hello;

know about the s&w 6906, but nothing about the 6909. what is the difference? thanks for any input.

rp

I don't think they made a 6909. Where did you see a reference to one?

The decoder for the model numbers of 3rd gen S&Ws:

http://www.thegunzone.com/whiz_wheel2.html

Just ran across this thread. I have a 6909, not a 6906. Can anyone give me information on the 6909? I do know that is was a service weapon at one time (state leo), but he did not know anything about the difference between the 6909 and the 6906 or 690. Any information would be appreciated.

__________________
MCPO, CMC, US Navy (Ret)

It's not a standard model. The fourth digit on a 3rd gen gun indicates the type of metal used, but the normal range of numbers is 3-7. I think a 9 would indicate a special order.

I'd suggest putting up some pictures in this thread and then someone might be able to tell you what you have. Or you could request a factory letter. There a instructions for that somewhere on the forum.

ETA:
I'd suggest that you recheck the model number. Smith did make a 6904 and maybe the last four looks like a 9. The 6904 and 6906 were the major variations, the difference being that the 6904 is blue steel and the 6906 has a stainless slide on a silver colored alloy frame. The other variations were made in much lower quantities.

Are you sure it's not a 6690? That would be a good model number and would make it an RSR transitional, which is listed as "scarce", and should have a serial number prefix of "RSR"......I personally have never heard of a 6909....

I like the idea of pictures as well. A visual would solve a lot of questions and I would be very interested in getting a look.

Well, I feel rather stupid at the moment, having called it a 6909. I checked the weapon and it is indeed a 6690 with an RSR serial number, and apparently "scarce". Went against my better judgement and relied on memory - and learned yet another lesson. Sorry for the confusion.

I have a few questions:

(1) Anyway to tell what it might be worth? It was a service weapon for a State LEO before they upgraded, so it saw some some use (at least at the range, maybe more).
(2) Can it safely shoot +P?
(3) What would be the recommended ammo for this weapon for both home defense and carry?

__________________
MCPO, CMC, US Navy (Ret)

The value really depends on condition, however it is absolutely worth more than a comparable 6906 due to the low production number of the RSR models. I would guess a premium of at least a hundred over a 6906, maybe more. You can definately use +P ammo, but due to the alloy frame, keep it to a minimum just to find a round you may want to use for home defense/self defense that is reliable. How about some pictures?

Pictures attached.

I've had this weapon for years, but only recently broke it out of storage with an intention of using it for home/self defense. Its been a while since I shot (military expert, but years ago), so I intend to get some range time with it before depending on it.

I would still be interested in opinions on a specific, solid performing round to use with this for home/self defense. I don't need to go overboard -- just want something known to be effective for home/self dense that I can use in the 6690. Of course, I'll try them at the range, but just need a "quick start" to narrow the choice down.

SW_6690-1.jpg

SW_6690-2.jpg

SW_6690-3.jpg

__________________
MCPO, CMC, US Navy (Ret)

Nice! It looks to be in excellent shape too! Based on the fact that they probably built less than nine hundred of the 6690 model, you may just want to pick up a used second or third gen to use, I would keep that one looking nice and locked up.....lots of 6906s out there priced very reasonably.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1356127210.039393.jpg maybe this will help.

You sir have a very nice piece.

Unfortunately the S&W model number "wheel" does not apply to the 6906 model (should have been a 6913) and definately doesn't apply to RSR models, as they have unique model numbers used only for RSR.....

Thanks all for the good information and advice. Perhaps I'll clean it up and keep it in storage, pulling it out every now and then to clean and admire it. I'll get something else for home defense, possibly a 6906, along with something a little smaller and lighter for CCW use. My wife wants something for her own use, but prefers the simplicity of revolvers. So it looks like I'll be buying three handguns in the near future.

Thanks again, and Happy New Year to all.

__________________
MCPO, CMC, US Navy (Ret)

I think that's a good choice...