Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols > Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols
o

Notices

Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols Other Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols from the 1950's to Present


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12-03-2014, 08:54 PM
hooksnatcher hooksnatcher is offline
Member
5906 with SN AIPXXXX 5906 with SN AIPXXXX 5906 with SN AIPXXXX 5906 with SN AIPXXXX 5906 with SN AIPXXXX  
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Alabama
Posts: 113
Likes: 163
Liked 46 Times in 32 Posts
Default 5906 with SN AIPXXXX

In an earlier thread that I posted, I described a 5906 that I purchased from a LGS back in October. After I posted a photo, JohnHL brought it's serial number to my attention, AIP0528. JohnHL suggested that I do a little research on it. In the the section on the Model 5906 in the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Ed.; (Supica and Nahas, 2006) I found the statement "Standard production serial number range may have started at AIP-0001 but this has not been confirmed." Other than that and a few comments here and there in the form on the "AIP" prefix serial numbers, I have not learned too much more.

I am curious if some other folks on the forum might have some more information.

Thanks!!!!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMG_5557b.JPG (180.6 KB, 97 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #2  
Old 12-04-2014, 03:56 AM
JohnHL JohnHL is offline
SWCA Member
5906 with SN AIPXXXX 5906 with SN AIPXXXX 5906 with SN AIPXXXX 5906 with SN AIPXXXX 5906 with SN AIPXXXX  
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Foothills of the Ozarks
Posts: 3,583
Likes: 10,605
Liked 5,549 Times in 2,170 Posts
Default Automatic Improvement Program!

Frankly, hooksnatcher I'm astounded no one has seen fit to comment on your pistol!
The AIP (Automatic Improvement Program) pistols were literally the 3rd generation S&W pistols aborning!
Pre-production prototypes is what some folks have called them.
Smith & Wesson was testing the manufacturing and utility of design changes inspired by efforts to refine the existing product.
For example, everyone knows the 3rd gens went to the one piece delrin grip.
But what most people don't know is that S&W straightened the grip angle two degrees on the 5906 from the 659.
Two degrees?
Why bother?
I've never heard the official reason although I suspect it had something to do with the first shot double action trigger squeeze pulling the sights off target with the straight back grips on the 659 while the curved grip as installed on the 5906 seemed to mitigate that problem. And straightening the grip angle accommodated the now longer front to back length of an already too wide grip. That's my guess, anyway.
I digress.
Out of a run of pistols that sold in the hundreds of thousands (possibly millions, I don't know total 3rd gen production numbers) yours was one of the first 528 built.
BTW S&W used the AIP serial number prefix on all its pre-production prototype models (5904, 6906, 6904, etc.) and not just the 5906. Consequently, your 5906 could be much earlier than number 528 in 5906 production. In actuality, it may have been one of the first 100 Model 5906 pistols ever built!
I hope others chime in on this fascinatingly brief but essential period of 3rd gen history.
If you haven't already, access the search function on this forum and Google custom search: "AIP" and "Automatic Improvement Program". There are a number of interesting posts.
Neat pistol!

John

Last edited by JohnHL; 12-09-2014 at 05:21 PM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 12-04-2014, 09:33 AM
hooksnatcher hooksnatcher is offline
Member
5906 with SN AIPXXXX 5906 with SN AIPXXXX 5906 with SN AIPXXXX 5906 with SN AIPXXXX 5906 with SN AIPXXXX  
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Alabama
Posts: 113
Likes: 163
Liked 46 Times in 32 Posts
Default

Thanks again JohnHL!!!

I will probably look into contacting S&W directly for more information when I get a little more time.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12-05-2014, 01:01 PM
hooksnatcher hooksnatcher is offline
Member
5906 with SN AIPXXXX 5906 with SN AIPXXXX 5906 with SN AIPXXXX 5906 with SN AIPXXXX 5906 with SN AIPXXXX  
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Alabama
Posts: 113
Likes: 163
Liked 46 Times in 32 Posts
Default

Hey JohnHL,

I found this link which has some information on this topic.

The Gun Zone -- S&W Whiz Wheel
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12-05-2014, 05:37 PM
JohnHL JohnHL is offline
SWCA Member
5906 with SN AIPXXXX 5906 with SN AIPXXXX 5906 with SN AIPXXXX 5906 with SN AIPXXXX 5906 with SN AIPXXXX  
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Foothills of the Ozarks
Posts: 3,583
Likes: 10,605
Liked 5,549 Times in 2,170 Posts
Default

Thanks for the link, hooksnatcher!

I had one of those wheels but it wandered off....

John
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 03-27-2020, 12:04 AM
demps135 demps135 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 3
Liked 3 Times in 2 Posts
Default AIP Prefis

Hi,
I have one just like yours with except 0639. I found the same reference and had the same questions. Thanks for your post.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
5906 TSW rail on a standard 5906 bill- Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 6 06-18-2014 08:10 AM
5906 HiCap Magazine, 5906 TSW LH Holster blujax01 Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 1 03-27-2014 02:32 PM
WTT/WTS S&W 5906 Kahr cw40 traded 5906 SOLD unit6639 GUNS - For Sale or Trade 5 12-12-2012 04:43 PM
PC DPA prefix 5906's. How much better than standard 5906? 18DAI Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 12 08-21-2011 06:00 PM
5906 Vs. 659 - 659 has 'half cocked' position, 5906 doesn't? headless1916 Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols 13 04-06-2010 07:06 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:57 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)