6906-It followed me home!

[crcsen]

About 2 months ago I picked up a M&P Shield to use as a carry piece, assuming Wake County SO gets around to working on my conceal carry permit. Since my permit date is coming up, and I had some free time, I took it to the range. After 100 rounds, I have concluded that I do not like these little pistols.

I went to my preferred LGS in Raleigh to search for something like a Colt Commander (or it's clone). Well, no joy, the sales guy said the only thing close he had (non-poly) were a couple of old S&W.

2 PD units (.40 and 9MM) plus one in the back that was a civilian model. I am not a fan of the .40, the the PD 9mm was a little loose. I had them pull the one from the back. I swore that this 6906 just kept following me around the store. No box, and 3 12 round magazines with black followers (not sure if that matters). $499.

Anyway, it kept following me, so I brought it home. It needed a deep cleaning, and I still don't have all the billed-up out, but came out pretty nice. Will get it to the range sometime in the next 2 weeks and report.

I will need to figure out a external slide holster (leather) for this. I am not sure about the square trigger guard, but it fit surprisingly well in the M&P's (El Paso Saddlery) IWB holster. Could make a nice carry piece.

Serial starts: AIB, not sure the year, if any one has information about production year and ideas regarding holsters, I would appreciate the feedback.

Thanks,

Charlie

 

[jsbethel]

An AIP serial prefix would indicate that it is one of the first of the 3rd gen pistols from 1988. If they are dead, have Trijicon re-lamp the night sights for $57.

 

[crcsen]

jsbethel: Yep the sight are dead, will get the done. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Steve912]

An AIP serial prefix would indicate that it is one of the first of the 3rd gen pistols from 1988. If they are dead, have Trijicon re-lamp the night sights for $57.

When did Novaks appear on the 6906's?

 

[ACEd]

When did Novaks appear on the 6906's?

Believe first Novaks in 1991. 1989-90 pistols I have are early narrow fixed sights or adjustable. Novaks and later S&W Night Sights had longer 2 step mounting area. Believe first Night sights based on Novak mounting slots were officially 1992 but may have been late 1991.

 

[Sevens]

Wow, what a snag OP! I see that you didn't edit your post but I hope you saw what jsbethel wrote, the AIP serial prefix ("P" not "B") stands for "auto improvement program" and definitely was the earliest of the 3rd Gens! So you grabbed a little more than just an old 6906, you got one from a noteworthy series.

Fantastic find at that price!

 

[pasound]

That one is identical to my Cabela's Gun Library find from three years ago. TEC serial on mine, but still with the squared guard and old sights. Mine's a great shooter, likes 124's best. $499 is a great price for today's market. Mine cost $400, but that was before the shortages started. Swapped out all the springs for a Wolff set, still factory weight. 100% reliable.

 

[pharmer]

I'm wearing mine now, been doing so daily since 1994. Shot it a week ago Friday. Yanked it out of the holster, emptied the Federal 124gr HST's without a hitch (well, hurt a little bit$$$) and fired 4 more mixed magazines for a total of 62 flawless rounds. Cleaned, reloaded 12 more HST. Some things can't be improved upon. Joe

 

[Redcoat3340]

One found me and just sorta turned up at my LGS courtesy of USPS and a dealer in St. Louis. Imagine that.

It isn't near pristine, looks like someone took a buffer to the slide and tried to do something with frame, but it works perfectly, or at least it did at the LGS where it went into limbo until the local sheriff here in WA state gives me the okay to pick it up.

It will get a thorough cleaning, maybe some new springs, and if someone buys a 4013 I'm about to post, it may take a trip to Natchez and BMCM.

More and better pics when I get it home. (And I got it at a decent price, under $400.00)

 

[crcsen]

Hi Sevens,
Yeah, I missed the Typo. The Serial is "AIP". Thanks for letting me know about both the typo and just what AIP means. Still have a lot to learn about these firearms and every little bit help!

Charlie

 

[GaryS]

Nice gun. Early production as noted. Those sites are pre Novak, so be sure they're Trijicon before sending them back.

Pharmers gun has Novak sights.

 

[Moo Moo]

I picked up a 6906 a couple of months ago. Haven't had a chance to put some rounds through it yet.

 

[Steve912]

It isn't near pristine, looks like someone took a buffer to the slide and tried to do something with frame, but it works perfectly, or at least it did at the LGS where it went into limbo until the local sheriff here in WA state gives me the okay to pick it up.

Is that a case number, on the dustcover?

 

[Redcoat3340]

Is that a case number, on the dustcover?

More than likely. I didn't take a glass to it when I looked it over at the LGS, but that's what I'm assuming. The dealer is in St. Louis, but I didn't have time to query him when I saw it online. I will send him a note asking if he knows the backstory after I get a chance to look at it closer. (WA state law requires the local sheriff and state police to do the background check, not NICS. They have 10 days from submission of the forms; I'll probably have it by Mon or Tues of next week.)

 

[4T5GUY]

I'm sure I'm one of the few that kinda like the early trigger guards. I've got some but not a 6906.

Get a couple of mag sleeves and use your 5906 mags in it. It'll be a bit different to conceal if that makes a difference but they actually feel pretty good handling wise.

Yep I know the picture of my 669 isn't a 6906. Or is it?

Jim

 

[Sevens]

I always get confused on the term that has been used. Pilot gun? Is that what we call these?

 

[too tall]

That one is identical to my Cabela's Gun Library find from three years ago. TEC serial on mine, but still with the squared guard and old sights. Mine's a great shooter, likes 124's best. $499 is a great price for today's market. Mine cost $400, but that was before the shortages started. Swapped out all the springs for a Wolff set, still factory weight. 100% reliable.

What did the new springs do for it?
Shot my 6906 for the first time recently and it wasn't nearly revolver reliable.

 

[Steve912]

Shot my 6906 for the first time recently and it wasn't nearly revolver reliable.

What was it doing/not doing?

 

[max]

Several years ago, I bought a newer 6906 slide and barrel off EBAY. I got the Novak style sights along with a spare slide and barrel for less than it would have been to install the sights.

I carry it daily.

 

[Trooper224]

What did the new springs do for it?
Shot my 6906 for the first time recently and it wasn't nearly revolver reliable.

On any used pistol, it's a wise policy to at least replace the recoil spring. The others, just peace of mind I suppose.