Early 5904 Question

FirebirdV8 · #1 01-23-2009, 07:26 PM

Does anyone know if any early 5904's had a seperate barrel bushing like a 459?

FirebirdV8 · #2 01-23-2009, 07:26 PM

Does anyone know if any early 5904's had a seperate barrel bushing like a 459?

Erich · #3 01-23-2009, 07:47 PM

I was managing a gun store when they were released, and they did not have a removable bushing. At least none of the ones that I saw did.

There were some weird transitional models - just a few made - I can't speak to those. But I've never seen a 5904 with a removable bushing, and I was selling them when they came out.

SharpshooterOPD · #4 01-23-2009, 09:04 PM

I bought a 5904 in 1989. If memory serves, that's the year after they were introduced. Mine did not have a separate barrel bushing.

Jhp147 · #5 01-24-2009, 06:21 AM

My department got a 5904 for testing before they were on the market. I think we were one of the first to see one, as we were just about to switch to autos and maybe Smith wanted to be sure and get in on the try-outs or our range guy had a connection, I don't know. It may have even been marked 459 on the frame (not absolutely certain on this), and was a mixture of blued and stainless parts. No bushing on it.

FirebirdV8 · #6 01-25-2009, 12:03 AM

Thanks for your answers. This forum is a great place for questions about anything S&W.

snw19_357 · #7 02-06-2009, 02:32 PM

I know of one that does. I don’t know how early it is but since it’s an Italian 9x21mm, it could just be because of that too. S&W confirms it was made a 9x21 and stated it was shipped in May of 1992 but I don’t know if that was when it was exported or shipped to a distributor in the US after it got returned to S&W. SCSW 3rd puts its TEH69xx serial number somewhere around 1990.

FirebirdV8 · #8 02-07-2009, 11:42 AM

That 5904 is in great shape, I'm guessing its LNIB or NIB. I've never seen one like that before. It looks like a great find.

slickhead63 · #9 06-04-2018, 05:07 PM

I have a 5904, bought it used from a friend. It didnt come with an manual so I go on line to find one. The disassembly and parts show a barrel bushing. I have gone on several parts suppliers, Brownells' and numeric included, and they show a barrel bushing. I state this because there is a bit of a gap between the barrel and slide on mine, enough that there is some end play. So now mine endeveor is to find out if and when they Smith made changes, and if my model is supposed to have one, it currently doesn't, which makes sense there is play between the barrel and slide.

GaryS · #10 06-04-2018, 05:40 PM

There's a bushing, but it's not user removeable like the 1911 and I think 1st Gen semi autos. On all of my 3rd Gens, there is a bit of a gap even when the barrel is looked up tight. There is no slop or movement at lock up.

If you can post a picture of your slide at the barrel end some can likely give you a more detailed answer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickhead63

I have a 5904, bought it used from a friend. It didnt come with an manual so I go on line to find one. The disassembly and parts show a barrel bushing. I have gone on several parts suppliers, Brownells' and numeric included, and they show a barrel bushing. I state this because there is a bit of a gap between the barrel and slide on mine, enough that there is some end play. So now mine endeveor is to find out if and when they Smith made changes, and if my model is supposed to have one, it currently doesn't, which makes sense there is play between the barrel and slide.