5906 Surprise

[rwsmith]

A 5906

I recently picked up a 5906 in a trade — really didn't want it as it was heavy and by today's standards simply looked humongous. No box but came with three mags. Anyway, finally got the range with it along with a couple of other "modern" pistols.

In a nutshell I was blown away. Running 124FMJ and JHP it was 100% reliable and super accurate at 21 ft. Shot to POA and groups were 2-3 inches with many rounds touching. After three mags there was just one ragged hole. And, this heavy monster just soaked up recoil, very pleasant to shoot. Needless to say this was a pleasant surprise. I can see carrying this on hikes as a "woods gun" loaded with Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman heavy loads. Not sure it'll see any social work but I am definitely going to give it a try in fall/winter with good belt and holster.

Is my experience typical for this gun or did I just get an extra good one? I ordered a set of rubber grips and wood grips from Hogue this afternoon. Any other mods I should consider?

...is on my 'get next' list. I have a 5943 which is alloy frame and double action. It's darn nice, but I want one that shoots single action.

Is it typical?? Darn right it is. Third Gen S&Ws are some of the best guns ever made. You can look up the variations on Lucky Gunner site. They have a cool chart that shows how the numbering system works. There must be close to 100 variation in size, caliber, aciion and material

 

[toddimusnimski]

I ordered a set of rubber grips and wood grips from Hogue this afternoon. Any other mods I should consider?

I've heard that they can make the grip too large for some people. Hopefully you don't have that issue. You may also try switching out the (I assume) factory round grip for the straight grip often found on the 4006. Find what works and go with it!

FYI older grips went through a recall - if yours has a small dimple when viewed from below it has already been replaced. I'll try to post info on the recall if no one beats me to it.

Great find!

Todd

Edit -- Found a good discussion on recall. Post #9 has the official Product Safety Alert

5906 Grip "Dimple"

 

[stansdds]

There must have been a reason why at least some 9mm models were "proofed," (probably not the correct term,) using 115 gr.

I've had good results using them but not as good as Tom Gordon. I have saved pictures of "proof" 9mm targets and all were done with 115 gr. JHP's including mine.

Jim

I have had excellent accuracy using 115 grain JHP loads and handloads, not so great with 115 grain FMJ. With FMJ loads and handloads, I have had better accuracy with 124 and 147 grain bullets.