Prices on 5906's going up?

[opaul]

I haven't seen any of these models for sale locally for quite some time (as compared to 2-3 years ago).
Now two LGS's each have one and they are asking a higher price than I've seen in the past. Of course this is the asking price not OTD price since both entertain offers.
Of the two, this is the nicest one. Only comes with one mag and needs a new set of grips, recoil spring and some elbow grease to look new again.
What are the prices like in your area?

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by opaul

I haven't seen any of these models for sale locally for quite some time (as compared to 2-3 years ago).
Now two LGS's each have one and they are asking a higher price than I've seen in the past. Of course this is the asking price not OTD price since both entertain offers.
Of the two, this is the nicest one. Only comes with one mag and needs a new set of grips, recoil spring and some elbow grease to look new again.
What are the prices like in your area?

The $399.99 tagged price doesn't particularly surprise me. Condition looks slightly rough but all-stainless steel 3rd Gens clean up very nice. And it is the more desirable fixed sights model.

Recently, a very clean Model 5906 with fixed sights went for $425+Tax here in MA. Can't recall how many magazines went with it but I do remember it did not have a factory box. I lost out on it when the dealer didn't answer his phone... and then sold it a day later at a show.

[opaul]

They do clean up nice. I had one a couple of years ago, and sold it, which I have regretted. It was somewhat dirty to, but it cleaned up like a new penny.
I think I'm going to make an offer on this one. Bonus on this LGS they have a great layaway program which doesn't raise flags at home.

I think I might like the straight back grips as opposed to the curve grips..........what do you think?

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by opaul

They do clean up nice. I had one a couple of years ago, and sold it, which I have regretted. It was somewhat dirty to, but it cleaned up like a new penny.
I think I'm going to make an offer on this one. Bonus on this LGS they have a great layaway program which doesn't raise flags at home.

I think I might like the straight back grips as opposed to the curve grips..........what do you think?

I've said it many times before... ... THANK GOD for credit cards and layaway programs!

Perhaps surprisingly, I'm generally not partial to flat vs. curved grips on my 3rd Gens. I go both ways... ... and have an extra set of each type for most of the frame sizes for if I ever want to play around. But for now, I've found no good reason to do so.

Only thing I can't stand are the Hogue rubber grips, although I know many members of Team 3rd Gen swear by them. Just not my thang.

[mlk18]

I personally don't like the curved grip and always put a flat grip on. Fits my hand better and allows for a much more natural shooting position.

[StickShift]

These guns were cheap for a long time because the market was flooded. Now that the flow of surplus guns has slowed, they're priced nearer to what they're worth. We're talking about an all metal, made in the USA semi auto with an excellent trigger. $400 is a bargain, even if the design isn't the most modern

[Geno44]

I think we are in a time where a really nice 5906 with excellent curved grips and two clean magazines is a $500 package. The $300 law enforcement ones of a few years ago with after market grips, one magazine and not always very good condition are gone. By the time you bought a new set of grips, a second magazine and a good cleanup and paid shipping and FFL if needed, how much do you think you had in it and some of them were rough.

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by Geno44

I think we are in a time where a really nice 5906 with excellent curved grips and two clean magazines is a $500 package. The $300 law enforcement ones of a few years ago with after market grips, one magazine and not always very good condition are gone. By the time you bought a new set of grips, a second magazine and a good cleanup and paid shipping and FFL if needed, how much do you think you had in it and some of them were rough.

Long ago I realized that beat-up bargain guns aren't always a bargain. Put me down in the "prefers top condition privately-owned used guns" category. I remember reading one particular post about what a member had to do to his bargain cop trade-in to get it to where he was happy with it. Sounded like he spent more money than if he had simply bought one already in top condition.

And I "re-learned" that lesson the hard way myself when I gambled on a cop trade-in... and lost.

That said, I know that plenty of members disagree with me. I think that bargain hunting and fixing up badly "used & abused" guns is a big part of their fun.

But not for me anymore. I can't afford to make any more mistakes with "bargain" guns.

[loeman]

I think that $399 price tag looks mighty appealing! And that's the 5906 I'd like to have with the Novak rear sight. Mine has the adjustable sights featuring those not very attractive protective wings.

I'm with TTSH on bargain LEO trade ins. I just won't buy guns that I can't see first and aren't in really nice condition. I didn't say perfect condition! A few small scratches and nicks here and there are fine. And I'm willing to pay a bit more for better condition guns so I can put my own scratches and nicks on them!

[Arik]

$350ish in my area but you can find them between $250 - $400 depending on condition and accessories

[Arik]

Originally Posted by mlk18

I personally don't like the curved grip and always put a flat grip on. Fits my hand better and allows for a much more natural shooting position.

I'm the opposite. Hate anything with flat thin grips

[Arik]

Originally Posted by TTSH

Long ago I realized that beat-up bargain guns aren't always a bargain. Put me down in the "prefers top condition privately-owned used guns" category. I remember reading one particular post about what a member had to do to his bargain cop trade-in to get it to where he was happy with it. Sounded like he spent more money than if he had simply bought one already in top condition.

And I "re-learned" that lesson the hard way myself when I gambled on a cop trade-in... and lost.

That said, I know that plenty of members disagree with me. I think that bargain hunting and fixing up badly "used & abused" guns is a big part of their fun.

But not for me anymore. I can't afford to make any more mistakes with "bargain" guns.

That all depends on his idea of "happy"

[HCH]

What were the prices you were seeing in the past and what are the current prices?

If I were in the market to buy a 6906, it would probably be one of these from Std Law. Standard Law - Specials and More

[timn8er]

"Prices on 5906's going up?"

I can't really think of a 3rdGen model that the price is going down on...

Put me in the curved grip crowd. If they're available for any 3rdGen I buy & I can find them, they get installed. Just more comfortable to me.

[vanman1]

The 5906 has been awarded the same high regard as the sig 226, with which I agree. They are 20 years old now and the novak tritium sights have long expired, add another $200!
Dealer on g broker with some like new examples but the price is more than a tad high.

[SparkyAZ]

I purchased a 5906TSW just a few weeks ago. I paid $470 OTD and honestly I felt I got a great deal. Had been looking for a clean one for quite some time, but found most were beat up pretty bad. Came with 3 mags and correct factory box & paperwork. Happy to add it to the fold...

[opaul]

Originally Posted by SparkyAZ

I purchased a 5906TSW just a few weeks ago. I paid $470 OTD and honestly I felt I got a great deal. Had been looking for a clean one for quite some time, but found most were beat up pretty bad. Came with 3 mags and correct factory box & paperwork. Happy to add it to the fold...

Sounds like you might have gotten the deal of the month! Got any pictures to post?!

[SparkyAZ]

Originally Posted by opaul

Sounds like you might have gotten the deal of the month! Got any pictures to post?!

I will do that. I have it torn down in pieces on my bench right now. When I buy a used pistol or revolver I always take 'em apart, clean them up and replace springs. Had to order a factory grip for it too, it came with one of those god awful Hogue grips. Hopefully have it done early next week. Will post some photos then. This will have to do for now...

[jbtrucker]

Paid $470 for mine they wanted $489. the others were $425-450 no extra mags scratched and worn ,one had butchered sights . Left mine at gunsmith today to have trigger fixed , too hard of a pull and no reset.

[S&W SS Revolvers]

Mine is in it's original box...bought new has papers and 4 factory mags. Has < 1000 rounds. I can't shoot it well. But it's not for sale!

[58619owner]

That would be a steal here in CA. If I could snatch up all the used 3rd gen smiths at that price or under $500 I would do it until I was broke!

[S&W SS Revolvers]

Thread drift...my apologies.

I have a "police" Bianchi holster , belt and magazine holder I bought in 1994-95 after getting the 5906. Forgot it was around. They are black and the gun has only been in it once. They are virtually brand new , never used.

What do you think these would bring on e bay as a package deal? I could kick myself for wasted money spent!!! Any ideas are appreciated...

[Trinidad Bill]

Originally Posted by SparkyAZ

I will do that. I have it torn down in pieces on my bench right now. When I buy a used pistol or revolver I always take 'em apart, clean them up and replace springs. Had to order a factory grip for it too, it came with one of those god awful Hogue grips. Hopefully have it done early next week. Will post some photos then. This will have to do for now...

Seeing that 5906 broken down into pieces for cleaning prompted me to say to myself, " I need to do that".

Unfortunately, I don't know how!

Are there any good videos out there on tearing down the Gen3s?

[MWater]

I've been keeping a log of all the Smith semi-autos that come through my LGS since I was bitten by this 'bug.' The prices are all over the place as they're a big operation and obviously have different people pricing stuff out (I didn't get there on time for the $240 3913!). They just sold an early 5906 in similar condition for $400, and a few months ago they sold a later 5906 in good condition for $480.

The stainless-frame guns definitely don't show up as often as the others, and they're always gone within a few days. I do kind of regret not jumping on a pretty minty (like-new) 4506-1 they had for $500, but I didn't want to push my luck with the firearms approval committee.

[SparkyAZ]

Originally Posted by Trinidad Bill

Seeing that 5906 broken down into pieces for cleaning prompted me to say to myself, " I need to do that".

Unfortunately, I don't know how!

Are there any good videos out there on tearing down the Gen3s?

Video's are kinda hit & miss depending upon what model you have. As always, Google is your friend...
They are not as complicated as the parts & pieces might lead you to think. You will find that many of the disassembly and reassembly methods are pretty much the same across many different models with slight variations.
That is one of the great advantages of this forum, lots of very knowledgeable members that are always willing to help.

[Trinidad Bill]

Thanks Sparky... I found some pretty good ones by BluBelly2 on YouTube. Just thought I would ask in case there was on "holy grail" videos by someone on the forum that I should be watching.

[686wheelgun]

I just picked up a 5906 from one of the guys in my gun club for $350. Came with the original box, 2-10 rd mags & an aftermarket 15 rd mag. Pretty good shape, shoots terrific, grips are a little scuffed up but I'm very happy with the gun.