5906 vs 39-2 question

rayban · #1 06-20-2011, 01:50 PM

Excuse the new guy type question, but I did do a search on the subject and came up empty.
So is the 5906 the piece made to replace/upgrade the 39-2?
I think I understand that the 39-2 is the gen 2 and 5906 gen 3 (I'm not only very young yet, I'm kinda slow

).

I took a long look at a picture of a 39-2 just now and one side of my brain thought..."gee....that looks a lot like my 5906"......the other side responded with a " well...daahhhh"

Thanks!!

bigmoose · #2 06-20-2011, 02:14 PM

The 5906 (stainless)is more of a follow on to the Model 59 (blue). Both are double stack 9mm's whereas the 39-2 is a single stack. Following the 39-2 were the 439, 539, 639 which were blued alloy frame, blued steel frame, stainless steel...I think, I don't have my SCSW nearby. These also had an ambidextrous decocker. The 39/59 series were very similar mechanically as far as I know. Others will be by to chime in, who will be much more informative.

Here is a pic of one of my 39-2's. The 39/59 5906 etc are great pistols.

18DAI · #3 06-20-2011, 02:22 PM

The stainless steel, 2nd generation version of the model 39 would be the 639.

The 3rd gen version was the short lived 3906. Superb pistol which should have gotten much more recognition than it did. It suffered from being a full size single stack 9mm, when everyone was getting caught up in the high cap wonder nine craze. Regards 18DAI.

Broker50 · #4 06-20-2011, 02:22 PM

Two digit model numbers are 1st gen, three digit 2nd gen, & four digit are 3rd gen.

rayban · #5 06-20-2011, 02:48 PM

Great info, thanks guys!

FirebirdV8 · #6 06-20-2011, 06:36 PM

Both the 39 series and 59 series are great guns, any generation 1st, 2nd or 3rd. Your intent with each firearm really will dictate what you should get. For competition purposes, where an 8 round magazine will put you at a disadvantage, go with the 59 series. If you are just target shooting, I personally find the grip on the 39 series to be be slightly more comforatable then the 59, your results may vary. For ccw or home protection, go with the one you shoot better, as hits count more than capacity, that is of course if you shoot better with the 39.

Either way you go you will have a great pistol.