Frankensmith question - 659 on 5906 frame

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egerhart3

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Good morning all, been a lurker for awhile and found a wealth of knowledge here (thank you). First post and have a "Frankensmith" question that I'm hoping someone can answer -

I recently came into a 5906 frame, since I can't find a 5906 "parts kit" out there anywhere does anyone know if a 659 (gen2) slide would fit on a 5906 (gen3) frame?

Besides the differences between the gen2 grips are the gen2 internals compatible with gen3 frames?

Really like these guns, still have my 4006 but wanted to get one in 9mm.

Hope someone has tried this and thanks for any information.
 
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Egerhart3 I’m by no means an expert on this subject, showing my ignorance on a regular basis, but I HAVE been working on my own 2nd Gen based Franken-Smith. What I have found is that the second and third generation full length slides can be expected to more or less interchange, but that sometimes the rear of the frame and the rear of the slide may have a slight difference in length. If the slide is longer, this is not a problem as it can be milled off to match, but if shorter, it looks strange and I hate to mill on the receiver. My “generation jumping” combo has been using a 915 slide on a 639 lower and it works perfectly. If you want to go with the two tone look, it seems like 915 parts kits are among the least expensive and you would remain with all 3rd Gen parts. Do you already have the 659 parts kit?

As far as internals go, the 3rd Gen gun’s went with more MIM parts and some plastic, but I’ve been seeing comments that some builders actually prefer the MIM parts in the fire control group, but the plastic parts don’t seem to be getting much love. :o

Froggie

PS You probably already know this, but 39 series and 59 series slides are the same, so if you turn up on a 639 or a 3906 slide either of those will also work.
 
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With regards to a parts kit there actually is a complete 5906 slide assembly on the big auction site right now. It's already reaching the price point of what an actual complete 5906 would've gone for a few years ago.
 
Green Frog said:
Egerhart3 I’m by no means an expert on this subject, showing my ignorance on a regular basis, but I HAVE been working on my own 2nd Gen based Franken-Smith. What I have found is that the second and third generation full length slides can be expected to more or less interchange, but that sometimes the rear of the frame and the rear of the slide may have a slight difference in length. If the slide is longer, this is not a problem as it can be milled off to match, but if shorter, it looks strange and I hate to mill on the receiver. My “generation jumping” combo has been using a 915 slide on a 639 lower and it works perfectly. If you want to go with the two tone look, it seems like 915 parts kits are among the least expensive and you would remain with all 3rd Gen parts. Do you already have the 659 parts kit?

As far as internals go, the 3rd Gen gun’s went with more MIM parts and some plastic, but I’ve been seeing comments that some builders actually prefer the MIM parts in the fire control group, but the plastic parts don’t seem to be getting much love. :o

Froggie

PS You probably already know this, but 39 series and 59 series slides are the same, so if you turn up on a 639 or a 3906 slide either of those will also work.
Click to expand...

Thank you so much! Do not have the 659 kit but know where there is a complete kit available. Always appreciate the expertise on this forum!
 
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hammy5150 said:
With regards to a parts kit there actually is a complete 5906 slide assembly on the big auction site right now. It's already reaching the price point of what an actual complete 5906 would've gone for a few years ago.
Click to expand...

Yes sir - saw that and I'm absolutely shocked it's going for that much! Numrich still has a ton of parts for these available (including stripped slides) but would rather just get the whole thing rather than spend weeks trying to piece together a pistol that in the end would cost me more than purchasing a used one.
 
Remember, you can’t use a 908 or 910 slide on your 5906 receiver, so stay away from those parts kits. I’ve got the lower parts that are unique to the double stack sitting in my parts box, so if you do find a reasonably price parts kit for a single stack gun, I’ll swap you part for part those things like a trigger bar, slide stop, etc.
Froggie
 
Roger that sir. Ordered the 659 kit - it's a complete kit minus the frame so I'll get to see what works (and what doesn't) - Also ordered a brand new 5906 straight grip (prefer those over the bulged grip) so hopefully I'll have everything I need to put this together soon. I'll keep you posted and really appreciate the all of the help!

Ed
 
Green Frog said:
As far as internals go, the 3rd Gen gun’s went with more MIM parts and some plastic, but I’ve been seeing comments that some builders actually prefer the MIM parts in the fire control group, but the plastic parts don’t seem to be getting much love. :o
Click to expand...

I believe Fastbolt commented favorably on the plastic
disconnector, for it's 'out of the gate' smoothness and
inherent lubricity, compared to forged/machined steel,
along with the generally smooth finish of the other
MIM fire control parts.

IIRC, the only downside of the
plastic disconnector was it could be broken/damaged
if assembler tried to force fit it, by pushing it into
place after the drawbar had been positioned--
not a problem if disconnector was put into frame
before the draw bar.
 
Steve912 said:
I believe Fastbolt commented favorably on the plastic
disconnector, for it's 'out of the gate' smoothness and
inherent lubricity, compared to forged/machined steel,
along with the generally smooth finish of the other
MIM fire control parts.

IIRC, the only downside of the
plastic disconnector was it could be broken/damaged
if assembler tried to force fit it, by pushing it into
place after the drawbar had been positioned--
not a problem if disconnector was put into frame
before the draw bar.
Click to expand...

Right you are, Steve912. I remember seeing that comment. The natural lubricity of the plastic part is certainly a positive characteristic. The disconnector, IMHO however is probably better old school in steel if properly lubricated. I’ve saved a steel spare just in case.

The mainspring follower doesn’t have the kind of stress on it felt by some of the other parts and plastic’s natural lubricity is a plus there.

Finally, I’ve only had one of those abominable plastic recoil spring guide rods and it disintegrated early on, so I only use steel ones now.

Froggie
 
Update on the FrankenSmith, the 659 upper DID fit perfectly on the 5906 frame. I actually like the all stainless parts better than the blued trigger / hammer on my 4006. Fit is "as good" as my factory 4006.
 

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