5906 vs 6906

[ACEd]

Conditions being equal, which is more desirable / valuable a 6906 with a 12 round magazine or a 5906 with 15 (optional 17 rd) magazine?

Yes, I know the 6906 are more nearly concealable and the 5906 packs more punch, but looking for more on valuation / desirability to a collector type arguments.

And are the earlier guns with the extended trigger guard more or less desirable than the newer guns?

Or are there unique configurations such as 6904 / 5904 which were produced in more limited quantities and may be more desirable than the old standards?

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I have a bias for the 5906. It is an excellent 9mm handgun with a solid stainless steel frame. The current value is about the same ($300-$700 depending on condition) , so from a collector's point in the future - flip a coin. Nothing wrong with a 6906, but I have a 3913 TSW and CS9. I suspect that less 6906's were produced, but there are a lot of both. If you consider the Model 5905, it is a blued 5906 and basically doubles the value as they are rare and sought after. There is a Model 5906 The Super 9 Target Pistol with three interchangeable barrels in 9x19, 9x21 and 356 TSW. Many minor variations. Good luck!

 

[Sevens]

You’re pitting two of the most prolific and functional 3rd Gens made — you’ve also chosen two with arguably the least upside for future collectibility.

Both were made in massive, numbing volume. You could pick whichever argument suits you:

—they made more 5906’s, thus a 6906 could be more scarce

—in this day and age, a 6906 might be more useful or desirable in the market as a working gun

—but the 6906 is alloy frame and there’s no rational argument that would say it could ever stand up to as much shooting life as a steel frame 5906

As a future collectible, these are both not strong choices. Their value lies in their actual use far less in their strength in the market. As such, it makes good sense (to me) to call them equal... or perhaps equal enough.

Given that, the better collectible is whichever is in better shape, and/or has the original box and papers.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I don't actually think of those guns as collector's items unless you're buying one in perfect condition with the original box, etc. I like both but the 6906 is much easier to conceal and I don't figure to ever need more than 12 rounds. Generally, I carry a 9mm smaller than that with even a couple less rounds. Think CS-9 sized or similar.

Police surplus 5906:

Re-import 6906:

 

[Redcoat3340]

If I were looking to spend money on collectible S&W firearms I wouldn't pick either of those two, there are a lot more pistols and revolvers with more upsides than those. In the wheelgun category I have a soft spot for 38/44s, a .38 built on an N frame for more powerful .38s&w cartridges before the .357 was invented.
In terms of pistols, there are some 39s that have more upside as well at 41s and 52s. If it were me, I'd do a bit more research and ask more generalized questions about what are the "best" collectibles.
I personally targeted having one of every generation in 9, 40, and .45 except for 10mm.
Here's a good place to start learning:

https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/guide-smith-wesson-semi-automatic-models/

 

[stansdds]

The 5906 is big and heavy, nice for range use, not as nice for carry.
The 6906 is smaller, lighter, and much easier to carry, especially concealed.
What is the intended purpose of this purchase, range use or carry?

 

[Frank Black]

Decent-condition 12-rd factory mags for the 6906 are really hard to find, ... and quite spendy when do.

 

[clang444]

It's kind of like asking which is going to be more desirable / valuable, a Glock 19 or a Glock 17.

 

[mrmike7189]

$$$mags

Decent-condition 12-rd factory mags for the 6906 are really hard to find, ... and quite spendy when do.

I agree
The magazines for the 6906 are super pricey these days. The 5900 series mags are more plentiful and affordable.
If you shoot alot and need more mags.....thats a consideration?

 

[Tom-R2]

I really like my 6906 and used to carry it often. For a long time, I had the original 2 factory mags, and one after market mag (it's unmarked and I don't remember who made it, but it's never had an issue). I was able to find replacement springs for them a while back. Later, I bought a couple 5900 version mags and bought the grip adapters for them that sit well, making a higher capacity mag. I have a couple other pistols that I'm carrying more than the 6906, but I've never been one to shy away from carrying a larger pistol, concealed. I don't have issues carrying a Beretta 92 or full size 1911 government model. It all depends on where I'm going and how I am going to be dressed.

 

[Timber Wolf]

I agree
The magazines for the 6906 are super pricey these days. The 5900 series mags are more plentiful and affordable.
If you shoot alot and need more mags.....thats a consideration?

I recently bought a 6906 and spare mag cost is an issue. But in thinking about it I wondered how many 12 round mags I realistically needed. Two, three maybe? My standard carry mode with a compact auto is a flush mag in the gun and a higher cap backup mag. For range use I can either reload or just use the higher capacity 5906 mags, that I have lot of anyway.

 

[Racer X]

Smith & Wesson 69 Series Magazine - Brand New, 12-Round 69 Series Magazines | Keep Shooting Just get on their wait list

Or use KelTec P-11 magazine adapted to 6906 Robertson Trading Post - Item Details

 

[NYlakesider]

Re 6906 Mags. You want hard to find, try to get S&W 6906 Mags factory modded to 10 rounds They made a bunch years ago during the so called "assault weapon ban''. Then a few years ago when NY instituted the Safe Act people started looking for them again.

I'm lucky as I have a few 10 rounders for my 6906. Should have no problem selling the gun and Mags if I decide to.

 

[Frank Black]

I recently bought a 6906 and spare mag cost is an issue. But in thinking about it I wondered how many 12 round mags I realistically needed. Two, three maybe? My standard carry mode with a compact auto is a flush mag in the gun and a higher cap backup mag. For range use I can either reload or just use the higher capacity 5906 mags, that I have lot of anyway.

Standard for me is a minimum of 6 per semi-auto. 3 to be used for practice/training, 3 to be dedicated as carry mags.

 

[Frank Black]

Smith & Wesson 69 Series Magazine - Brand New, 12-Round 69 Series Magazines | Keep Shooting Just get on their wait list

Chi-Com knock-offs?