Like the look,feel,and features of the 5906, but feel it might be a bit heavy for me, being a light-weight male with relatively small hands. Would like opinions of the 5906 vs the 6906 vs the 3913. Does the 3913 have a lot of recoil ? I plan to use the pistol for home/business defense, but might at some point conceal carry(legal here in VT). Thanks for any input.

The 5906 (steel) is a heavy beast, while the almost identical 5903 (alloy frame) is noticably lighter in weight. The other thing to consider is grip shape; arched grips make the gun feel much bigger to me than the flat grips.

All that being said the 3913 is definitely a slimmer and lighter option to both, and if you may CC it down the road is a very good option. Recoil and muzzle flip with the 3913 is very manageable and probably has less than any other gun in it's size class.

I would say the 3913 would be a great gun for what you say its for.

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God save the SOUTH

Thanks for your prompt reply.I appreciate the input.

From the needs you described, the 3913 would be great. I have carried a 908S for years. It is in essence another version of the 3913. I have shot countless rounds through it with absolutely no hiccups. I consider the recoil minimal. I recently picked up a CS9 which is a little smaller for CC. I also have a 5905 and find it quite a bit heavier when carrying it.

In my opinion you can not go wrong with a 3rd Generation S&W handgun. Good luck and post some pics when you pick something up.

I have a 908S and a 6906. Either are good carry options, the 6906 is no where near too big or heavy for CC. The 908 is easier to carry, but you give up 4 rounds in doing so. The 6906 is smaller and lighter than say a 1911, P228 etc. The 5906 though, is a little big for CC. Great business and HD gun though.

I personally love the 6906/6946 frame size and weight for carry, and it is still very shootable. That said, I have larger hands and like the way a double stack magazine fits my hand. A 3913 would make an excellent choice for someone with smaller hands (due largely to its single stack magazine), and its size and weight are also excellent for carry.

If you are ever going to carry it concealed, the 3913 or 908 are the way to go in 9mm. Perhaps even a 3953 - double action only, so no protruding decocking lever(s).

If it will be strictly range and home defense work, then the 5903 is a good, lighter weight alternative to the all steel 5906, presuming the double-stack magazine isn't too large for your hand.

I like the 3953. Being a revolver guy at heart, this little pistol has no levers, etc. Just load it and pull the trigger. I like it alot.

For your needs by what I am reading.....The 3913 would be a great choice
G

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**Big Dog Grips**

I'm only 5'5",130 lbs, and I carry a 6906 the vast majority of the time.

I find that the 6906 is very comfortable to shoot, because of the thicker grip.

While the 3913 is less wide, and thus somewhat easier to conceal, I like the 13 round capacity of the 6906.

I also shoot it it better than the 3914 (blued version of the 3913) that I owned many years ago. It may have been that particular 3914, but my groups with the 6906 were always better.

A great many people like the 3913 for CC, so my opinion may be in the minority.

I have small hands, and the double stack S&W's are a touch big for me.
The single stacks, (3913/14, CS9) are pure heaven.
Really nice guns to shoot, mine have been accurate and reliable.

I have a 5906 and 3913. I also have smaller hands. I can handle the 5906 well now that I removed the hogue grips that we're on it and replaced them with the original flat grips. I use it now as my range and steel match gun. My CCW is the 3913, also with the flat grips. The recoil is fine (I don't shoot +P ammo) and I love the slimness of the grip. Reminds me of a 1911.

can't go wrong with 669 & cost less than most 9mm, light& flat. great fun to use

I'll second that. A 5903TSW is another good option if maybe one of your LGS has some police trade ins. I have one and I favor it over my 5906. The 5906 is a beast, built like a tank, totally reliable but DEFINITELY NOT something you would want to conceal carry.