I'm currently on the hunt for a nice 6906, and I have some questions.

I know there are 2 different trigger guards, and 2 different rear sights.

Did they all come with a bobbed hammer, or was the spur hammer an option, or specific to a certain order (certain LEO order)?

I've seen some with the three matching numerals on the frame, slide, and barrel. That makes them some sort of California LEO issue, like CHP or DOC?

And finally, I understand that some are imports? What countries used them?

I'm looking for a LNIB one. Might be a unicorn, but I'd like to fill the space between my 4006TSW CHP and my 3913NL.

Thanks, QD67

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BTDT, Got The T-Shirt

With the 6906 and service history overseas.... oh boy.

I know the Israelis bought them as did the Bahamians. The Japanese did purchase some too. I've seen 3rd Gen 9mm handguns all over the globe in my travels. They were extremely popular in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Matching numbers on right side are typically Law Enforcement, but not necessarily California - I know of such numbers on Newark PD and Front Royal PD as a minimum but probably several more that used such markings, some with NPDxxxx - others with a single alpha character and 4 digits such as Axxxx - or Exxxx like the CHP 4006TSW pistols.

Not counting Law Enforcement and Special Orders, there were at least 5 Product Codes associated with the 6906. As you note, the early ones had D shaped trigger guards (up to 1992)

As for sights, there were 4 potential variations, very early fixed sight, Novak Fixed Sight, Adjustable sight (never seen one), and Night Sight (from 1992).

As for hammers, I have seen 6906 with spur hammer, but very rare and believed either special order or modified - all production 69xx series pistols I have seen had bobbed hammer.

I am sure others more knowledgable on configurations will chime in to confirm or correct me.

As for LNIB, there are examples of such on major auction site, but not with right side markings - generally those with right side markings are well used, mostly with at least some of markings worn thin.

As for Imported, they too are out there, but mostly less desirable in my mind because they are frequently well used AND the Import Markings required are ugly in my mind and detract.

Also, an Aluminum frame 6906 which has been well used may have wear damage to frame where barrel cams to frame. I had a 5943TSW with such damage.

This one is typical. Re-import. LNIB is gonna be quite the unicorn.

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Come and take it!!

Not sure of the dept. or agency, but on mine 'AO701' is marked on the barrel, slide, and frame.

Snagged it several years ago off the pre-owned shelf at a LGS for, like, $325.

While not pristine, this 6906 was in decent shape wearing Hogue grips. It came with a box and 3 mags. In the box were the extra mags plus the original factory grips, which I re-installed. They fit my hand better than the Hogues. The trigger pull is surprisingly nice in DA and SA.

Great shooter too, although it consistently hit below POA during the first few range sessions. Fortunately in my stash box of S&W-parts (accumulated since the early '90s ), I found a shorter S&W front sight which my 'smith easily swapped in for the original. Now POA = POI.

It's currently in the EDC rotation.

Attached Images

IMG_20200928_185554866_HDR.jpg (62.9 KB, 60 views)

Thank you for the info.

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BTDT, Got The T-Shirt

I know that the CA DOC used both 3913s and 6906s. I had a DOC 3913 and it was marked "Bnnnn" on the frame and slide.

I wish I hadn't sold that one.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

I acquired a 6906 in excellent condition back in June from a LGS up north for $425 shipped, 2 mags, no box or docs. Not a scratch on it, and it was just sitting there on the LGS web site. Good luck with your search, they are out there you just have to keep looking around and don't limit yourself to the big auction boards.

I bought a 6906 that was beat up externally but in very good shape internally. Sent it off to S&W Performance Center for a complete tune up and refinish. The returned 6906 looked like it came out of the factory.

BEFORE
1D7D7967-F200-4D38-8775-919989188499.jpg

AFTER
A73C7A76-9474-4064-A1AC-C97AF477783A.jpg

Honestly, I can't tell the difference between the images,
except for position of safety. They both look great!

What kind of rear sight is that? Not the standard Novak.

Trijicon SA08 Night Sights; I changed out all the sights on my S&W 3RD Generations to Trijicon Night Sights

That was the only picture I took before I sent the 6906 and a Model 66 to the S&W Performance Center

Veeklog1's route may be the way to go if you want something new looking or send it off to Metalife for a matte hardchrome. Never had one done but my go to ffl/cop shop has shown me several they sent out. Looks like dull stainless and tough as nails.

The auction sites have LNIB from time to time but you have to compete with folks who have lots of $$ and also want a LNIB 6906! Local would be better but good luck in that search...I rarely see any local much less LNIB.

You could post here in the want ads as well.

Actually I found one. Look at my 3rd Generation Trifecta post. Found one on GB with a low round count. It was dirty, guy never cleaned it, but it cleaned up nicely.

I found the correct box on Ebay with tools and papers.

Finally, there is a seller on Ebay who does custom S&W labels.

So I got what I wanted without breaking the bank.

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BTDT, Got The T-Shirt

Congrats on the find; now to find the 6906 magazines. In 2016 I was in Raleigh, NC and found six S&W OEM Twelve round magazines in the box for $20 EA. Bought all six plus a few more so have a healthy supply

The pistol came with 2 mags, and I got 3 like new LEO/Restricted mags off GB for 80 bucks. So I'm good for now.

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BTDT, Got The T-Shirt