Hello, everyone, just picked up a beautiful Smith & Wesson 5906 yesterday. I noticed there's some play between the front of the slide and the frame rails. I inspected it for machine marks, and didn't find any. The gun is gently used and appears to be shot very little. Does anyone know if this is normal for a 5906, or if it's something that could compromise the functional integrity of the gun?

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Looks good to me. Every 3rd Gen pistol I’ve owned had some play. The 5906 is a stout pistol, if it’s in good shape then I’d say you’re good to go.

Thanks for the feedback! I was a bit worried about this at first but everyone I've talked to seems to think it's fine. I've noticed a little bit of play in my 1006, and my Dad's 4013, but not to the degree of this one. I'm sure it's nothing, I just always like to be sure. Thanks again!

John Welcome to the Forum from Canada as well. You did the right thing by checking on here with the members who know these model pistols. Its always better to be safe then sorry later.

Very true. Just wanted to talk with some experts about it. Like you said, better safe than sorry.

These are service grade pistols and have sufficient tolerances to allow them to function reliably even when dirty.

I know they're service grade. But the amount of movement between the frame and slide seems almost dangerously abnormal. I'm not worried about dirt, I'm worried about the gun breaking.

UPDATE: I'm definitely gonna get rid of the gun. Been having trouble with the decocker not dropping the hammer. I'm not gonna risk this gun malfunctioning when I need it most. It would be stupid to risk when I know very well I could have a 5906 that works properly and will go bang every time.

What do we do when we have an unreliable car? Well, we can throw money at it and hope it is fixed or move on. Regarding your 5906, I think you are doing the right thing.

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I'm gonna grow fins.

What do you want for that paper weight?
Wouldn't be right selling it to a unsuspecting victim.

You most likely have an excellent gun that i wish I had, play or no play.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I can only compare it to my 659. In doing so you have terrible wear on the rails bottom side. Mine are nice and square. Yours is far from it. It looks almost half gone. I'm no expert but unless your photo is less clear than I think it does not look so good. I could not see the groove that the rail runs in in your photos, so I cannot speak to that.

There is definitely some frame wear compared to my lightly used 5906. However the picture is not clear enough for me to say if it's excessive.

My slide has some play, but other than my 3913TSW, it's no more than any of the other 3rd Gens in my safe.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

I suggest taking it to a Good Gun Dr. who can determine just how bad the damage really is and who can advise you properly on which road to go with it. It might be cheaper to fix it then replace it?