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Old 07-01-2011, 02:02 AM
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Default Do you own a Smith & Wesson 5904?

I never buy used pistols, but today I violated my rule.

I came across a S&W 5904 (9mm) pistol practically in mint condition, 95% + rated.

Someone suggested this alloy frame could wear quicker than anticipated?

Are there any 5904 owners out there? What's your experience with these 5904's? I was searching the web for mags and came out empty handed.

All 5904's are double/single action, correct?

The recoil spring will be replaced upon receipt of pistol. Do you suggest replacing any other springs?


Here's a picture

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Old 07-01-2011, 07:42 AM
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I have a 5904, a little newer than yours, mine has the rounded trigger guard. Unless your planning to run a full diet of +P+ ammo through her, you'll be passing that one down to your grandchildren.
Here's mine sitting next to my son's Beretta 92FS Centurion.
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Old 07-01-2011, 08:53 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ldp4570 View Post
I have a 5904, a little newer than yours, mine has the rounded trigger guard. Unless your planning to run a full diet of +P+ ammo through her, you'll be passing that one down to your grandchildren.
Here's mine sitting next to my son's Beretta 92FS Centurion.
IDP,

Do you suggest replacing any other springs beside the recoil spring? What mags are compatible with this pistol? I searched for mags everywhere and came out empty handed. I just hope I don't regret buying a used pistol.
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Old 07-01-2011, 08:55 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MrChubbs View Post
I was searching the web for mags and came out empty handed.
All the metal-pistol full-size double stack S&W 9mm mags will work. The mags will be listed as 59XX or 5900 series or maybe 5906 (the most common iteration) or something similar. Don't worry, there's still a gazillion out there.
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Old 07-01-2011, 10:07 AM
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I have one and it is a great gun, seriously doubt that you could shoot enough to wear it out even firing 1000 rounds a day! Unless the recoil spring is giving you problems I would leave it alone and have a blast with it. Your gun also has S&W's life time warranty.
Randy
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Old 07-01-2011, 10:09 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MrChubbs View Post
IDP,

Do you suggest replacing any other springs beside the recoil spring? What mags are compatible with this pistol? I searched for mags everywhere and came out empty handed. I just hope I don't regret buying a used pistol.
Its probably an old cop gun, which means unless the LEO was a gun person, the springs are still probably almost new. Try it out before changing out any springs.

My 3913 has had over 10K shot through her, and has only had the recoil/guiderod spring changed out three times. 3rd Gen guns are tough, so don't worry about trying to baby her.
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Old 07-01-2011, 12:02 PM
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I own an 03 model - s/s slide & alloy frame. no worry of the longevity, the alloy frames are plenty stout enuff.
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Old 07-01-2011, 01:42 PM
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I would say recoil spring, mainspring and magazine springs are worth changing if you want to pay it super safe.
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Old 07-01-2011, 05:25 PM
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Quote:
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I would say recoil spring, mainspring and magazine springs are worth changing if you want to pay it super safe.
I just hung up with Smith & Wesson. I gave them the serial number and they said the pistol was manufactured in the year of 1989.

The retired pastor, seller, assured me the pistol is practically new, no scuff, markings, and also said the barrel is in mint condition. His profile reads he has 771 transactions with a seller rating of 100%. Not one complaint! Would you folks trust your life with this pistol, or would you perform some type of modifications before trusting it?

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Old 07-01-2011, 05:28 PM
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Quote:
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Would you folks trust your life with this pistol, or would you perform some type of modifications before trusting it?
I do trust it with mine.
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Old 07-01-2011, 10:09 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MrChubbs View Post
Would you folks trust your life with this pistol, or would you perform some type of modifications before trusting it?
Shoot it with different ammo to build up your confidence in it. Then shoot it some more with your carry ammo to confirm that confidence. At that point you should be good to go, no mods needed.
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Old 07-01-2011, 11:31 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by snw19_357 View Post
I do trust it with mine.
As do I with a 6906, another third gen with an aluminum frame.

Your new gun looks great. From my limited experience with these guns I would take it to the range and run a few boxes of FMJ's through it to see how it feels. If it checks out, which I would bet with 100% assurance it will, then clean her up and slide it in the safe or your conceal carry holster. Whatever the destination, it will never let you down.

I just brought home a 915 today, my fourth 3rd generation in the Fritz arsenal. Lovely guns. You made a good decision adding one to your collection.
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Old 07-01-2011, 11:53 PM
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Thumbs up S&W 5904

I carry mine daily. It has never given me any trouble on the range, and I shoot a lot, because I have my own range. After buying this one used, I did change most of the springs, but only because I detail stripped it to have the slide reblued. I also refinished the frame in Brownell's GunKote and replaced the factory sights with Trijicons.

I would shoot a few hundred rounds through your 5904 first and see how it operates. If there are no problems, I would not change any other springs, other than the recoil spring which you already have. You could polish the feed ramp, but the beauty of 3rd Gen Smith autos is that they consume anything.

As for magazines, I prefer the stainless 5906 mags. They polish up really well. Check around, you may be able to find some used police trade-in mags. I have several and they work fine. Enjoy the new (to you) 5904.
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Old 07-01-2011, 11:59 PM
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I carry mine daily. It has never given me any trouble on the range, and I shoot a lot, because I have my own range. .
Swabby - commercial range or your own private range? If commercial - where are u in PA?

pineappleshooter
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Old 07-02-2011, 08:25 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Swabby View Post
I carry mine daily. It has never given me any trouble on the range, and I shoot a lot, because I have my own range. After buying this one used, I did change most of the springs, but only because I detail stripped it to have the slide reblued. I also refinished the frame in Brownell's GunKote and replaced the factory sights with Trijicons.

I would shoot a few hundred rounds through your 5904 first and see how it operates. If there are no problems, I would not change any other springs, other than the recoil spring which you already have. You could polish the feed ramp, but the beauty of 3rd Gen Smith autos is that they consume anything.

As for magazines, I prefer the stainless 5906 mags. They polish up really well. Check around, you may be able to find some used police trade-in mags. I have several and they work fine. Enjoy the new (to you) 5904.

That looks really nice.
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Old 07-02-2011, 01:47 PM
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Default Trust but verify!

As President Reagan once said, "Trust but verify!". Even if it was manufactured yesterday, brand new & sold to me by the Pope, himself, I'd still take it out to the range & put a couple hundred target rounds through it -- and then, at least, a box of my self-defense rounds. Then, maybe, I'd trust it.

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Quote:
Originally Posted by MrChubbs View Post
I just hung up with Smith & Wesson. I gave them the serial number and they said the pistol was manufactured in the year of 1989.

The retired pastor, seller, assured me the pistol is practically new, no scuff, markings, and also said the barrel is in mint condition. His profile reads he has 771 transactions with a seller rating of 100%. Not one complaint! Would you folks trust your life with this pistol, or would you perform some type of modifications before trusting it?
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Old 07-02-2011, 07:25 PM
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I appreciate all the responses.


To Swabby:

Were the springs you replaced factory springs? If yes, did you buy them individually or in a spring kit?





Quote:
Originally Posted by Swabby View Post
I carry mine daily. It has never given me any trouble on the range, and I shoot a lot, because I have my own range. After buying this one used, I did change most of the springs, but only because I detail stripped it to have the slide reblued. I also refinished the frame in Brownell's GunKote and replaced the factory sights with Trijicons.

I would shoot a few hundred rounds through your 5904 first and see how it operates. If there are no problems, I would not change any other springs, other than the recoil spring which you already have. You could polish the feed ramp, but the beauty of 3rd Gen Smith autos is that they consume anything.

As for magazines, I prefer the stainless 5906 mags. They polish up really well. Check around, you may be able to find some used police trade-in mags. I have several and they work fine. Enjoy the new (to you) 5904.
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Old 07-02-2011, 10:31 PM
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Mine is accurate, utterly reliable, and fits my hand perfectly. It is my favorite double stack 9.

Jerry
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Old 07-03-2011, 09:04 AM
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I've got a 5904 that is well worn finish wise, but mechanically sound. It is my current truck gun. Trijicon sights that will need replacing soon. It feeds everything I put through it. Currently I am using 124 gr +P Golden Saber. All but one of my mags are factory stainless. I put Wolff springs in it. It replaced my stainless SW9VE in my truck. I also use a 6906 withe the same ammo as my nightstand gun.
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Old 07-03-2011, 10:52 AM
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To Pineappleshooter, my dad owns 23 wooded acres in central PA which have been in my family for several generations. I built a 100 yard range with a covered shooting bench and backstop. This fall, I plan to put another covered shooting bench at 50 yards. The second backstop is already made.

To MrChubbs, I sent you a PM with the places I obtained my extra parts. I have, in addition to my 5904, a 4506, 1006, 4003 ongoing project and a 5906/6906 SSV project on the horizon. Any time I can find S&W 3rd Gen auto parts for a reasonable price, I stock up.
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Old 07-03-2011, 03:10 PM
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The 59XX series, as is any 3rd gen S&W, is a reliable and accurate pistol. As for spring replacement, if it isn't broke don't try to fix it. Shoot enough rounds through the pistol until you are comfortable with its reliability. If it gives you problems, replace the springs, and give it another try, otherwise don't worry about it.
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Old 07-03-2011, 03:47 PM
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I don't own a 5904 but I just bought a 915 so I'd say I "almost" own one
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Old 07-03-2011, 05:10 PM
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I own one and trust it completely. Here it is with my 3906 and 3904.

My next purchase will be a 5906 with a square trigger guard to complete the family.
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Old 07-03-2011, 10:13 PM
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[QUOTE=MrChubbs;136017571]I just hung up with Smith & Wesson. I gave them the serial number and they said the pistol was manufactured in the year of 1989.

My 5904 had a serial # TCP 8452. I was just curious to see if yours was similar. Mine was purchased in 1989.
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Old 07-04-2011, 01:28 AM
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My 5904 was the second pistol I bought after I turned 21 years old.I bought it brand new and it shot like a dream.I carried it concealed at work for a number of years and trusted it with my life.They are great guns.Sadly I sold mine a few years ago and am trying to replace it now.
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Old 09-21-2011, 12:53 AM
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Default 5904 mags

I surfed into this forum after taking my girlfriend's SW 5904 off her hands (she doesn't like the recoil [small wrists]), but I love this pistol so far. Was surfing around to purchase more mags for it, the forum answered my questions... I'll try the 5906 stainless mags and after an hour at the range & reading everything in this thread I feel good enough to replace my revolver with this pistol as my nightstand pistol. Thanks to all for the informative posts. Off to shop for a newer rifle next.
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Old 09-21-2011, 10:22 AM
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Stated about as well as possible....never understood the whole near phobic reaction of so many on spring replacement.

Randy
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The 59XX series, as is any 3rd gen S&W, is a reliable and accurate pistol. As for spring replacement, if it isn't broke don't try to fix it. Shoot enough rounds through the pistol until you are comfortable with its reliability. If it gives you problems, replace the springs, and give it another try, otherwise don't worry about it.
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Old 09-21-2011, 09:38 PM
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I'll third firebird, unless it doesn't fire right at the range (doubt it) then leave it as is. I walked away from the gun show a month ago with mine and straight to the range that night. 200 flawless rounds. I love mine. If you go to Cheaper than Dirt they have mags for $16 each! As for ammo for the range, use 115gr CCI Blazer FMJ. I have never had a jam with that ammo yet and hardly any cleaning afterwards! Mine hated winchester rounds!!
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Old 09-22-2011, 06:30 PM
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I had a 5904 for a time, shot a few hundred rounds through it liked it, it was my first S&W 3rd gen. pistol. But i sold it with some other stuff so i could get my 5903 and 6906 now i love those two pistols.
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Old 10-18-2011, 09:01 PM
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I brought my first 5904 in the 80s new. I carry concealed.
one problem after 5000rds jhp (spring) sent back to s&w they replaced all new springs free.aother 5000rds no problem now. also have the baby 5904 (908)in 9mm just traded a russian m44 for a s&w 4043 like new you cannot go wrong with third gen s&w.I alternate between the 3. I love my S&Ws
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Old 10-18-2011, 09:57 PM
KPSqured KPSqured is offline
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I always use S&W factory springs...you can get them from Brownells or S&W or Midway.

I always respring a used gun no matter what.

I didn't have a new recoil spring on my used 4586 when I first shot it, and although it functioned great, the primer showed firing spring drag on it...replaced the springs and all was well.
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Old 11-25-2011, 05:26 PM
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I've now put about 160 rounds through my newly acquired 5904 & I love this pistol. Everything is currently stock, but I may eventually replace the grips. I think I have average sized hands & the 5904 fits nearly perfectly & even with the stock, hard plastic grips, it's not at all unpleasant to fire, but I may put rubber grips on if I decide I want to play with this a lot more at the range, which I may because it's a lot of fun to shoot... I find it to be a well balanced, solid pistol, nice trigger, not one jam or misfire yet, using Winchester target ammo.
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Old 11-25-2011, 07:44 PM
S&Wman S&Wman is offline
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Do you own a Smith & Wesson 5904? Do you own a Smith & Wesson 5904? Do you own a Smith & Wesson 5904? Do you own a Smith & Wesson 5904? Do you own a Smith & Wesson 5904?  
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Here's mine I purchased new in 1990.
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  #34  
Old 09-15-2012, 03:43 AM
No guns, No America No guns, No America is offline
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Default Trust my Life with My 5904? YES!!

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Originally Posted by snw19_357 View Post
I do trust it with mine.
I never had a problem with this gun, it has plenty of power and holds enough bullets. This thing drives tacks and is a serious weapon for self defense.
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  #35  
Old 09-05-2013, 05:23 PM
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Syspila Syspila is offline
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I purchased my early 90's 5906 used, in 1995, in Fantastic shape...I have done nothing to it except replace the recall stock and it still shoots such a close group; not bad for a handicapped guy! I have lost count as to the rounds I have pumped through it.

Last edited by Syspila; 09-05-2013 at 05:29 PM.
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  #36  
Old 09-05-2013, 05:44 PM
loc n load loc n load is offline
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Default 5904 and alloy frames

Don't fret over the alloy frame First Sgt.....alloy frames are very durable and you will not wear it out...and since you know the history of your gun I would not be in a rush to change any springs....get some mag's, some ammo and take it out and run some rds thru it.....I have worked with the 59 series pistols since their introduction in the 70's...in the latter part of the 80's and early 90's I was responsible for 200 plus 459's and 5904's as an armorer/instructor at my duty station....a portion of the pistols were issued for duty carry to officer's and the rest were delegated as SWAT guns, training guns or spares. Training guns and SWAT guns get used a lot, shot a lot and banged around a lot.
During the years that we had these pistols in the inventory, the training guns had 50,000 plus rounds thru them and the SWAT guns more than that.....we never had an issue with alloy frames....I have been to Smith several times to recert as an armorer and they maintain that alloy frames are a non issue.
The normal issues I encountered with the 5904's were the occasional ejector breakage, extractor issue ( usually after several thousand rounds).....but if there is a preventative maintainance program in place, these are pretty well non issues as well.
I logged all of the guns that were under my supervision, and had a round count on all of them ( since I issued the ammo), which turned out to be very educational....I have seen a lot of the "myth's" debunked, such as the worry about alloy frames.
All of the 5904's I worked with were DA/SA platforms.....and I never had any issues with any springs with out of the box guns, your gun has obviously not had many rds thru it....so I would not be overly concerned abt the recoil spring or any others as long as the pistol functions properly.
You have a great gun....I have several of them....carried them into harm's way, instructed and shot them for a large portion of my career.
Carry on...good shooting.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MrChubbs View Post
I never buy used pistols, but today I violated my rule.

I came across a S&W 5904 (9mm) pistol practically in mint condition, 95% + rated.

Someone suggested this alloy frame could wear quicker than anticipated?

Are there any 5904 owners out there? What's your experience with these 5904's? I was searching the web for mags and came out empty handed.

All 5904's are double/single action, correct?

The recoil spring will be replaced upon receipt of pistol. Do you suggest replacing any other springs?


Here's a picture


Last edited by loc n load; 09-05-2013 at 06:41 PM.
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  #37  
Old 09-05-2013, 06:19 PM
5906fan 5906fan is offline
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mecgar mags function 100% in my 03 and marlin camp 9.
imo 20 rds is the best combination of capacity and reliability.
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Old 09-05-2013, 06:37 PM
loc n load loc n load is offline
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Default 5904 mags

Mec Gar makes excellent mags....they produce mags that are OEM supplied mags by several major manufacturer's......CDNN sports has new S&W 20 rd mags for $ 28.99.....excellent mags.
I own a bunch of them.
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  #39  
Old 09-05-2013, 06:44 PM
losingle losingle is offline
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Another vote for mecgar mags, they mfg many factory mags. I even use the 17 rnd mecgar in my 06 without any problems.
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  #40  
Old 09-05-2013, 07:39 PM
finesse_r finesse_r is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by losingle View Post
Another vote for mecgar mags, they mfg many factory mags. I even use the 17 rnd mecgar in my 06 without any problems.
Mecgar are some of the best mags available and by the way they make makes for several gun manufactures including S&W. I always buy mecgar mags for all my guns when I need extras.
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  #41  
Old 09-06-2013, 08:38 PM
tom-tom tom-tom is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MrChubbs View Post
I never buy used pistols, but today I violated my rule.

I came across a S&W 5904 (9mm) pistol practically in mint condition, 95% + rated.

Someone suggested this alloy frame could wear quicker than anticipated?

Are there any 5904 owners out there? What's your experience with these 5904's? I was searching the web for mags and came out empty handed.

All 5904's are double/single action, correct?

The recoil spring will be replaced upon receipt of pistol. Do you suggest replacing any other springs?


Here's a picture

I think you'll be very satisfied with the pistol. The 59XX series have an excellent reputation earned on the street, not on the web. I can't get over those funky sight wings, though.
As an aside, in regards to buying new v used, my luck has been good with used guns. Of the last 9 pistols bought, only 2 have been new. One of the used guns had serious issues; it was put back in good condition inexpensively. I hope my luck holds.
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  #42  
Old 09-06-2013, 08:44 PM
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opaul opaul is offline
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Good choice, I just picked up this mint 5904

Last edited by opaul; 02-07-2015 at 11:45 AM.
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  #43  
Old 09-06-2013, 10:35 PM
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Keep the rails well lubricated and don't shoot fire super hot ammo through it and it will be fine. At least that's what the people on this forum who actually know what they are talking about say.

I have one with the square trigger guard that I bought about a year ago for pretty short money. I don't carry it, but only because I have a few compact 3rd generation guns to use for concealed carry.
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  #44  
Old 08-10-2014, 01:58 PM
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Default Magazines

I just purchased a S&W Mod 5904 and have a Kel-Tec P11 as well as a Marlin Mod. 9...my question is, have many of you interchanged magazines between the 3 and had any problems doing so? I am trying to cut down on the number of different types of magazines and calibers want the best interchangeability I can get.
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  #45  
Old 09-10-2015, 09:27 PM
FlyDive357 FlyDive357 is offline
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Default SW 5904 Owner

I still carry my 5904 daily, shoots straight and is very accurate. My fellow officers are trying to get me to get a glock but prefer my SW5904. Looking for some good night sights now but never have had any issues with the firearm. Very dependable and rugged.
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  #46  
Old 09-25-2015, 03:18 AM
AKp47 AKp47 is offline
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I recently found a nice 5904 in my favorite LGS. I watched it for a few days but it did not last long. I thought I'd never see it again...

My wife bought it for me. She gave it to me yesterday.

It appears to be an early model with a TCJxxxx serial number. It has a square trigger guard with checkering on the front (10 rows, not 8) and fixed blade-style rear sights. It has four lines of text on the left side of the slide ("MARCAS REGISTRADAS... etc") and the end of the magazine release shaft has a small, round protrusion near the bottom of the trigger guard. I suspect it was not a LEO pistol as it has very little wear : just a few small scratches on the dust cover and the frontstrap. The bore is mirror bright.

This 5904 is a nice companion piece to my poor, lonely CS-40. It's also proof that my wife hears SOME of what I say about guns.

Last edited by AKp47; 09-25-2015 at 03:20 AM.
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  #47  
Old 09-25-2015, 03:09 PM
shotgun693 shotgun693 is offline
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I just bought a 5904, mostly because my Son has a Beretta M9 like he carried in the USAF. We wanted to use the same ammo. Anyway, this is a really easy carrying gun. Mine shoots fine and I can hit with it. I will take out the magazine disconnector but just because I don't like it. BTW, I hate, hate, hate plastic guns.
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  #48  
Old 09-25-2015, 04:02 PM
Jaymo Jaymo is offline
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I hate what plastic guns did to the gun industry.
I don't hate all plastic guns. Some, I like a lot.
However, I prefer steel or aluminum frames.

The great thing about 3rd gen Smiths is that they feed anything.
Mine will all feed empty brass from the magazine.
That is a huge statement about feed reliability. It's just like the M52 feeding .38 wadcutters. (for which it was designed).

S&W seemed to have put more thought into their autos reliably feeding HP ammo than other companies did.
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  #49  
Old 09-26-2015, 11:47 PM
Racer X Racer X is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RufusG View Post
All the metal-pistol full-size double stack S&W 9mm mags will work. The mags will be listed as 59XX or 5900 series or maybe 5906 (the most common iteration) or something similar. Don't worry, there's still a gazillion out there.
Your absolute best choices for mags are factory S&W mags, or aftermarket MecGar. MecGar even made/makes mags for S&W under contract.
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