SSV - Short Slide Variation

[mlk18]

I have always wanted a 3rd Gen SSV, but have never wanted to pay the price when I have found them available. Next best option, make my own. I was just fortunate enough to purchase 2 complete DAO part sets (everything but the frames) and intend to make my 5943 a multi-slide gun. Then maybe I can trade the other set for a 6904/6906 slide & barrel. Not sure what I am going to do yet as far as finish, sights, etc. but thought maybe I/we could use a thread about the SSV's for inspiration. I am hoping some of you have the SSV and are able to post some pics.

This pic is for reference only and is the property of Gunsamerica.

 

[Racer X]

I have a 5906 and a 6906 and swap the slides often. Confuses people to see a long slide compact.

 

[18DAI]

I've got a homemade 5906 SSV. I took in an old 5906 with hooked trigger guard in trade some years back.

At a gunshow I came across a complete 6904 upper, complete with Novak sights. I put that 6904 upper on the 5906. Made for a very nice handling, and good looking 9mm. Regards 18DAI.

 

[Scotter260]

There were two SSVs on GB last week.

One was NIB and started at $800 and the other was LNIB and started $395 with no reserve!! I'm not sure if the second guy knew exactly what he had.

I like your idea though, getting the experience without paying full price.

 

[Storm]

I have one. A 5943 with night sights. I picked it up in very, very lightly used condition, probably 99% condition. It's a two toned and the shop had no idea what it was. This type of trigger doesn't sell well at that shop so I paid $275 or $295 for it, I forget which. To be honest, at the time I had no idea what it was, but something seemed "unique" about it so I jumped on it. I'm still not sure what the advantage is to having a short slide and a full frame other than weight savings with full capacity, but it's most definitely a keeper.

 

[mlk18]

Wow, that was a find! Very nice.

 

[S. Kelly]

I took a mint 5903SSV off of a 17 year old a few years back. Nice gun, wish I could have gotten hold of it after the trial. I hope the owner got it back.

 

[Storm]

Wow, that was a find! Very nice.

Thanks. I was very happy with it.

Just for reference, here are both sides of the gun:

 

[mlk18]

Yep, you convinced me. I am going to take my spare 6946 slide and have it refinished in some type of satin black, add new sights and throw it on my 5943 frame. It won't be a true SSV but it will be a close approximation.

 

[18DAI]

I checked the SCSW last night, and only saw 5903, and 5943 SSV variants. Is that the only 59XX series SSV's made by the factory? Thanks! Regards 18DAI.

 

[handgunner356]

There was the Lew Horton special earlier the 5967, square guard 5906 frame with a 6904 upper. It kind of went along with the 4567 two-tone.

 

[18DAI]

Thanks handgunner356!

I like the......"shootability" of the steel frames over the lighter carry weight of the aluminum framed guns.

I'll have to seek out one of those 5967's.....to replace my homemade one!! Regards 18DAI.

 

[mlk18]

Just to get you drooling 18DAI. They may be rare, but they're out there!

Image property of GunsAmerica

 

[18DAI]

Thanks mlk18!!

Looks just like my home-made version! Only difference, my safety/decocker is black rather than stainless.

Great thread! I may just take my two tone 5906 out to the range this weekend. Been some time since I shot my Frankengun. Regards 18DAI.

 

[Scotter260]

mlk18 - It's nice and mean of you to post pictures like that for 18DAI. Good looking pistols.

Back in 99, on the first department for which I worked, one of the part-timers carried a 5943 SSV. I thought it was an odd-duck but knew even less about Smith's than I do now. If I recall though it was pretty rough..hmm, I wonder if he still has it.

 

[Storm]

I hate to admit it but I have had my 5943 for more than a year and haven't shot it yet. I think that I'll be correcting that oversight very soon.

 

[goldenlight]

I have a 5906 and a 6906 and swap the slides often. Confuses people to see a long slide compact.

I tried that, and while the 5906 slide worked fine in the 6906 frame, the 6906 slide absolutely will NOT work on the 5906 frame.

It 'feels' like the unlocking lugs aren't engaging the barrel properly: there is a VERY heavy 'catch' trying to cycle the slide. As in at first I couldn't get the slide to move more than about 1/4th of an inch! I thought it was on for good!

It was all I could do to pull the slide back, so I could get the slide stop out!

I remember doing this with a 669 and a 659, and firing them at the range.

I don't understand why this won't work my 3rd gen S&W's

Any idea, guys?

 

[anonimoose]

Could someone address goldenlight's question? Does the 69xx slide fit on a 59xx frame? S&W third gen fans in other forums seem to think so...seriously thinking of making a homemade SSV if it works (specifically, the 6906 slide on the 5903 frame to make a high capacity but lighter S&W third gen auto in 9mm).

 

[ab4ka]

I want the opposite...I'd love to have a 5906 slide on my 6906 frame.

 

[Swabby]

I have this exact project on-deck, as soon as I get my 4003 finished. I have a 5904 (pictured) which I used Brownells Gunkote to refinish the frame. I have the original 5904 slide back on there now, because I want to do the 6904 in Gunkote as well. The frame color is brushed SS, the slide color will be matte black. I purchased the 6904 slide, barrel and recoil spring/guide here on the forum for $125 I think. The Gunkote is expensive but works on aluminum, carbon and stainless steel. I think I also want to go spurless on the hammer, a non-ambi-safety, and a flattened slide catch. Finish it off with some Trijicons and it will be sweet. The fun never ends with the 3rd Gen Smiths.