Yesterday, I poked around Gander and spied and odd 3rd generation S&W - two tone slide, alloy frame, with the old style trigger guard, Novak sights, 15 & 17 round mag, black plastic S&W grips, trigger, slide release and bobbed hammer. SSV marked on one side. Looked to be 95% or better to me. Just never had seen a 3rd generation like that. I handed it back to the associate but the gun just seemed odd. I even remarked about it to my wife at dinner. Later I checked the web - and it looks like a factory original 5903 SSV - 9mm. I think it was a small run that S&W did. I went back this AM and put it on layaway - I just bought a router table not expecting to buy a gun. $375 did not seem bad for a 5903 in 95% or better condition - plus this seems to be somewhat different than normal.


I was just a beautiful gun in the two tone. And the size was awesome - 3.5" slide should be a great CCW.

Does anyone know much about these 5903 SSVs? Anyone ever use one as a CCW?

Is this alloy frame pretty durable (I have only SS 3rd gens currently) - I would just use regular ammo for practice and carry it with Speer Gold Dots.

If I want a pancake holster for this 5903 with the short slide how would I get one made - a 5903 mold would not work since it has the shorter slide?

Thanks,
Ken

Sounds pretty cool to me! You have a pretty good S&W knowledge base, that's obvious. It's deals like these that don't come up very often.

Good eye! Hoping someone with some insight pipes up.

Do-da

I would search for "5903 holster" in that famous auction site, look closely at the one for $34.99 and not worry that the holster was 1/2" longer than the muzzle. I doubt it is noticeable.

or maybe try a holster for a 69-- series gun.

If I read you right, a square trigger guard may affect your holster choices negatively, whereas not needing all 4" of barrel space has no real practical significance. But as stated, if it bothers you, a 69XX holster will have the correct length.

Congrats on your 5903 SSV! Beautiful pistol. I'd be gloating too!!

Your 5903 SSV frame is plenty durable. I'd advise you to use a quality grease on the rails to protect them from wear. Oil and CLP do not adhere well to the aluminum frame. I use TW25B on mine.

As has been stated, 6906 holsters will work with your new pistol.

Speer Gold Dot is a fine round. Enjoy your new 5903 SSV!! Regards 18DAI.

Okay I will look around on the web to see who can make me a 6906 holster - I will also make sure it will fit the squared old style trigger guard - I had not even thought about that.

I currently using Weapon Shield grease. I have used others in the past. The Weapon Shield grease seems to stay put but not be to thick.

I can hardly wait to get it out of layaway.

i too have one i got from a fellow officer. he carried it as an off duty gun for years until he wsanted something lighter.
if i recall i paid 400.00 for it but that was between two police. it came with a bianchi belt holster for a full size sw. some of my sig holsters for a 228 fit. don hume thumb break do it a alessi talon for a glock 19/23 fits it nicely so a holster for a glock 19 will fit topo . mine shoots great and i carry it at times. enjoy it

Way to go on the SSV. I recently acquired both the 5903 SSV and the 5943 SSV (DAO version). I have had a few range sessions and the DAO 5943 is a real favorite of mine (being a revolver guy). The SSV's are fantastic and under rated autos that are of top notch quality. Enjoy...

for the comments. I am really looking forward to shooting it. I think it will make a nice CCW.

Need to find a quality holster to fit it that will not break the bank. Anyone know a reasonable custom maker that can fit this gun?

I figured I would add a picture of my two SSV's. Since I am a revolver guy, my preference for range time is the DAO 5943.

Enter the 5903 and 5943 SSV:

I really like the two tone guns. Thanks for the picture.