5906 "Super 9" Information

I picked up a S&W 5906 “Super 9” at the gunshow a while back and have been collecting and compiling information to share about it ever since. If you have anything to add please share it in this thread and I will add it to the original post.

The Standard Catalog basically describes the Super 9 as a 5 inch 5906 single action only target pistol with three interchangeable barrels 9x19mm, 9X21mm, and .356TSW. The pistol came with adjustable target sights and trigger, raised pads on the frame rails to tighten up frame to slide clearance, and it can be carried cocked and locked. They were only made in 1999/2000 and were marketed for international shooting.

The unique features and low production numbers of the Super 9 has made this particular Smith & Wesson very valuable, recent auction results are shown later in this post.


Super 9 Flier


Super 9 Magazine Article (Dutch)
Full size pages, including google translations, can be seen here: www.skjos.net - /sw/super9/SAM/


Information Slip Included with Pistol


Super 9 Parts List


Adjustable Trigger


Raised Rail Pads


Adjustable Sight


Muzzle Weight
A few Super 9’s were fitted with 6” barrels and a muzzle weight (see MSF8808 and TDM9476), it appears the barrels were provided by Lothar Walther and fitted with a muzzle weight by Kurt Tschofen of Waffen Oschatz tuning shop. It is unclear if the pistol owner had this work done, or if it was done by the European distributer prior to delivery to the customer. The same muzzle weight was also used on the Performance Center 9mm Target Champion. Information from an article on the 9mm Target Champion (translated from German): “Smith & Wesson supplied the pistol with a five-inch slide and barrel as the basic weapon; Tschofen fitted in a Lothar Walther's six-inch barrel. In order to increase the front load and at the same time to lengthen the line of sight, Tschofen provided the barrel with a muzzle weight in the shape of a slide.” (Presse S&W Target Champion 6 Zoll 9mm Luger | Waffen Oschatz Stuttgart)




The Super 9 was a reintroduction of the Performance Center’s 3566 5 inch .356TSW.

There were 40 single barrel versions made for domestic sales, and 170+ 3-barrel versions made for the international market; about 70 of the 3-barrel versions were distributed domestically.

The product code for the single barrel (9x19mm) domestic version was 148470, while the international 3-barrel version (9x19mm, 9X21mm, .356TSW) had a product code of 108099. Another international product code, 148662, has recently been uncovered; it appears to be a single barrel (9x19mm) for WISCHO, where the distributer may have scrapped the 5" barrel and replaced it with a 6" barrel and muzzle weight.

Other possible product codes are 148661, 208099, and 149180, but the features of these product codes are a bit of a mystery. Per Roy Jinks "All of these product codes ... have 5 inch barrels and the computer does not list the different specification on the handguns."

The frame of the domestic Super 9 is stamped “MOD 5906”; the frame of the international version is laser inscribed “SUPER 9”.



Domestic Super 9
The serial number range for the domestic Super 9 is KJF4555 – KJF4594, which were sold to Lew Horton in November of 2000. Although the Lew Horton run began with KJF4555 and ended with KJF4594 only 37 units were received. The missing units were probably a mix of S&W sales samples, S&W employee purchases, or possibly scrapped frames. I have found or been provided with seven domestic Super 9 images (besides my own) that have serial number information.

Production Letter (KJF4555 - KJF4594)


Production Letter - The "Supper 9".
Early Production Letters, prior to the correction in the KJF4576 letter (above), were mistakenly called "Supper 9".


Lew Horton Letter


KJF4561


KJF4569


KJF4576


KJF4579


KJF4582


KJF4591


KJF4593


My Super 9 KJF4562




Domestic Super 9 Box Label




International Super 9
The serial number ranges for the international Super 9 are MSF6838 – MSF7003/MSF7008, MSF83xx, MSF85xx, MSF87xx, MSF88xx, TDM94xx, and five have been reported with serial numbers TDU64xx. I've observed (29) "MSF" images with serial number information, (2) "TDM947x"; and Richard McMillian contributed the picture of the TDU6473 serial numbered example (with aftermarket grips) which may only span five pistols, these were distributed domestically by RSR.

Note: Super 9 Production Letters do not include the MSF83xx, MSF85xx, MSF87xx, MSF88xx, TDM94xx, and TDU64xx serial number ranges, it is assumed that these are very short special runs of the pistol.

Production Letter (MSF6838 - MSF7008)


Production Letter (MSF6838 - MSF7003)


MSF6841


MSF6887


MSF6889 (looks like MSF6999, but box shows MSF6889)


MSF6894


MSF6904


MSF6906


MSF6914


MSF6932


MSF6934


MSF6936


MSF6962


MSF6969


MSF6970


MSF6972


MSF6983


MSF6990


MSF6991


MSF6994


MSF6996


MSF8328


MSF8341


MSF8345?


MSF8522


MSF8792


MSF8795


MSF8808 (with muzzle weight)


MSF8817


MSF8819


MSF8821


MSF8823


TDM9475


TDM9476 (with muzzle weight, also WISCHO and German proof marks)



TDU6473


International Super 9 in Box with 3 Barrels


Extra Barrels Close-up


International Super 9 Box Label (108099 and 148662)






Sales 2017-2023
Product Code 148470 Domestic Version:

KJF4579


KJF4582


KJF4593



Product Code 108099 International Version:

MSF6982


MSF6994 (only one barrel, one mag, no box, minor surface rust)


MSF6994 again (only one barrel, one mag, no box, rust cleaned off)


MSF6894


MSF6991 (listed as new in box)


MSF6970 (sold by RockIslandAuction)


MSF6932 (listed as "Sold" on Guns International, the price was not shown in the text, but the picture included it. Also the sold date was not included, but I'm assuming 2020.)


MSF6990 (sold by RockIslandAuction)


MSF6970 again (sold on Guns International, the price was shown on this one when using a print preview. The sold date was not included, but I'm assuming 2020.)


MSF6914


MSF6994 third time (only one barrel, three mags, no box)


MSF6889



Product Code 148662 International Version:

TDM9476 (single 6" barrel with muzzle weight, imported from Germany - WISCHO)


MSF8808 (single 6" barrel with muzzle weight, imported from Germany - WISCHO)




Performance Center Addendum
I have been provided with some additional information about at least two Super 9 variations that were produced by the S&W Performance Center (PC). The product codes for these two variations are 170119 and 649842.

While these two product codes are labeled Super 9 by the PC they don’t share some of the production Super 9 features. The frame rails do not include the raised pads and they cannot be carried “cocked-n-locked”, but rather the safety blocks the firing pin sans-decocking allowing the gun to be dry fired without hitting the firing pin.

These PC super 9's are single action, with a 9x19 5” barrel, and a “Super 9 PC” engraving on the slides, as well as markings on the box identifying them as Super 9s. They appear to be built on a 5906TSW type frame with an accessory rail and an abbreviated target hammer.

The 170119 had two serial number groups BCJ0001-BCJ0102 and BCJ0117-BCJ0151; these pistols were two-tone stainless with adjustable sights. They were originally shipped to Penta-Kohden Mareti in Singapore for distribution around late 2002, with two units shipped to Lew Horton in November 2010.

BCJ0142


The 649842 serial number range is BCJ0103-BCJ0116 (between the two 170119 serial number groups); it is an all-black pistol with novak sights and a mag well. These pistols were built on 10/4/02, transferred to Performance Center on 9/18/08, with only one unit (BCJ0104) shipped to Lew Horton 9/12/11.

BCJ0104


There have been a few other PC Super 9's observed (170119), they are not engraved "Super 9 PC", but have nearly identical features.

UCF2521





DPA0442 (PC Case notes SA and Singapore)




The DPA serial number seems more inline with the PC5906 IDPA 170265 model, but that model is TDA, with fixed sights, a non-TSW frame, different hammer and finish. Here is a picture for comparison.

DPA0429



I’d love to get more information from Super 9 owners, or others who are knowledgeable about this rare and unique pistol. I'll keep updating this post as I receive more information.

I wonder if it was the same one I saw at the WAC back in Aug 2011, for $700. Didn't buy it that day, and still regret it.

That is very cool. I would have bought it too. Any more info on it would be appreciated. Thanks for sharing.
Mike

mbliss57 said:

I wonder if it was the same one I saw at the WAC back in Aug 2011, for $700. Didn't buy it that day, and still regret it.

Click to expand...

I bet you it is, the guy I bought it from said he bought it from another WAC vendor awhile back (a vendor that also sells coins); and with so few made it would be suprising if two different super 9's found themselves at the same gunshow over a year span.

I got three though my distributor KJF4581,2,3 in Jan.'01. They had 20 in stock at the time, all with the 9x19 barrel only. Probably more of a prelude to the "Pro Series" guns, they were suppose to come off the regular production line. Aside from the 5" slide, adjustable sights and trigger they had what they called "Speed Bumps" on the frame rails, small raised pads at the front and rear of the rails to tighten up the frame-to-slide clearance.

Handgunner356's information has been incorporated into the original post. Keep the information coming...

Thanks

I am envious. have always hoped to find a 5" bbl 5900 series
likely they are all 06's

Added new pics of adustable trigger, and raised rail pads.

Anyone else own one of these so I can add the information to the original post?

There were extra Super 9 barrels and slides available by a forum member several years ago. I picked one up to make a home made version:


No adjustable trigger or speed bumps, but it sure shoots nice.

Can the homemade version be carried as cocked and locked, or does the decocker function normally?

Sorry - Should have mentioned - the homemade is a traditional double action with no capabilities for cocked and locked.

The model for my gun was really my PC Tactical 40:

I really like this gun and wanted a 9mm version. This was about as close as I could get. The .40 has a Briley Bushing, the 9 does not. Both guns have mag wells, extended mag release, ambi safeties, and night sights.

I have the "Super 9" with the 2 extra barrels. Also have the 3356 built on the 6906 frame. Got em in one of those massive trades where both guys had to keep throwing things in till they thought they were even. Also got 500 rounds of .356 ammo. Never fired em, actually never even racked the slides. Been trying to think of what to do with them. Oh well, they look really neat. Will not have to do anything with them till my wife finds them. Unfortunately she is a retired special victims unit detective with a really good memory for guns, the "that old thing" defense works, NOT.

Does your three barrel super 9 serial number fall between MSF6328 and MSF6983 or is it above/below those two serial numbers? - Thanks

Love to get my hands on one. They look bad ***! Never had heard of them until this post.

I ponied up $50 for a firearm history request from Roy Jinks at S&W to get some definitive answers on the Super 9. I asked specifically for:

- Unique features of the super 9
- How many of each product code were manufactured
- The differences between the product codes
- The MSR of each product code
- The serial number range of each product code

I will report back when I receive the formal letter of authenticity.

The serial number on mine falls between MSF6328 and MSF6983. It also has Super 9 above it as shown in your photo. It came with the 3 barrels. I paid $ 900.00 out the door late 2000 early 2001.

skjos said:

MSF6983

Click to expand...

Hey, that looks familiar

Did these have MIM hammer and trigger?

nipster said:

Did these have MIM hammer and trigger?

Click to expand...

MIM hammer, I'm not sure about the trigger, without taking it apart I don't see any obvious mold lines.

skjos said:

I ponied up $50 for a firearm history request from Roy Jinks at S&W to get some definitive answers on the Super 9. I asked specifically for:

- Unique features of the super 9
- How many of each product code were manufactured
- The differences between the product codes
- The MSR of each product code
- The serial number range of each product code

I will report back when I receive the formal letter of authenticity.

Click to expand...

I finally received the letter from Smith and Wesson, it was very light on the information I requested and focused more on the history of the 5900 series. There were a few interesting tidbits, but probably not worth the $50 I sent in.

1) My pistol was mfg on 12/23/1998, but wasn't shipped until 11/8/2000. It seems interesting that it would be sitting around the S&W factory for nearly 2 years before being delivered.
2) It was delivered to Lew Horton Distributing. I wonder if Lew Horton was the distributer for all the domestic Super 9s.
3) There were only 40 made.
4) The serial number range is KJF4555 - KJF4594

The original post will be updated with this information.