Hello. I recently purchased a used 6906 and am having a few problems that I'm wondering if anyone here can advise me on. First of all, when I remove the slide I have a hard time putting it back on. There are three "rails" near the hammer end of the frame. I know I must depress them to allow the slide to go completely to the rear but the smallest of those "rails is hard to depress and allow the slide to go all the way rearward. I have to use a flat screwdiver to depress this "rail". Is this normal? I don't have a problem like this on my 3953 but because this is my first DA/SA Smith I'm wondering if this is the norm. The other problem I'm having is the magazine release button. When the mag is empty the mag release button is very hard to depress. When the mag is fully loaded and inserted into the pistol pushing the mag release button is almost impossible. Once again I have to use a hard object on the button to get it to release the mag. I'm using S&W mags and have even tried putting a drop of oil on the mag release button but that did not solve the probelm. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

I'm betting you have a fouling problem.

Disassemble completely, and drown all the parts in Break Free.

Get a can of compressed air (keyboard duster) to blow the crud out the places you can't reach with a rag or Q-Tip.

I just finished de-crudding a couple repatriated M39-2's that had thirty years of compressed, condensed, congealed, and conglomerated Euro-crud in every nook and cranny. Everything is smooth as silk now - or at least as smooth as it was when it left the factory.

__________________
WWSSD?
What would Skeeter do?

I have the same issue with my 5906 that I bought NIB, have had the same problem putting slide back on frame since new. I use the orange empty chamber flag to depress the levers so that slide will clear.

My 5906 is the same way, I have to push it down, just like Novalty said.

BigDaddy,
Same story here: My 6904, 6906 and 3906 are similar to yours with respect to reinstalling the slide. My 3953 goes together much easier - as it should. WRT to the magazine release, the condition you report is not normal and you should investigate further. Inspection and cleaning, followed by proper lube would be a good place to start. The mag release is also adjustable, and I believe can be reversed for LH shooters.

Interestingly, I just purchased a SIG P225, that was imported after serving with the Austrian police. It was REALLY dirty: I pulled the grips and mag, hosed it down with breakfree, wrapped it in a paper towel, and put it in a freezer bag for a couple days before I even began to look at disassembly - It' amazing how dirty some folks will let something get. Particularly curious since they're betting their life on it.....

It's not unusual for the levers to be difficult to push down during reassembly. It gets easier with practice. The mag release probably just needs to be lubed "lightly". It may also need a couple of strokes with a file to loosen up it's grip on the mag. Take it to someone that is familiar with the 3rd Generation S&W pistols to have them look it over. If you happen to be in Massachusetts I can look at it for you.

My 6906 slide goes on easily, but the slide on my 3913TSW absolutely will not go back on unless I pull back on the hammer slightly to get the third lever (believe its the firing pin safety lever - the one closest to the hammer) to go fully into the frame slot.

Can't help with the mag release, but there is a good youtube video on complete disassembly of a 4506 which will show removing and reinstalling the mag lever. I think it can be adjusted with more or fewer turns on the mag lever screw. Here is the link ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEY0C5KTh_8&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL. If the link does not work, just do a search on youtube for 4506 advanced take down.

I see the link was missing part of the address. Here's that link again.


YouTube - Smith & Wesson Mod 4506 advanced takedown Part 2

Thanks fellas. Between the video and the comments I should be able to get this pistol running correctly. You all have been a big help. Now, if I could only figure out a way to convert my 4506 back to DA/SA from the DAO status it is currently in I'd be real,real happy. But one thing at a time.

I don't have any problem with getting the slide back on mine. Occasionally it will be a little pest but pushing down the smaller levers seem to be where they want to "hang". I just use a thumbnail or if it's too short, a jeweler's screwdriver works great...or a toothpick if nothing else is handy.

Warning! You guys using sharp objects to push down the levers at the rear of the 3rd. gen. slide are asking for future trouble. Sharp objects raise burrs. IMHO, you should be using a brass or nylon rod to push down those levers. ......... Big Cholla

Absolutely agree with Big Cholla, steel on steel is asking for troubles. I use tools that are softer that the material I'm working on to avoid damaging the part - and reduce the chance of leaving "idiot marks". I thought the idea of putting the orange nylon safe chamber inidicator to some other useful purpose was a good idea. It could also be used to assist starting the slide release out of the frame for slide removal. I use brass tools on my steel parts, but think that nylon is a much better way to go with any of the Aluminum alloy pieces, like the frame assy.
Bill

I found this video on youtube using 6904 which is the blued version of the 6906. Hope this helps.

YouTube - Introducing the Smith & Wesson Automatic

I just use the plastic end of a toothbrush that I keep in my cleaning box for pushing down stubborn levers.

Jerry

One more question. Is it safe to carry these pistols with the "safety" off or in the fire position?

Yes. Use the safety as a de-cocker and carry with the hammer down and the safety off. It's just like a DA revolver with a heavy first pull. That is how I carry my 908 and 4516.

__________________
AL
Pax Per Potens

I have to do the same thing on my 3rd Gen. pistols, push down on the levers with something to get the slide to go back on. I think its normal as for the mag. rel. prob. that has never happend to me, good luck.

Attached Images

Photo0046.jpg (62.3 KB, 42 views)