I have a small collection of 2nd and 3rd generation, including a 39-2 (too nice for anything but casual range shooting) and a CS9 & CS45. These are my only single stacks.

Opinions on the 3904/3906?

thanks,

The 3904 is probably my favorite pistol (among many). They were only made from 1988-91. I am fortunate to own a 3906 as well.

You will be very pleased with that pistol.

S&W 3904/3906 with Trijicon night sights

So, except from one being stainless, what is the difference between both? Looks like the 3904 would be a nice companion for my 1006.

I had a 3906 many years ago. In fact it was my first stainless auto. I liked it alot. I sold it way back then because I was poor. I've looked to replace it, but haven't found one.

I have come across several 909's, which were the "economy" third-gens. They just didn't feel right for me. I think I'd rather have the slightly bigger, all-steel frame and the more elegant lines of the 3906.

The 3906 is nice because the grip is narrow enough for small hands that may have a problem with a 5906 grip, and being all-stainless there's not much recoild to speak of, nor will it wear out any time soon.

The 3904 has an alloy frame, like the 5904, the 3906 is steel.

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5903TSW 5904 5906 6906 4006

I have both a mint 3906 and a 39-2. One thing that really impresses me about these pistols compared to my compact 6904 and 3913 is the way the grip fits my hand(s). Along with my SIG P6, they are the most natural, easy to handle pistols I've owned. Classic S&W, IMHO.

Oh boy, I'm in love. Again. Gonna start lookin...

I bought a 3904 about a month ago. I really like it and it shoots well. I have one of each size of 3rd generation pistol and they are all very well made and reliable.

I think the only thing that killed the 3904/06 was the 59xx double stack pistols. Still a nice self defense pistol that's much lighter than the 59xx series.

Since this post's inception I've acquired the 3904.

It is a masterpiece - feels very similiar to the original 39 but slightly more refined.

Highly recommended. This one is a (yet another) keeper.

The single stack magazines in the 3904 and 3906 were thought to appeal to police agencies that were "afraid" to issue or authorize the hi cap mag weapons to LEO personnel. In fact several agencies did just that-initially.The 04/06s could be easily modified so their mags would accept one extra round.
But as mentioned above the hi cap mags won the day(fortunately) and the 04/06s went away due to lack of sales.
I have an 04 and I really like it and if I were not hopelessly involved with the Browning HP I would probabbly carry one, the ergonomics are perfect for me.