Tell me about the Model 909

Guevera · Oct 5, 2014

Perhaps somebody can explain the reason behind or maybe specific market behind what is apparently a full size but single stack pistol?

The LGS has one for sale but it is not something that I'm interested in other than how it fits into the pantheon of Third Generation pistols. Can anybody put this rather paradoxical Smith & Wesson product in perspective for me?

GaryS · Oct 5, 2014

Simple. The 909 was the "Value Line" series of the 3904/06 3rd gen full size single stack. That was the successor to the 2nd Gen full size single stack. Which of course was the successor to the 1st generation 39. Which was the original S&W 9mm semi auto from the 1950s.

Two things killed the 3rd Gen single stack guns. The first was the 3rd Gen double stack guns. The second was the 3rd Gen single stack compacts (3913/14 and their DAO versions).

The 3904/06 were only produced from 1988-90. The 909 was introduced in 1995 after the 10 round magazine law went into effect. I'd guess that marketing figured there would be a market for a 9 round gun magazine full size auto. They were wrong and the 909 was discontinued in 1996. The 910 was a Value Line version of the 5906 sold with 10 round magazines. It was much more popular because if you could find pre ban 15 round magazines, you had a double stack full capacity gun.

Simple, huh?

jsbethel · Oct 5, 2014

Literature from the era -

Grog · Oct 6, 2014

I've posted my 909 memories before (short version, ex GF has it).

With the allow frame, slimmer grip and single side safety, I still think it would be a nice carry pistol.

The only thing I would like more for it to have the old DAO design (and a slimmed slide release lever). Plus a finish on the slide that didn't rust while looking at it (GF had a humidity problem in her old house).

Tell me about the Model 909

Guevera

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GaryS

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jsbethel

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Grog

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