I've got a chance to get a 5903 at a really good price. I know what to look for on a used auto but is there anything in particular that I need to look for on a 5903?

3rd gen S&W autos are great, the only thing I can say to look for is the dimple on the bottom of the grip. There was a recall.


RECALL: Smith & Wesson has shipped over 300,000 Third generation Pistols. We have had a very small number or reports where a dropped pistol resulted in a broken grip resulting in a failure to fire by releasing mainspring tension. Resultant testing and review have shown that a pistol dropped at a specific angle can cause a fracture of the grip.

As a result of these occurrences and our testing, we have made a change in the grip material to a thermoplastic alloy of increased durability. This new material, which is now being used on all current production models, can be identified by a dimple on the bottom of the grip, next to the large opening. Additionally, the blue product box has a green dot sticker on the label end.

We believe it unlikely that you will experience any problem with your original grips. However, in order to safeguard our customers from the possibility of such a malfunction, we will make available, free of charge, an easily installed replacement grip. Please inspect your pistol and if you have a model listed below that does not have a small dimple next to the large opening, please write us including your model and serial number or call 800-338-2466. If you prefer, you can send your pistol to a Smith & Wesson Warranty Station where we will replace the grip for you.

Models Affected:

3904, 3906, 3913, 3913LS, 3914, 3914LS, 1006, 1066, 4506, 4516, 4516-1, 5903, 5904, 5906, 5946, 6904, 6906 & 6946

Smith & Wesson's development process is a continuing one. We are constantly striving both to develop new products and improve existing products. We are committed to building the safest, most reliable, finest performing firearms possible.

Source:

American Rifleman, August 1990; page 20

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Back to back World War Champs.

Thank you.

No real cons for any 3rd Gen Smith. Some folks don't like DA pull of the 3rd gens. Others may not like 9mm. If neither of those bug you, go for it.

5903 is da/sa with decocker or tda. Many like this above all other options.

Look for something like this You will not regret picking one up.
What's the price range and how many mags?

I prefer the straight back grips. I change out all mine. Also, I just can't use the Vogue grips....they make the circumference too big for me.

Awesome gun. Check the frame rails for excessive wear. In my experience the alloy frames wear faster than the stainless. Not that you'll ever wear it out, but it is an indicator of the gun's use/treatment by the previous owner.

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Un-Reconstructed Southerner

I have a 5903. So, here you go.

Cons - None.
Pros - Many.

HTH

I'd say check the wear at the barrel lock up to the frame. Alloy frames take a beating at one or both sides of the grove. Especially if the barrel's has machining burs that weren't caught at factory (many were not) and the "burs" tend to chew up the lock-in. Just my .2 cents.

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Glen