"New" Model 908

Rick in PA

Member
Joined
Apr 8, 2011
Messages
11
Reaction score
2
Hey guys, been a long time since I've been on the site. Had my M&P 45 then and on 12/12/12, some scumbag broke into our house and got my Bersa Thunder 380 and my M&P amongst other things. Went out and got a couple of 45 Glocks that I really liked, but just not real thrilled about not having a manual safety. got a Ruger LC 380 and about a year and a half later got a call from the Evansville, Illinois police that they had my Bersa that they confiscated on a drug raid. Sent it back and now I have two 380's. Traded the Glocks in and ended up with the Ruger SR1911 Commander size. ABSOLUTELY love this gun. However, can be kind of heavy for carry in the summer so I decided to go looking for a "9" yesterday.Have been a 45 nut all my life, but with the advancements in ammo lately decided to give the "9" a shot. (pun intended). Anyhoo, went to my favorite gun store yesterday and after looking at all the offerings, I finally decided on the one used S&W 908 they had. Shows a bit of wear from age, but can tell it was taken care of really, really well. Like the fact that it is all metal (except for stocks) and it just "feels" right. Can't find a whole lot of info on it but would just like to hear some opinions of guys or gals who may have or had one.Any history, likes or dislikes, would be glad to hear about.I saw somewhere that Hogue used to make grips for the 908 and wonder if that is still true. Any help, comments, positive or negative would be greatly appreciated. Really like this gun and can't wait for the over a foot of snow we had this past week in Erie to melt a bit so I can get it out and wring it through. I know it is definitely "broken in". Thanx in advance. Sorry such a long post, just trying to get all the history of this gun I can!
 
Register to hide this ad
Where's the pics?
I don't think Hogue makes the grips anymore but you can still find new ones for around $20.
The 908 is one of the "value series " guns. They have less machineing (slide & frame is more square) and came with plastic guide rod, mag release and sights and left side only safety.

I just picked up a 908S on GB, you can check it out here
Just picked up a 908S
http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/460070-just-picked-up-908s.html
 
Congratulations, you're gonna like the 908. I've got one that I bought new years ago just to have a semi to qualify with and I didn't mess with it much until 5 or 6 years ago. I've come to like it and it is my EDC.

Lots of good leather for 908's (and 39xx). I carry in a Tucker Gun Leather or Kramer.

One thing I especially like about the value line over their SS counterparts is how easy it is to clean up a scratch or holster wear. Get the Birchfield Casey stuff and you won't be able to tell it from the original factory finish. I've done several 457's that were in bad shape and I can't tell the color from the original factory finish on my bought new 908. Don't worry about stripping the old finish, just degrease well - very well - and dab on the appropriate finish chemical. The Parkerized finish holds oil and I've never had the least problem with rust (and I'm in South Texas).

The only drawback I can think of to the 908 is the plastic sights - they will break if dropped just right. Trijicon night sights ($140) are about the only option as the value line had a unique dovetail. Don't worry about the plastic guide rod, I've replaced mine, but I've never heard a single negative comment on this board about the plastic guide rod (and I'm sure someone would say something if there is a problem).

One other thing - change out the recoil and mag springs and you'll never have to wonder how old they are and when they will fail. I'd also flush out under the extractor and the firing pin channel with some gun scrubber. (Best to clean the FP channel with a pipe cleaner, but gun scrubber will do and much simpler if you've never removed the FP.)
 
Last edited:
Thanks guys, planned on changing the springs. As far as the finish, it is in about 80% and to be truthful, that does not bother me. To me a carry gun that doesn't show wear means it ain't been used much! Mine looks like it has been shot and very well taken care of. Gotta run up to Field & Stream today to get some Gun Scrubber and git this baby all purtied up. Ordered 2 Pro Gear mags for it also, From Natchez Shooters for 16 bucks apiece. Thanks for the replies. Sorry about pics, just want to get everything lookin' right first.
 
Sorry about pics, just want to get everything lookin' right first.


We also like before & after pics.

0c654e057e7c80c5836b469a424ec59a.jpg
36c9864f9b670be820366fbb82c5e61a.jpg
 
OK Sabre, just gotta learn how first. Notta big computer nut. Didn't use one while working in the steel mill all my life. GLAD that's over!! Learnin' sumthin' new everyday tho! Will try to get something up shortly. Mine came as is with just the one mag. No box or anything. By the way, your's is a real beut!!
 
OK Sabre, just gotta learn how first. Notta big computer nut. Didn't use one while working in the steel mill all my life. GLAD that's over!! Learnin' sumthin' new everyday tho! Will try to get something up shortly. Mine came as is with just the one mag. No box or anything. By the way, your's is a real beut!!


It took me awhile to figure out how to add the pics too.
 
Hey, by the way guys, I downloaded a PDF owner's manual for the 908 and it is not real specific if +P loads can be used. Any thoughts on this as this is going to be a self defense weapon? Also is the frame and slide steel or aluminum or a combo? Hate to be a pain, but I just can't find any info on this gun. There isn't even a lot on this site! Some places say it is compatible with the Sig 239 as far as holsters go. True? Again thanx for any info and sorry for being such a pain!
 
"New" Model 908

The frame is aluminum the slide is steel, mine is the 908S which has a stainless steel slide.
I just purchased this holster
Fobus Tactical SG-21 A Right Hand Conceal Carry Polymer Ankle Holster for Sig/Sauer 220, 226, 228, 245, 225 / S&W Smith & Wesson 6906, 4566, 4003 / SAR Arms B6 / Tristar C100, L120 - Black [ame]https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I8S2LXK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_X45Mwb2JA8NC3[/ame]

But until it arrives I can not confirm the fit.
My 908S fits into 2 of my 3 6906 holsters with no problems, and will fit in the 3rd with the 6906 slide installed.

This one says it fits the S&W 910 which is a double stack 9mm "value series" with the "square" slide.
Fobus Standard Holster RH Belt SG21BH Sig 220/225/226/228/229/245 Series / S&W 3913, 3913TSW, 3914, 3919, CS9, 4013, 5904, 5906, 6906 Std. Series, 910, 915, 908V/ CS45 /EAA Witness Series P/ PS/ PC/ P Combo [ame]https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000C52L8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_OX5MwbDY499Y8[/ame]

I don't understand why the same model in a belt configuration fits different models than the ankle version.[emoji848]
 
Last edited:
"New" Model 908

I opened the mailbox today and found that my "Fobus Tactical SG-21 A" had arrived.
It has more of a square design where it fits the slide.
My 908S fits good with both the factory slide and the 6906 slide, my 6906 also fits.[emoji106]
I will update after I wear it for a couple of days.
 
Last edited:
Hey, by the way guys, I downloaded a PDF owner's manual for the 908 and it is not real specific if +P loads can be used. Any thoughts on this as this is going to be a self defense weapon? Also is the frame and slide steel or aluminum or a combo? Hate to be a pain, but I just can't find any info on this gun. There isn't even a lot on this site! Some places say it is compatible with the Sig 239 as far as holsters go. True? Again thanx for any info and sorry for being such a pain!

You're fine to use +P in a 908 (or any 3rd Gen), especially with a new recoil spring. The only thing I would say is to be careful not to over-lubricate (easy to do with greases like TW25b).

A steady diet of +P will accelerate wear on your gun, so good idea to practice with non +P FMJ normally, then a few mags or so of +P to test the ammo out and get used to the sharper recoil. Good way to cycle through ammo that gets carried or loaded up for a while. :)
 
Rick....nice pick up on the 908. I got a "new" 908s a couple of years ago. As others have said, it's a steel slide on an aluminum frame. Very light and the single stack with original grips just feels right. I looked at a 3313 awhile ago with Hogue grips and, for me, just didn't feel right. Kinda negated the whole slim single stack feel in my opinion. The Hogues made it feel like a double stack in my hand.

As for holster, I picked up a Gould and Goodrich sized for a Sig P229. Fits like a glove.

Great carry pistol. Not a target pistol but accurate enough for me.

Enjoy!

Dan
 
Manual for SW 908

Hi All,

I'm sorry to call up this old thread but I have a 908 that I purchased new back around 1996. Had the gun locked away for a while with kids and whatnot and want to get back to enjoying it. I'd like to take it all apart and clean and lube it (I did it before I put it away but want to do it again now to refamiliarize myself). I can't find my original box and manual so can anyone direct me to where I can download or buy another?

Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated,

Ed
 
"New" Model 908

I can't find my original box and manual so can anyone direct me to where I can download or buy another?



Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated,



Ed



Check out the videos in this thread, disassembly for your 908 is the same.[emoji106]
S&W 3rd gen complete disassembly video

S&W 3rd gen complete disassembly video

I'll try to remember to look for my 908 manual when I get home also.
 
Last edited:
Thank you bothfor the fast replies! I'm not ableto see the video or open the link posted. Any idea why? Sorry, not the best with this stuff.
 
"New" Model 908

I'm not ableto see the video or open the link posted. Any idea why? Sorry, not the best with this stuff.


Im guessing it has something to do with the settings on your computer that won't let you open the links/see video.
I'm not very good with technology either.

See if you can zoom in on these.
8ed9573d62666928affbb5e8260a2901.jpg
8254986b3ce350df105de6250d6290c5.jpg
 
Last edited:
20161126_112310.jpg
Have this one in layaway. Have picked up grips to match baby brother.20161007_080416.jpg
Look at Ashly Express big dots as a replacement. Older eyes like them

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
 
Back
Top