I don't really need one, I just wanted to add one to my collection. I've got about every caliber covered except the 9. Had a few 9mm's in the past but always traded them off. Never really been into the 9's. But I feel the need to fill that void in my collection now.

I was actually getting ready a couple hours ago to go buy a new Glock 19, but I had the dude across the street bring his over and talked myself out of it. I carry a Glock 27.

I'm wanting a smallish stainless 9. A guy on Florida Gun Trader has a 6906 in great shape for a reasonable price, but I'm not into driving 500 miles round trip to get one.

What models of non poly stainless slide 9mm pistols should I be looking for? Does S&W still produce a pistol like this, or will I be searching for a used one?


Thanks in advance.

A 6909 is not a stainless 9MM. It is an alloy frame with a stainless slide.

There has never been a compact stainless 9MM unless you consider the 3566 Compact with the optional 9MM barrel.
The smallest stainless 9MM is actually a revolver, the 940.
If you want an all stainless, traditional double action, 9MM Autoloader, look at the 5904

6906 is stainless slide on a aluminum alloy frame,6946 is same except DAO. The 69xx series is a 'double stack' magazine. Equivalent 'single stack' would be the 3913 and 3953(DAO). There's also the CS9 in SS version. The 6906/6946/3913/3953 are experiencing a popularity comeback because of their small size and 'non-plastic'.
production stopped in the late 90s'.

That's why I said I want a non poly stainless steel slide pistol. This would be perfect.

An all stainless model 5906 would also work......certainly not "smallish" though.

[IMG][/IMG]

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

I think the 5967 with a 3.5" tube is compact...?

A nice compact S/S semiauto is a 3913. The frame is alloy and the slide is stainless so it's light. Probably the best S&W compact ever made. I highly recommend it.

A 3913 LadySmith would be a nice addition.

I bought a 5906 and a 6906 in the same shipment in 1994. The 6906 has been my carry gun since then. The 5906 is still NIB for no substantial reason. Joe

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Behavior Creates Destiny

I believe Kahr has three all stainless 9mm, single stack models. Nice pistols, but pricey compared the S&W models.

That would be perfect.

Good recommendation, I've got a few all-steel Kahr's that have been just about perfect for me, and one used MK9 that was not. I haven't checked lately, but used K9's and MK9's have been selling in the same price range as S&W 3rd Gens ($350-$500).

I believe 3rd Gens are better firearms though, and would agree with others here that a 3913 or 6906 would be excellent options.

I'm sure you already know this but your current carry gun is striker fired vs. the Smith's being considered here are hammer fired. Some folks get very used to striker fired or SA's like the 1911 and don't warm up to a TDA or DAO trigger out of the gate. You may have lots of experience with hammer fired so this may be a moot post but if not then prepare for some range time and training on the different platform.

I own and shoot all the different styles and don't have any trouble going from one to another. I like my M&P's along with my 1911's but I prefer revolvers and hammer fired autos. Why? The striker fired guns are fine and good to carry but have no soul. The 1911's are classic and fun to own and shoot but just not my choice for carry...don't like safeties.

Hammer fired guns suit me best. My EDC is a 6946 most of the time but I like the 3913 as well. Of course I always feel right at home with a 66 snubbie within reach! (I will admit however that I have been known to tote an M&P 357c from time to time! That 357sig round gives it a boost in the "right stuff" category.)

Let us know what you decide.

Found this one for $480. Below is his description and pics of the pistol. I'm gonna get it. From what I've seen on Gunbroker it seems to be a good deal. Might have to wait till Sunday pending his schedule. I'd planned on this being a safe queen, but with the price of 9mm ammo, I'm going to have fun with it.

Fair deal?

This is a like new 3rd Gen S&W stainless steel compact carry 9mm. Comes with two factory 12 round mags, in stainless steel. No box or papers. In excellent condition with clean bore, no corrosion. Very few rounds as I just keep it on the top shelf of the safe.

That looks like a winner.

It will be one hell of a lot nicer than a "everyone" has one Glock 19.

Sure there are tons of gen 3 Smiths around, but it's kinda hard to find one that's in really good shape.

My everyday carry since about 1991/92 has been a 3913 NL ( like the LS pictured above but w/o the "LadySmith") with Hogue checkered wood grips and flush fit 7rd steel bottomed magazine (picture shows 8rd mag).......

Have bought several more 3913/14s and 3913NLs since... backups or LOL NY reloads.......

Great choice, but if that doesn't work out, take a look at the Kahrs. The trigger action will be closer to your Glock, but it's actually closer to a double action revolver. Very smooth and light.

I've been thinking of pulling the trigger on buying a Springfield EMP 4 in 9mm. It looks like a really nice gun, it fits my hand really well, and is getting good reviews. Anyone here have one that can offer an opinion, both for me and the OP?

A 4in.all steel model 659 would work.
Dick

Agreed !

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Waiting for the break of day

You want an all SS model 5906, and I do too. I saw a very nice one with a $400 tag that I'm sure I could have gotten them to come down on since NOBODY wants metal guns anymore.

I have a 5943 with a ss slide and alum alloy frame that is great. There are bunches of 3rd gen combinations in several calibers and materials, but no plastic.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I found a 5906 that was in really great shape, but it was a bit on the large side. If I like the 6906 I may retire my G27 and use it as my EDC.

What year did Smith change the trigger guards on the 6906? The one I'm getting that I posted pics of has the odd shaped trigger guard, which was one of the reasons I wanted this one so much.

They are perfect, I love mine! Grab a 6906, you will mot be disappointed.

The pistol you posted is very early - squared trigger guard, pre-Novak sights and lower profile safety lever/slide stop. It may also have pre-recall grips - look for a dimple on the bottom. If yours has no dimple and S&W has the grips in stock, they owe you a set.

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The double decockers on the 3rd gen S&Ws were the deal breaker for CC for me.
Sold the 3913 and bought a Kahr T9.

Problem solved, all stainless niceness.

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

If I ever find myself with a little spare money (yeah, right!!!), I'm going to do 2 things:

1) Change the safety/decocker on my recently acquired Model 645 from 2nd Gen style to 3rd Gen style, and...

2) Change over at least a few of my DA/SA 3rd Gens from ambi safety/decocker to one-sided.

Given that I am right-handed... with a basically useless left hand and forearm since birth... the ambi thing is a feature I just don't have a big need for.

The CS9, in addition to being a stainless 9mm, is an excellent CCH option.

I kinda wish you hadn't posted this.

I would be remiss if I failed to mention the only stainless 9mm that I own. A Sig P229 Stainless Elite. Being SS and 9mm, it fits two of your criteria. It is also fat and heavy, so it would not fit into the "smallish" category. It is also very reliable, accurate and of very high quality. Good luck in your quest.

You could look for a early 90s Performance Center SD-9 all stainless..... 6906 size frame with a 4.25 inch barrel and slide!!!!!

.......the down side....... only 179 made!!!!!

I passed up a really good deal on a unfired stainless slide Sig P938, if I wasn't wanting a Smith, I'd bought a Glock 19.

I'm not crazy about 9mm's. Just wanted one to add to the collection.

The CS45 is an excellent gun for its size as well.

I saw that when I googled the CS9. I *need* them both!

It's been a long time since I had the hand gun bug, been focused on rifles, and a few class 3 items the past few years.

Between that, collecting knives, owning a harley, and being a hobby photographer has put a big hurt on my finances.

for size relationship,CS9 6906 6946 5946 1006

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If you are buying this just to have it, ignore this post.

On the other hand, if you are considering this for a carry weapon or self defense, read on. The 9mm today is not the 9mm of 20 years ago. Ballistically, loads are available that rival the S&W 40 cal. With that extra power comes extra recoil (thank you Mr. Newton). While a small light weight alloy frame is helpful for carry, you will pay for it's lightness in recoil. In a gun that you are placing your life on, I strongly recommend a lot of practice, which equates to a lot of punishment. Recoil can be mitigated with a heavier gun, which of course negates the advantage of less carried weight. My carry 9mm isn't a S&W, it's a brand that rhymes with pig. It's a combo of stainless and plastic, and is punishing to shoot. But shoot it I do, and if I ever decide to sell it, I won't be able to advertise it a "barely used". If I could have gotten the same gun in an all stainless version, I would have. When you're 6'2" and weight 250, a few extra ounces of weight aren't noticeable. So, I'll finally get to my point: the new 9mm ammo is wonderful, but if you are recoil sensitive, remember this won't be just a little worse than a .380 in the same size gun.

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So many S&W's, so few funds!!

I plan on shooting it, if I'm better with it than my G27 carrying it could be a consideration I guess.

I'm actually leaving in less than a half hour to pick up the gun I posted pics of in an above post. Never had a single round of 9mm in my house until last night. Found an ad on a local online gun trader selling some 9mm. Got 750 rounds of 115 gr. Winchester, Remington, and some Blazer. 2 boxes of Critical Duty, box of Fed HST, box of Ranger T, box of Gold Dot. The good stuff is +P. Got it all from cop that's switching from 9 to 40.

Just picked it up, I'm not seeing any dimple.

Here is the text of the recall (current phone number inserted) -

SMITH & WESSON
MODEL 3904, 3906, 3913, 3913LS, 3914, 3914LS, 1006, 1066, 4506, 4516, 4516-1, 5903, 5904, 5906, 5946, 6904, 6906 & 6946, PISTOLS

RECALL: Smith & Wesson has shipped over 300,000 Third generation Pistols. We have had a very small number or reports where a dropped pistol resulted in a broken grip resulting in a failure to fire by releasing mainspring tension. Resultant testing and review have shown that a pistol dropped at a specific angle can cause a fracture of the grip.

As a result of these occurrences and our testing, we have made a change in the grip material to a thermoplastic alloy of increased durability. This new material, which is now being used on all current production models, can be identified by a dimple on the bottom of the grip, next to the large opening. Additionally, the blue product box has a green dot sticker on the label end.

We believe it unlikely that you will experience any problem with your original grips. However, in order to safeguard our customers from the possibility of such a malfunction, we will make available, free of charge, an easily installed replacement grip. Please inspect your pistol and if you have a model listed below that does not have a small dimple next to the large opening, please write us including your model and serial number or call 800-331-0852. If you prefer, you can send your pistol to a Smith & Wesson Warranty Station where we will replace the grip for you.

Smith & Wesson's development process is a continuing one. We are constantly striving both to develop new products and improve existing products. We are committed to building the safest, most reliable, finest performing firearms possible.

When I carried a Glock 22 as a duty gun I carried a 27 as an off duty gun and hated it every day.

Its a block of a gun, with nasty recoil, BUT it was both accurate and powerful. I just got tired of fighting it every time I shot.

I just switched to a MP 9c and its a dream to shoot. Light recoil, greater mag capacity, the slide/frame contour make it far easier to carry inside the waistband.

Overall its only about a 1/4 inch longer and taller then the 27 but a better carry gun.

Called them today. They wouldn't ship me out a new set of grips, but did email me a shipping label to return the pistol.

Dude said they'd go over everything and test fire it. I can live with that. Probably end up putting a set of Houge's on it anyhow.

Try again some other time. It's ALL about who you get on the phone in S&W CS... the good, the bad or the ugly.

One rep sent me my post-recall grips quick and easy!

Another rep bluntly refused to honor the recall on a different 3rd Gen.

And one rep sent me a "used & abused" (cracked) set for a completely different gun that were still pre-recall but with a dimple roughly added by hand as some sort of sick joke. I kid you not.

Easier, quicker and no hassle or insults just to buy them from MidwayUSA. It's worth the $19 plus shipping.

Thanks for posting this.

I'll still send it in to see what happens, It's free. If they send it back with beat up post recall grips, I'll just buy a set from Midway. I've done great multitudes of business with them.

Will still probably put some Houge's on it, but I'd like a nice set of factory grips in case I ever decided to sale it.

If they find a problem with it did they indicate if there'd be any charges?

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Waiting for the break of day

Never mentioned it.