First time posting in the Pistol section, I think. A friend just purchased a 5906 with a VZE78XX serial number and was wondering an approximate date for his Pistol. Also, when was this model discontinued? Thanks in advance.

Good guess would be 1996, but you can get answer from S&W
[email protected]
As to production years - official answer is probably 1989-1999. Though there are reported pistols dated by SW as 2006 (mostly in BDH-BDK s/n prefix commonly associated with 2005-2006 production for Police Contracts) - possibly assembled from spare/surplus parts or on Special Order.

First few years (at least thru 1990 had early D shaped trigger guard and early sights - later pistols had curved trigger guards and Novak sights - all years at least thru 1999 had adjustable sights as an option. Night sights were an option from 1992-1999)

Enjoy

Just for some reference my 5906 w/fixed Novak sights was my first LE gun which I bought new in 1989. Serial # TYP54++

Are you sure about year - all of the TYx I have seen that have been tracked by SW are 1992 - they include 1 each 5906 TYN, 4013 TYS, 5906 TYT, 4506 TYU, and a 6906 TYZ. By 1992, the Novaks were standard.
Out of curiosity does yours have the squared or curved trigger guard?

Ed, thank you, your question made me dig deeper into my records. I dug out the original box, looks like the day I bought it, and all the included items inside. The faded receipt was in there. You are correct sir, the date on the slip is 9-8-92. I stand corrected. The gun has a round trigger guard. Product code-108176. Spec. Ord #2126.
The receipt indicates that I traded a Colt Combat Elite for the 5906. I paid $75 difference. I needed the 5906 to start my LE career. A career that ended (retired)2 weeks ago. Take care.

I just purchased a 5906 with round trigger guard and Novak sights. It has the stainless hammer and trigger with serial number TEV xxxx. I emailed S&W with serial number and they said it was manufactured in 1990.

That 2 1/2 pounds of stainless steel magic lasted you over 30 years and likely will last a few hundred more!
Congratulations joining the ranks of the "retired".
Smiles, Mike