5926 – The journey begins.

[Lyonsgrid]

I'm new to 3rd Gen S&W semi-autos but I've been wanting to start a new project for a while. I'm a Beretta 92 shooter most of the time, so I'm familiar with the double/single decocking style pistols. I must admit, I'm a fan of late 80's, early 90's everything, including pistols.

So I went and picked up this beater 5926. I wanted a frame decocking S&W in 9mm mostly because they are odd ball. Also, I like the decocking only feature without the slide safety. The all stainless frame and slide is a bonus and preferred to the alloy frame models.

Goal:
Never been too concerned about pristine looks. I want this gun to be a tool that works every time and customize it to my specs. I'm a big advocate of using match grade barrels in my carry pistols. I want the most accuracy as I can get. This looks to be a problem with the 3rd Gen S&W's. I have not seen any of the big barrel makers doing work for these any longer. Sights will be addressed as will beveling some controls and edges. Finish will likely be a black nitride bath. Trigger will also be addressed.

Looking forward to the help and input from the members here. I know this one is a bit nasty, but it is solid and tight and I think it'll be a fun project.

 

[hfl73]

I've got one, but don't shoot it as much as I once did. Mine is in a bit better shape cosmetically. It is a "sweet" shooter with a smooth trigger, and it is indeed solid and well made. I don't think you can wear them out. At one time there was a recall on them, so make sure you check the frame for 2 dots by the decock lever and that will indicate it was sent back to S&W to fix the problem.

 

[BruceB]

Good catch. I've been kinda keeping my eye open for one at the right price. I have a really nice 4026, and I like the operation of the frame decocker.

Be very gentle with the sideplate under the left grip, it's unique for the xx26 models, as it provides the pivot for the decocking lever. They are easy to damage anyway just be removing the grips incorrectly.

I'd stock up on a couple, and a spare grip if you can find them. Easily worth a call to S&W cusomter service.

Match barrels are pretty unavailable for these models. Bar-Sto made them "back when" but they are rarely seen, and a new one would be amazing to find. A good condition stock barrel that's well fitted does very well. I've got north of 50K rounds through my original 5906 barrel, and finally replaced it as the distance accuracy was going away. 7 to 10 yards was fine, at 25 yards it was noticeably bad compared to the new one.

 

[RDFabsRep]

I'm also a big fan of the **26 models. I found my 6926 in a tiny little LGS not too far from home. It's pristine and I snagged it for a great price by any standard. I also agree that the absence of the de-cocking levers is a welcome change from the norm. It also makes for much easier racking of the slide, IMO.

I haven't been blown away by it's accuracy, but I think a quick drifting of the rear sight will take care of that.

Parts availability is definitely the Achilles Heel of these guns. It ranges from frustrating to down-right impossible at times. It's a shame, too, because I'm about to pick up my fourth in a few days.

 

[Lyonsgrid]

... make sure you check the frame for 2 dots by the decock lever and that will indicate it was sent back to S&W to fix the problem.

I do not see any marks or dots by the lever. I've read the recall and can't find many details about it.

Should I send it back to S&W 20 some years later? Think they will still repair or work on these models?

 

[BruceB]

You can give Customer Service a call and with the serial number, they should be able to tell you if it's affected by the recall, and whether the recall was done.

If it needs the recall fix, I think they still have to do it.

The two dots will be behind the lever when it's in the normal position, if you push it down, they should be cisible.

 

[jimbo728]

On that gun can you do Melonite? That process, I believe, includes a black oxide or dip that penetrates leaving a nice finish. If your barrel is in good shape and it can be done, your barrel life could be extended also.
Nice gun!
Jim