3906 questions

[carguychris]

Howdy all,

I've been enamored with the 39-series for some time, and I've stumbled across a potentially good deal on a 3906, although I haven't looked at it yet. I've found lots of info about the 391x compacts but not nearly as much about the full-size 3rd-gen 39xx guns, so they seem to be somewhat unloved. I have a few questions, mainly about mags, since I like to have at least 4-5 for my automatics:

1) Is it correct that the 3rd-gen 39-series mags will fit the 1st- and 2nd-gen 39-series full-size pistols but not vice versa?

2) Are the mags supposed to be 8rd or 9rd? I've seen ads for both.

3) It seems that mags for these pistols are somewhat hard to find and run expensive ($35-$45). Is there a cheap source that I'm missing?

4) Do all of these guns have adjustable rear sights, and if so, are reasonably priced low-profile fixed rear sights available? I will use this as a carry gun but I'm not crazy about the huge adjustable rear sight. Another way of asking this question: Will 391x rear sights fit? Several popular online sources list 3913/3914/908 rear sights but no 3904/3906 rear sights.

Thanks!

 

[Racer X]

The 39,X39 and 3904/3906 mags are interchangeable. I do not know about the 3913/14 mags. I'd actually like to know that. I do know the floor plate on the 3913/14 is curved and has a pinky rest, and the others I listed are flat. Not sure if they will interchange.

S&W does sell a replacement 9 rd mag for the 39,X39 and 3904/6. I have one and it only extends maybe 1/8" extra out of my 439.

No significantly cheaper sources for the single stack mags. The double stack 59/69 mags are easy, as the double stack pistols were carried by LEOs, and really common.

 

[handgunner356]

S&W changed the follower in the 3900 and 5900 series early in the third generation run and increased them by one round to 9 and 15rd. The slide is milled different for the winged factory adjustable sights, there isn't any fixed sight replacments I've ever seen. Your mag is your ammo supply, don't go cheap stick with SW or MecGar mags. You should be able to find new S&W mags in the $32-35 range.

 

[FirebirdV8]

There were both fixed and adjustable sights for the 390X series. I have seen more adjustable than fixed, but they are out there. However the 3906/3904 never had a factory installed Novak style sight, it used the same style of fixed sight as the 439/539/639. Someone on the forum posted a picture of a 3906 or 3904 (I can't remember which one), with a Novak sight installed. You could have the newer style installed by a gun smith if that is what you want.
I believe your magazine questions have been answered, just buy every reasonably priced 390X series mag, made by S&W or MecGar, you find.

 

[Racer X]

But are the 3913/14 mags compatible with a 39,X39 and 3904/6 frame?

 

[handgunner356]

No, the 3913/14/53/54 8rd. mags are shorter and won't fit. There are also the '98-99 TSW 3900 series compacts with the cutout grip that use a 7rd mag like the CS9.

 

[carguychris]

But are the 3913/14 mags compatible with a 39,X39 and 3904/6 frame?

Here's what I've read, but take this with a grain of salt. I'd like to hear confirmation myself.

1) The full-size (39, x39, 390x) mags are slightly longer than the compact (391x/395x) mags. Full-size mags will work in the compact pistols but stick out slightly; however, the compact mags will not lock into the full-size frame due to the shorter length.

2) S&W flattened the floorplate on the 390x mags to accomodate the redesigned 390x grip frame. The thicker floorplate of the 39 and x39 mags prevents them from locking in place in a 390x pistol.

 

[FirebirdV8]

Here's what I've read, but take this with a grain of salt. I'd like to hear confirmation myself.

1) The full-size (39, x39, 390x) mags are slightly longer than the compact (391x/395x) mags. Full-size mags will work in the compact pistols but stick out slightly; however, the compact mags will not lock into the full-size frame due to the shorter length.

2) S&W flattened the floorplate on the 390x mags to accomodate the redesigned 390x grip frame. The thicker floorplate of the 39 and x39 mags prevents them from locking in place in a 390x pistol.

Both of your points are correct. The new style magazines will work in my Mod 39, but my 39 magazines won't work in a 3904/3906. Just like a 3913/3914 can take any 39 series mag made, but the 3904/3906 can only take 3904/3906 magazines.
The S&W 3rd gens are great pistols all around, if you have the chance to get one at a good price, don't pass it up.

 

[Racer X]

I'd love a3906 to go with my 5906 and 6906. I fear I need a .40 and .45 as well.....

I'm addicted I guess. I do have a buddy with a 3rd gen 10 mm I may try and talk him out of. He has had it for maybe 15 years. Doubt he still shoots it.

 

[jsbethel]

The 3906 did come with Novak sights late in production - this is from the 1990 S&W catalog.

Here is a picture to illustrate the magazine comparison relating to the 3906.

3913 mag - much too short. 639 mag - too short. Later 639 mag - correct longer mag body but stepped plastic baseplate will not allow it to lock in place. 3906 mag - currently produced in nine round capacity.

Here is a picture of my 3904 and 3906 both with Trijicon sights. I can never seem to resist posting this picture when there is a 3906 discussion. These are my favorite pistols among many.

 

[FirebirdV8]

Thanks for the information, jsbethel, about the Novak sights, I guess I've just never ran across one or heard about them. Although, I don't know if I appreciate having to add another pistol to my 39 series collection list. Oh well what fun would it be if S&W didn't keep me broke.

 

[586L-Frame]

Both of your points are correct. The new style magazines will work in my Mod 39, but my 39 magazines won't work in a 3904/3906. Just like a 3913/3914 can take any 39 series mag made, but the 3904/3906 can only take 3904/3906 magazines.
The S&W 3rd gens are great pistols all around, if you have the chance to get one at a good price, don't pass it up.

+1 on both comments on magazine compatabilities.
586L-Frame

DLC’s S&W 3906 with Hogue Handall Finger Groove Slip-on Grips.

x

 

[PMRet]

The 3906 did come with Novak sights late in production

Page 300 of the SCSW has a picture of all three available 3906 sights: Fixed, Adjustable, and Novak Lo-Mount. This 3906 is 1989 production.