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06-30-2020, 12:29 PM
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New 915 Owner...now what?
I bought my first semi-auto and it is in large part to the 915 owners here and their comments about their pistols. Hopefully, it's in good working condition when it gets here tomorrow. I've been researching a lot and I don't know enough about ammo for this gun. I'm guessing y'all have tried different kinds for range and self defense. What do y'all think works best for the 915?
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06-30-2020, 12:33 PM
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S&W 3rd gens like your 915 will eat anything. You’re bigger problem will be finding ammo! I would recommend that you change out the recoil spring, since there’s no way to know how much mileage is on it. Otherwise have fun and be safe!!
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06-30-2020, 12:34 PM
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I always used 124s, at least to start. Enough weight to cycle reliably, but won't beat up the gun. The Fed 124 and 147 have very similar recoil impulses and hit very close to each other. So for SD, you can swap in 147 HST and be good to go.
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06-30-2020, 03:08 PM
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FWIW MecGar has brand new magazines for the Model 5906 that are compatible with the 915
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06-30-2020, 03:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Smoke
FWIW MecGar has brand new magazines for the Model 5906 that are compatible with the 915
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17 rounders to boot
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06-30-2020, 04:10 PM
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Novak use to use the 915 as the basis for some custom 3rd gen Smiths.
One is my go to full size gun as the straight grip feels a bit like a Browning Hi-Power to me.
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06-30-2020, 06:23 PM
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The very first handgun I ever owned was a Model 915. It's the ONLY gun I regret selling and it's the ONLY gun I'd consider buying again.
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06-30-2020, 09:45 PM
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The very first handgun that I owned is a Model 915 and it is one of the two below. There is no better S&W Third gen for the money than the Model 915. So what now? Be safe, maintain and shoot. Model 915's are not picky on ammo.
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06-30-2020, 10:31 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kpoesq369
... but won't beat up the gun.
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What would do that?
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07-01-2020, 07:00 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ah, the Life...
What would do that?
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Hot ammo, like +P+ and ammo that is intended for sub-machine guns. Not replacing a worn recoil spring will also beat up the pistol in the form of peening the slide and barrel impact surfaces on the receiver.
For standard pressure ammo, change the recoil spring around every 3500-4000 rounds. If using +P ammo, every 3000-3500 rounds. Since you are buying a used pistol, replace the recoil spring before the first firing.
There are only two manufacturers of S&W mags that I would trust. Mec-Gar and S&W. Leave the others alone. Other brands are cheaper, but you will get what you pay for.
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07-01-2020, 07:01 AM
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I've bought 4 over the years...... still have three. "Sold one to a friend that needed a handgun for Y2K.
For years they were too cheap, generally $300 or less, to leave behind..............
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07-01-2020, 09:29 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stansdds
There are only two manufacturers of S&W mags that I would trust. Mec-Gar and S&W.
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I would pick MecGar over S&W only because MecGar is making brand new magazines and TO MY KNOWLEDGE S&W is not.
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07-01-2020, 11:28 AM
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The only downside to a 915 is the finish does not hold up especially to holster wear. I love mine to death anyway.
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07-02-2020, 07:10 AM
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True about the blued finish. These were economy pistols, lacking some of the machining cuts and most of the polishing given to the full price pistols. The blued steel parts tend to have thin bluing and it does wear away rather quickly.
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07-02-2020, 07:51 AM
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Start collecting extra magazines and ammo (whenever that will be again).
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07-02-2020, 08:09 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stansdds
True about the blued finish. These were economy pistols, lacking some of the machining cuts and most of the polishing given to the full price pistols. The blued steel parts tend to have thin bluing and it does wear away rather quickly.
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Not really blue. I use black oxide for touch-up.
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07-02-2020, 09:17 AM
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Okay, thank you. Learning so much!
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07-02-2020, 09:57 AM
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Cerakote is a good way to protect the steel and looks good to boot. As for recoil springs, I normally go for a heavier spring in all of my handguns because I run hotter ammo for range and defense. In my 6906, I run a 18lb spring. You can also order a whole spring kit from Wolff Springs directly. I went with a lighter hammer spring and a higher power firing pin spring. It lightened the DA trigger pull a little bit.
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07-02-2020, 10:03 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by max
Start collecting extra magazines and ammo (whenever that will be again).
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What is this "Extra Magazines and ammo" that you speak of?
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Last edited by Smoke; 07-02-2020 at 10:04 AM.
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07-02-2020, 10:38 AM
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I just retired my 539 as my concealed carry firearm after picking up a 915. Took it to the range to make sure it functions, had zero issues with it. Lighter weight, higher capacity, fit's the same holster, what's not to like! Just need to pick up a couple extra mag's.
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07-02-2020, 10:44 AM
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As to the ammo.....
Each pistol is a world unto itself.
I have two virtually identical M-39-2 pistols.
One prefers Federal 124 grain ammo, the other Winchester 115's.
In short there is no real answer to your question.
Now, a question for you... What size groups are you firing now at say 25 yards.
It may just help guide you into the proper choice.
The average Smith and Wesson auto loader firing average " nothing special" ammo should hold about a 4" group at 25 yards.
If you can't do this.... the ammo is irrelevant.
Last edited by banger; 07-02-2020 at 10:50 AM.
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07-02-2020, 01:42 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by banger
As to the ammo.....
Each pistol is a world unto itself.
I have two virtually identical M-39-2 pistols.
One prefers Federal 124 grain ammo, the other Winchester 115's.
In short there is no real answer to your question.
Now, a question for you... What size groups are you firing now at say 25 yards.
It may just help guide you into the proper choice.
The average Smith and Wesson auto loader firing average " nothing special" ammo should hold about a 4" group at 25 yards.
If you can't do this.... the ammo is irrelevant.
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You start off sounding nearly Shakespearian. I'll have to give it a try once it gets here. It was supposed to be here yesterday. UPS tried to deliver at 10:30pm. The FFL left today so hopefully the delivery completes tomorrow. Otherwise it's back to the seller for another try to a different FFL. Oye.
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07-04-2020, 01:51 PM
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Finally arrived yesterday. Brought it home and immediately got a call from neighbors the area had been burgled. I put two magazines through and all works great. There's hardly any sign of use. There is on the magazine. Picked up 250 rnds of 124gr Federal for $50. Looking for holsters and not really finding any.
Kelly Reins - Happy Independence Day to myself. She shoots... | Facebook
I can see why y'all like it. It's a little big for my hand sights seem to be fine.
Last edited by Ah, the Life...; 07-04-2020 at 02:13 PM.
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07-04-2020, 02:36 PM
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Most holsters for the 5906 will accommodate the 915. Here is a G+G B733 holster.
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07-04-2020, 05:09 PM
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That's a very nice Gen3. Congrats!
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07-05-2020, 08:45 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ah, the Life...
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14 pounds is the factory rating and that is what I would use. Wolff springs are great, but factory S&W springs are also excellent and a lot less expensive.
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07-05-2020, 11:44 PM
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The model 915 is an excellent pistol, congrats on your new acquisition! I own a few myself, and in fact one of them is in my holster right now as my walk-around-the-house gun. I use a DeSantis leather OWB holster made for a 5906, and most any leather holster designed for the 5906 will work.
Your 915 will likely feed anything, I stick to 124g with mine and usually have it stoked with 124g +P Speer Gold Dots.
New factory recoil spring is a must for any 'new' used gun, and I'd also carefully check to see if the staked head on your guide rod is loose. If it twists under light pressure, I would recommend replacing it, and the best replacement is a one-piece guide rod that will never come loose: Smith & Wesson Recoil Spring Guide Assembly S&W 4003TSW 4006TSW
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07-11-2020, 01:07 PM
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Can the sites be swapped out on this model?
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07-11-2020, 01:34 PM
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07-11-2020, 01:35 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ah, the Life...
It's a little big for my hand sights seem to be fine.
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I prefer single stack 3rd gens.
The double stacks remind me of the first hand held cell phone.. The brick..
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07-11-2020, 06:19 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bigggbbruce
I prefer single stack 3rd gens.
The double stacks remind me of the first hand held cell phone.. The brick..
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Yeah, It's kinda big. I just wanted something with more rounds right away. Which models are single stack?
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07-11-2020, 06:35 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ah, the Life...
Yeah, It's kinda big. I just wanted something with more rounds right away. Which models are single stack?
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Some strips of traction/skateboard tape on the back of the grip and front of the grip frame can help with control in hand. Also a section of bike tubing or a grip sleeve can help.
The single-stacks include the 3913/3914 for compacts, at 8+1 (many consider these the best CC models around, myself included), and the largest will be the 3906/3904/909 models, which hold 9+1. That's about half the capacity of your 915 with a MecGar 17 round mag, so you might be better off finding a way to get comfortable with what you have.
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03-13-2021, 02:29 PM
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sites coming, making a holster, hard to see target
So, here's my update. I find that having a dark gun means it's hard to see steal plates because there isn't much contrast. I am used to my revolver with steal frame. So, I applied glow-in-the-dark paint to the sites but Santa bought some night sites for me and they're slowly making their way here. Any tips on getting on target when it's dark or there's little color contrast between your firearm and the target?
I haven't shot it much though I tried carrying it concealed. Which brings me to my next question. There are few places I can really hide this big ol' gun on me. I'm 5'4 and trim. Turns out I can do a high appendix best, so I converted a thigh holster to a belly band but it's a little fatiguing because of the weight of the gun. Maybe I need to strengthen my core? I am wondering which is less fatiguing appendix or 3-4 o'clock? It's easier to draw from the front it seems. I like carrying behind the hip when it's my revolver. It's out of the way there. But appendix is sorta out of the a way too at time with certain activities. I just don't like being squeezed by a belly band and of course it collapses. thoughts?
Last edited by Ah, the Life...; 03-24-2021 at 09:54 AM.
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03-13-2021, 05:20 PM
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Nice update. Like you, I found the high appendix position best for me.
I found the best holster was a Don Hume H715-M WCS (the #40-4 is for the 909,910,915).
I EDC my model 910 in that holster for nearly a year; then, tried other Gen3s for concealed carry. For the last 3 years, I've been carrying a 3953 or 4053 in the same model holster using a quality 1.5-inch wide gun belt. I have no problems concealing under a t-shirt even in our hot, humid North Carolina summers.
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03-16-2021, 11:50 AM
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I just picked up a like new in box 915 last week. Great gun. I did replace the recoil spring and mag springs as a little insurance.
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03-16-2021, 05:07 PM
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Ah, okay. I have been looking around lately for a smaller pistol of this variety.
Can we dry fire these or will it ruin something?
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03-16-2021, 05:38 PM
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Try to locate a CS9 or 3913.
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03-23-2021, 03:56 PM
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Have any of y'all removed the mag safety? I braved changing out the recoil spring myself and sure enough, I did it. But if the safety is where I think it is I might just have someone do it for me.
Also, have any of y'all lightened up the trigger. I need to practice with it but there are times when I grip it just a tad wrong and I can't even pull the trigger. But I also haven't been at the range in forever so I am guessing my grip is weak.
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03-23-2021, 04:01 PM
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Actually, I am dry firing double action so the length of the pull is long and that's probably why. Can it be shortened?
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