $350.

Oh hell, I just noticed this thread is four years old! Where do all these zombie threads come from?
Guess I'm going to have to start looking at the dates of these threads.I missed that entirely .
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Old 03-21-2014, 08:19 PM
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I got this 915 from iammo earlier this month. It was reimported from Israel and was $349.

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Old 03-23-2014, 08:47 PM
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Palm hits forehead. I never saw the original date.
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Old 04-13-2014, 12:13 AM
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The questions and answers are still good, even today. The 915 is on my list of 3rd Gens to buy. A solid pistol.
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Old 04-14-2014, 06:44 AM
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Still a good read, I have a nice 910. Don't let the 910 slip you by if you find a nice one. Yes it does have the plastic front and rear sights, but they are very easy to see, the mag button is plastic but on mine the plastic guide rod has been replaced with SS, and the Smith grip had been replaced with a Hogue, the gun is 95%.. I found the the gun in a local shop, the tag had 350 on it and I ended up with it for 275 otd. There are a lot of sleepers out there in the older Gen 2 & 3 Smiths.
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Old 06-10-2018, 04:40 PM
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Didn't the 915/910 and 411/410 models have a squared off slide instead of a rounded slide on top?
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Old 06-10-2018, 05:55 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by medic15al View Post
Didn't the 915/910 and 411/410 models have a squared off slide instead of a rounded slide on top?
910/410 yes, 915/411 no.

Previous discussion - $325? Difference between 910 and 915?
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Old 06-10-2018, 06:29 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jsbethel View Post
910/410 yes, 915/411 no.

Previous discussion - $325? Difference between 910 and 915?
Thanks jsbethel!
your link taught me a lot about them.

I wanted a 915/411 duo when I worked security for the wife/hubby combo as we were both working at the time to make up for newly married and her coming from a well off never denied family...... My first love is the 5904 and I finally was able to find one when I had a trade for it.
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Old 06-10-2018, 08:45 PM
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I was recently corrected by a forum member about my previous notion that the 915 was in the value line. The 915 is an excellent handgun. I also like the 59XX series.
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File Type: jpg 9MM - Model 5903.jpg (80.1 KB, 54 views)
File Type: jpg 9MMModel915.jpg (80.0 KB, 60 views)

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Old 06-10-2018, 09:21 PM
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I picked up a 915 shooter recently. Looking forward to firing it.
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Old 06-13-2018, 09:43 AM
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I found a 915 used here in MA. It comes with only one magazine and it is estimated at 98% condition. The dealer asking $625.
I wish there were $350 915's here!
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