I have a chance to pick up a 6904, are they any good? Are they a desireable pistol? Shows a lot of holster wear, but looks to have been shot very little, would it be worthwhile to refinish it? Thanks.
-
Update – 12:30 PM EST
Attachments are now working, and all members can once again upload files.
We are currently testing URL redirects and other miscellaneous features across the site.
Thank you for your continued patience and support during this migration.
Prefer a darker look? You can switch between light and dark modes in your account settings:
smith-wessonforum.com/account/preferences
6904 any good?
- Thread starter SPEEDGUNNER
- Start date
squidsix
Well-known member
They are phenominal. I love the 69 series pistols, and they have proven reliable with all ammo, and accurate, especially so with 147 grain rounds.
Denver Dick
US Veteran
I picked up a very nice 6904 a little less than 4 years ago. It is, of course, the blue/black version of the 6906. It's harder to find than the 6906. That's typical with the blue/black versions of the various 3rd generation models because less were produced. You're also less likely to find one in really nice condition because they show wear and tear more than their stainless/silver cousins. For all these reasons, I'm a sucker when I find one in really nice condition.
As for refinishing, that's up to you, but the condition you note is typical of the blue/black 3rd gens.
Here's my 6904:
Here's another of my 3rd generation blue/back pistols. This 4014 is pretty rare since only 550 were produced according to the S&W factory letter I ordered a few weeks after I bought it.
As for refinishing, that's up to you, but the condition you note is typical of the blue/black 3rd gens.
Here's my 6904:
Here's another of my 3rd generation blue/back pistols. This 4014 is pretty rare since only 550 were produced according to the S&W factory letter I ordered a few weeks after I bought it.
Last edited:
CDawg
Active member
I have two 6904's. I've had one for over 20 years and one I just purchased recently. They are outstanding weapons, very reliable, concealable and accurate. I would not worry about investing in getting yours refinished. It will not increase it's value by as much as it will cost to refinish it. I'd leave the "character" on it and add some more. I like the fact that I can use the 5900 series magazines in it. There is an easy to install part that eliminates the gap between the bottom of the magwell and the baseplate. You can also use the flat 5900 series baseplate on the 12rd 6900 series mags to make it even more concealable. Mine both have the square trigger guard. The round trigger guard version is easier to find leather for, but square trigger guard leather is available. Great pistol!
Last edited:
fuzzymcnab
SWCA Member
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2010
- Messages
- 330
- Reaction score
- 175
Gunner,
I whole heartedly agree with the other 6904 owners. Solid little gun that will serve you well for years. However, I feel a bit different than many Smith owners about refinishing. I believe it is very much a personal preference. Personally, I don't enjoy a gun that is not pristine. I have finished many a used handgun. Some are worth what I have into them, some not. I find that the cost of refinishing is quickly forgotten, but the appeal of a beautiful gun lasts forever. If you want a mint piece, or a custom finish, go for it. In the end, you will find it a worthwhile venture.
fuzzy
I whole heartedly agree with the other 6904 owners. Solid little gun that will serve you well for years. However, I feel a bit different than many Smith owners about refinishing. I believe it is very much a personal preference. Personally, I don't enjoy a gun that is not pristine. I have finished many a used handgun. Some are worth what I have into them, some not. I find that the cost of refinishing is quickly forgotten, but the appeal of a beautiful gun lasts forever. If you want a mint piece, or a custom finish, go for it. In the end, you will find it a worthwhile venture.
fuzzy
This one has the squared off triggerguard, which I am not particularly fond of...and the finish is worn thin in a few spots, especially on the alloy frame. With the silver showing through, it makes the pistol look to be in worse condition than it actually is. I am just thinking that if I don't want to keep it, what is the better resell condition...original, or refinish?
GADSDEN63
Active member
speedgunner,if you decide to refinish you can round off triggerguard.did this on 469 i recenently accuired.put 80 grit sanding disc in drillpress,remove grips so it will be flat on drillpress table and contour to desired shape and refinish....its alloy so it will not take more than a few minutes.i duracoated in ultra flat tactical black.other than color it is mirror image of my 6906.
I picked up a very nice 6904 a little less than 4 years ago. It is, of course, the blue/black version of the 6906. It's harder to find than the 6906. That's typical with the blue/black versions of the various 3rd generation models because less were produced. You're also less likely to find one in really nice condition because they show wear and tear more than their stainless/silver cousins. For all these reasons, I'm a sucker when I find one in really nice condition.
As for refinishing, that's up to you, but the condition you note is typical of the blue/black 3rd gens.
Here's my 6904:
Here's another of my 3rd generation blue/back pistols. This 4014 is pretty rare since only 550 were produced according to the S&W factory letter I ordered a few weeks after I bought it.
Thanks for the information! I was looking at a 6904 this afternoon, but went right by it when I noticed a 4014 on the bottom shelf of the case.
6904
I've owned two of these fine pistols over the years. The first one now belongs to a friend and I was able to find a NOS/NIB 6904 a couple years back. They're beautiful little pistols! I agree that the finish on the 3914 and 6904 aren't as durable as the 3913 and 6906 models. If that's an issue, you can always have yours Cerakoted or treated with some other durable process. I bought a 3914LS recently that had some honest wear to the finish. This patina certainly adds character. I cleaned it up and put a new upper (slide assy) off a 6906 on it. That and a couple other tweaks and it turned in to a classy piece, IMHO. Anyway, you've got something there that's definitely worth hanging on to!
I've owned two of these fine pistols over the years. The first one now belongs to a friend and I was able to find a NOS/NIB 6904 a couple years back. They're beautiful little pistols! I agree that the finish on the 3914 and 6904 aren't as durable as the 3913 and 6906 models. If that's an issue, you can always have yours Cerakoted or treated with some other durable process. I bought a 3914LS recently that had some honest wear to the finish. This patina certainly adds character. I cleaned it up and put a new upper (slide assy) off a 6906 on it. That and a couple other tweaks and it turned in to a classy piece, IMHO. Anyway, you've got something there that's definitely worth hanging on to!
Attachments
neorebel
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2012
- Messages
- 235
- Reaction score
- 299
Just shot my 6904 today..just picked it up off of Gun Broker....wow! is all I can say...100% reliable, very accurate and fun to shoot..
Shot 100 rounds today....can't do it too often it's kind of expensive....but fun.
Shot 100 rounds today....can't do it too often it's kind of expensive....but fun.
