Anyone CCW a 6906 or Other Non-M&P Semi? Any 45acp Models??

[Nalapombu]

Hey all.

I have always liked the looks and feel of the 3rd generation S&W autos. I think I’ve only owned 1 over the years, but it’s gone now. Prolly in a swap of some kind.

Anyway, the other day I was watching YouTube videos and came upon one where they were talking about great trade-in or surplus pistol options. They listed the 6906 and I think the 669, but I’m not certain in that one. That had me thinking about how well that 6906 would work as a carry piece. I don’t know what they weigh, but they hold 12 rounds don’t they? I’d like to hear about your experiences with carrying and/or owning either of these 9mm pistols, particularly the 6906.

Also, there’s a few of the 3rd Gen pistols in 45acp that I really like too, like the 4513 or 4516. I also REALLY liked the TSW versions in the 3rd Gen autos. Those are getting very hard to find in affordable prices now.
Anyone carry one of the non M&P 45acp autos? Isn’t there also a 457 that is kinda a twin to the 4513 or 4516? If so, I’d like to know more about that one too.

Please post pics of your carry dig if you have any. Everyone LOVES gun porn!!

Thank for your time everyone. Please take care of yourselves and your families out there in these crazy times we’re living in.

Larry


Ps.....I almost forgot to mention another auto thst I really like and would love to have at some point......the model 59 or 39, in nickel. Gorgeous pistol. Anyone own these? If so, how about some pics?

[robertrwalsh]

I have qualified with a 4513 TSW but I don't think I have ever actually carried it.

[GerSan69]

Well, I carried a 669 for a couple years starting in 1989, when my department made semi-autos optional. I switched to a 6906 when one became available. Back then, I carried the same gun on and off duty for a while because of the newness of being able to carry a semi.
Both carried the same but a sturdy holster was necessary, because 12 rounds is a lot of weight out there in free space above the holster. That said, they were comfortable IWB or OWB. OWB, other than that different balance in the grip, was no different than carrying a revolver (I carried everything high-ride.) IWB simply meant having the grip frame sitting on top of my belt. It did stick out more than a revolver, though, so I had to be more careful how I dressed.
I've since stopped carrying the 6906 daily because my other options are lighter, and I'm retired.

[cpeblue]

I have a 6906 and a 6904 , the only holster I have found is a desantis OWB . Their is no kydex holster for or 69xx's. For my Shields or my 365's , g26 0r p320 subcompact their multiple holsters for them. I have a cs9 that fits in a shields leather holster but nothing else. This is what I think is our biggest problem with our 3rd gens , lack of holsters and after market support .

[18DAI]

I have carried the 3rd gen compact 45s for almost two decades. I started off with the 4516-3 LE Special order in plainclothes as an Investigator.

Later, I qualified with the 4513TSW - early version with 6 round mag and no rail. After that, a 7-round 4513TSW. And I later qualified with and carried an early production 457. All superb 45 carry guns.

In retirement from Investigations and serving as a Magistrate, I carry a CS45, 457 and sometimes my old 4513TSW.

The 457 is the value line, or economy version of the 4516s and 4513TSWs. Less finishing and a cheap finish. But every bit as reliable as its cousins and accurate enough for government work. Regards 18DAI

[SMSgt]

A 6906 is my daily carry except for those few times I choose my Glock 30 for trips to Indian country. I picked up an IWB holster at The Holster Store that fit my needs nicely.

The 6906 is the Goldilocks gun--not too big or heavy, not too small or light, just right.

[URIT]

I don't like the grip on the Gen2 models and my only Gen2 model, a pristine 469 that I bought from a Texas auctioneer, is a safe queen.

I own several 6900 series pistols and carried them in a Hughes OWB Avenger style holster and an IWB Don Hume H715-M #28-1 open-top with body shield holster. IIRC, both cost less than $50.

[BAM-BAM]

Carried a 3rd Gen S&W for the past 30 years.... generally a 3913 but I'll go to a 6906 or Shorty-9 if traveling away from my burb of the Burgh.

Empty the guns weigh in at between 25 and 28 oz.

Either gun almost always in a Milt Spark Summer Special or Executive Companion IWB holster....... Spare mag for the 69xx is generally a 59xx magazine with a +2 spacer in a Safariland 123 horizontal mag pouch.

In .45 I've had a 4516 (to heavy IMO) a early 4513 (6shot magazines were/are scarce). I've looked to Sig 220s and Compact 245 to meet my .45 carry needs since the mid-90s.
That said I do have and like a 4566..... a little to heavy for EDC when I have the Sigs available..... but IMO a great all steel .45 and the most versatile of the Smith .45s

As I've stated before "new" means new not necessarily better

[stansdds]

I have carried a Model 6946 on my hip for the past 10 or 11 years now. I've considered a plastic pistol, but the 6946 has been insanely reliable and reasonably accurate for a compact pistol.

[pharmer]

With me everyday since 1994. I have changed the recoil spring a time or 2. Joe

[tlawler]

I’ve got a 4516 and a CS40 that I occasionally carry.

[Erocksmash]

Every once in awhile I'll get a little bit frisky and carry the 1013...

[squidsix]

Recon 45 or 3913 are my carry guns most days. I have been packing a Beretta 92 Compact lately but for a long time a single-stack S&W has been in my holster.

[max]

I have carried a 669 with a 6906 slide for a long time. It is usually in a Miami shoulder holster. I have a 457, but do not carry it. I prefer the round count in the 9mm.

[ColbyBruce]

I carry a S&W 3953 a good bit.

[BAM-BAM]

Originally Posted by squidsix

Recon 45 or 3913 are my carry guns most days. I have been packing a Beretta 92 Compact lately but for a long time a single-stack S&W has been in my holster.

I've gone to my 92Compact lately.... I'm now using the new 15rd Mec-gar mags...... did you get any??? Spare mag is a Mec-gar 18rounder with a Farrar mag collar.

[Frank Black]

Have carried at one time or other the following 3rd Gens ...

1006, 1076, 4566, and more recently a 6906.

New to that group is a 411, but it hasn't yet made it into the carry rotation.

With all that's going on these days, an EDC piece with decent magazine capacity gets preference.

So the 11+1 .40S&W 411 may nudge out the lighter 12+1 9mm 6906 based on the heavier-hitting payload of 180gn JHPs for roughly the same number of rds.

The 6906 does, however, carry comfortably.

[HYPURR]

Scottsdale Crib Carry...Eric won't let me Carry in LA.

My 457 TT rides that rig too.

[Classic Radio99]

My 6946 is in my EDC rotation, and it's the one I carry most often right now..
There are so many great features for this gun, the size, weight, capacity, external hammer, and the fact that it's a DAO. You just can't find this feature set in any modern pistol that I know of. All my carry guns are DAO, whether they are a semi-auto, or a revolver. The rotation is: a 6946, 3914DAO, Ruger P89DAO, and a Ruger LCR.
All the guns operate pretty much the same, for example, I don't have to remember which gun has which safety on it. The trigger pull is the same shot to shot, and similar between all the different ones in the rotation. And, the external hammer is great for holstering, I push down with my thumb on the hammer when I holster, it gives that added margin of safety.
The Smith 3rd gen are probably some of the best designed handguns ever built, although the Ruger P89DAO is build like a tank..

The only caveat is that factory magazines are pretty rare and getting expensive. I purchased a few that I thought were factory, but weren't and needed to tweak them to get them to work right. I noticed a couple of places are carrying Mec-Gar magazines for the 6900 series, I'm going to get a few and try them out..

BTW, for cpeblue, I use a Crossbreed Super Tuck IWB hybrid Kydex/leather holster that's listed for the 3900 series, but it works well on the 6946. I use it for both the 3946 and the 3914DAO, it works equally well for both. I don't know if this applies to other brands, but I'm thinking it might....

My 6946:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachm...9&d=1586109864

6946 in the Crossbreed holster:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachm...0&d=1586109984

3914DAO:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachm...1&d=1586110014

3914DAO in the same Crossbreed holster:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachm...2&d=1586110054

[Big Cholla]

I have been carrying a M 6946 in a IWB holster up until two days ago when it got too warm here during the day for a light jacket. So, I went back to my M 642-2 carried in a front pocket of my jeans.

[veeklog1]

I love my 6906; it was one of the first semi-autos I shot with my dad and it prompted my dad at the time to buy a 5903 (sitting in my safe). I don’t carry one for on and off-duty except my Glock 19 and 26; however, I would not hesitate to carry one for either

48FCAE2E-D684-4009-8E3A-0E79C08635B4.jpg
81824B48-EF77-4976-97BE-91D13584DD0E.jpg

[hammy5150]

I haven't actually gotten around to getting my CCW permit and with recent events it'll be a long time before I can actually get one, but I was planning on carrying a 4013TSW when I do (also been looking for a 6906 but that's easier said than done) and an H&K P2000SK in 9mm. I got a Crossbreed hybrid IWB holster for the 4013 and a Comp-Tac AIWB for the H&K and though the holster itself works well I'm pretty uncomfortable with the idea of AIWB to begin with, I only have it because I bought it from someone who threw in the holster as a bonus.

Originally Posted by Classic Radio99

My 6946 is in my EDC rotation, and it's the one I carry most often right now..
There are so many great features for this gun, the size, weight, capacity, external hammer, and the fact that it's a DAO. You just can't find this feature set in any modern pistol that I know of. All my carry guns are DAO, whether they are a semi-auto, or a revolver. The rotation is: a 6946, 3914DAO, Ruger P89DAO, and a Ruger LCR.
All the guns operate pretty much the same, for example, I don't have to remember which gun has which safety on it. The trigger pull is the same shot to shot, and similar between all the different ones in the rotation. And, the external hammer is great for holstering, I push down with my thumb on the hammer when I holster, it gives that added margin of safety.
The Smith 3rd gen are probably some of the best designed handguns ever built, although the Ruger P89DAO is build like a tank..

The only caveat is that factory magazines are pretty rare and getting expensive. I purchased a few that I thought were factory, but weren't and needed to tweak them to get them to work right. I noticed a couple of places are carrying Mec-Gar magazines for the 6900 series, I'm going to get a few and try them out..

BTW, for cpeblue, I use a Crossbreed Super Tuck IWB hybrid Kydex/leather holster that's listed for the 3900 series, but it works well on the 6946. I use it for both the 3946 and the 3914DAO, it works equally well for both. I don't know if this applies to other brands, but I'm thinking it might....

My 6946:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachm...9&d=1586109864

6946 in the Crossbreed holster:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachm...0&d=1586109984

3914DAO:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachm...1&d=1586110014

3914DAO in the same Crossbreed holster:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachm...2&d=1586110054

Is it normal for the slide stop to really dig into the leather backing on your crossbreed? Mine was for the 4000-series in general and I'm not sure how well it works on my 4013TSW.

[Fastbolt]

I carried one or another 3rd gen since late '89 or early '90 (it's been too long to remember when I got mine issued for work).

I started carrying a 3913 off-duty that I ordered about late '98, and that got me started for ordering and carrying other personally-owned models. I can't remember the particular order (unless I go sort through the copies of the FFL paperwork), but after the 3913 I picked up a 4013TSW, CS45 & 4513TSW (original version), eventually followed by a CS9, 4040PD and finally a late production 3913TSW.

During all that time, at various times I was issued 3rd gen's that included 5903's, 6906's, 4566TSW, 4013TSW, 4513TSW (late production) and a 3913TSW (which was the one I eventually bought when we were allowed to buy one former duty weapon).

I carried more than one issued 6906 during that time, all from the earliest production.

The 6906 is the one model I was too damned lazy to order for myself before it went out-of-production, and that's something I regret to this day. If I'd had the opportunity I'd have ordered one from just before they went out of production, so it would've dad the latest upgrades in features and machining (think MIM, wide barrel tab, etc).

I carried the 6906 off-duty quite a bit, because it not only used 12rd mags and could use the 15rd mags ... but because it was an issued weapon, and if I used it and it was taken into evidence, they'd have given me another one that looked just like it.

I eventually settled upon preferring the single stack 3913 series because even though it held 4 fewer rounds, the slimmer grip frame was more comfortable (against my side) over the course of being seated (in & out) behind the wheel of my plainclothes car or in my desk chair for 10-18hrs at a time.

FWIW, I also came to really like the 1-piece wrap-around Hogue grip (w/finger grooves) on my 6906's, as well as my 4013TSW. While it adds a little chunkiness to the grip, the controllability offered by the finger grooves and the rubber backstrap made shooting the 6906 & 4013TSW seem like ... cheating. (Sometimes the hard plastic tab inserts of the 2 sides of the Hogue grips, which snapped over the frame at the back, needed a bit of judicious adjustment, but that's another story. )

[GaryS]

The Hogue grip for the 6906 fits my hand just about perfectly. I wish they'd made on for the single stack 9mm guns. As they don't I use a slip on grip to get as close as possible.

I think I'll have to order one of the wrap around grips for my 6946.

[Classic Radio99]

Originally Posted by hammy5150

I haven't actually gotten around to getting my CCW permit and with recent events it'll be a long time before I can actually get one, but I was planning on carrying a 4013TSW when I do (also been looking for a 6906 but that's easier said than done) and an H&K P2000SK in 9mm. I got a Crossbreed hybrid IWB holster for the 4013 and a Comp-Tac AIWB for the H&K and though the holster itself works well I'm pretty uncomfortable with the idea of AIWB to begin with, I only have it because I bought it from someone who threw in the holster as a bonus.


Is it normal for the slide stop to really dig into the leather backing on your crossbreed? Mine was for the 4000-series in general and I'm not sure how well it works on my 4013TSW.

Yeah, there's a groove in the smooth side of the leather where the slide stop rides when it's being holstered, there's a pretty nice indentation where it rests when the gun is fully in the holster. And there's a little bulge in the leather on the other (rough) side.
There's no cuts or tearing on the leather, at least not yet.

[squidsix]

Originally Posted by BAM-BAM

I've gone to my 92Compact lately.... I'm now using the new 15rd Mec-gar mags...... did you get any??? Spare mag is a Mec-gar 18rounder with a Farrar mag collar.

I bought a dozen or so. Greg Cote had them at great prices.
I cant use the mag collars because my Berettas all have Wilson magwells installed. But 15+1 isnt anything to sneeze at.

[NCBeagle]

Oooo Ya. I regularly carry a CS9D, 3953, or DAO 3914. Have a 4553 but onoy carried it a couple times. The single stack 9s are so easy to carry.

[vista461]

My first carry gun was a 4003 back in 2011. I miss that gun.

[nocents]

6906 with 15 round mags shares time with a 3913 and an HK 45c....

[PPCSHOOTER]

WHEN I WEAR A JACKET I DO CARRY A SHORTY 9. JP

[TNZ71]

Don’t forget to consider the 469. The second Gen and first mass produced conceal carry 9. I think they look better and are dependable.

[mbliss57]

I carry and have carried many non m&P models. 3913, 3914, 4513TSW, 4516 and 6906. My current S&W in my rotation is my 457. I also have been buying and carrying Sigs, P229 and P239 because they are basically the same as the S&W 3rd Gens but new so there is warranty and no shortage of mags and parts. But I like the S&W design better. I think it's much safer with its non exposed hammer. The Sig hammer sticks out a bit and the gun can be cocked inadvertently. Then you are walking around with full cocked pistol w/o a manual safety. S&Ws DA/SA design is far superior in this regard.

[rosewood]

3913 everyday. Carry it in an older OWB leather holster I dug up that fits. Will be using the Alien Gear Cloak Tuck in warmer weather when I need cover and my shirt tucked in.

Have an Alien gear cloak tuck that I bought for the Shield 40. Sent in for as shell swap from the Shield to the 3913. Just got it in Saturday. I did check, and the shell will fit the 6904 and 4006. Looks like maybe they don't have a specific one for the 3913, it is about 1/2" too long, but it works fine.

The 6904 is a nice size, but a bit thicker, so prints a little more than the single stack 3913. You give up a few extra rounds for more concealability. Don't forget the 908, almost identical to the 3913 and are cheaper to purchase.

Rosewood

[CDKJudoka]

I have been carrying my 6906 since I bought it. Kydex holster makers are pretty hard to find, but if you have a good bender in your area, they can custom make one for you.

Here is my EDC rig. I carry appendix with the 12rd mag and a 15rder in my weakside front pocket.

[N_Frame.SquareButt]

Here is my 6906 in a Don Hume JIT Slide.

[rosewood]

Aliengear makes the kydexholsters for them. May need to verify the specific one you get though. They have one listed specifically for the 6906 with square trigger guard. My 6904 has a round trigger guard.

Rosewood

[gmiller0737]

Have CCW My 3913 from time to time Don’t & won’t have a M&P,Most often carry a Glock 42 either in a Pocket Holster or IWB


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[Dump1567]

Back in 1990, I use to carry a 469 (blued earlier Gen) in an inside the waist holster or shoulder holster off-duty. I bought it off an ex-secret service guy that I went through the Academy with. That gun may have guarded Bush I.

I never needed to draw it, but I did get in a road range incident were I was sure glad I had it.

Anyway, it carried well, had 12+1, and was a good shooter. It got traded away a year or two later when I went to a Glock 19. And I eventually started carrying the department issue 5904 in a pancake style Tex Shoemaker holster in the mid to late 90's.

[Tom 1951]

I carried a 6906 concealed occasionally as a legally armed civilian, but not much. It just doesn't get suficiently cold in my part of Texas to wear a jacket often. I worry about the wide butt giving the gun away when I'm in shirtsleeves.
Recently, I foolishly sold the '06 to a friend and cop who wanted to try something besides his issue Glock and loved the S&W from our range outings. Having sacrificed the 6906 in the cause of friendship, I replaced it with a 469, the blued version of the 669 and analogous to the 6904. The 469 is harder for me to carry IWB because of the hooked trigger guard; almost compensating for the hook is the fact my 469 has a single side safety, so the slide is a smidge thinner than the 6906.
Truth be told, I prefer the 908 (almost the same as the 3913) to any double stack. I give up 4 rounds, but gain slimness. I easily carry the 908 in any weather. Under a Hawaiian shirt, it's undetectable unless I do something stupid.
I no longer shoot .45. Were I to go there, I'd go with a 457 over my ancient Colt Combat Commander. Forty years ago, it was my go-to. Now, older, the more leery I am of SA semis for concealed carry.

[Trooper224]

[TercGen]

All I carry are S&W 3rd Gens, as well as using them for house/nightstand guns. I have a 3913TSW pre-rail and a later version with the rail removed that get carried the most. Lately it's been my 457, but with things warming up no doubt I'll be switching back to the 3913TSW's soon.

[Nalapombu]

Thanks all for the great info and pics. Now I’m gonna have to keep these 6906, 457, 3913 and so on in my head to try and handle when I run into one for sale at a shop sometime. I’d like to get a 3rd gen auto for carry but there’s so darned many nice ones to consider.

Larry

[BAM-BAM]

Originally Posted by Trooper224

Pictures of the car and boat please.........

Still have the gator??????

[ISCS Yoda]

I love 3rd Gen S&Ws. Presently, I am not carrying any but I have carried all of these:

6906



CS-45



CS-9

[Trooper224]

Originally Posted by BAM-BAM

Pictures of the car and boat please.........

Still have the gator??????

One of my neighbors has a cigarette boat. If you think I've been tempted to use it for a photo op you'd be right.

[rosewood]

Originally Posted by Trooper224

One of my neighbors has a cigarette boat. If you think I've been tempted to use it for a photo op you'd be right.

Need to get a pink sport coat too!

[BAM-BAM]

Originally Posted by Trooper224

One of my neighbors has a cigarette boat. If you think I've been tempted to use it for a photo op you'd be right.

With a Kansas address..... figured the Marshals would have made you leave all that stuff behind ......... Witness Protection Program and all!!!!

[HOUSTON RICK]

I used to carry the CS9 and CS45 for over 15 years until I bought a J frame revolver.

[Trooper224]

Originally Posted by BAM-BAM

With a Kansas address..... figured the Marshals would have made you leave all that stuff behind ......... Witness Protection Program and all!!!!

Well, I did bring the gator with me, but he missed the glades too much and left me and then there was that issue of the neighborhood dogs disappearing......

[BAM-BAM]

Leaves Kansas husbands and wives ..... arguing....."who let the dog out.. who.. who"