finesse_r
Member
Can someone tell me the differences between the Model 915 and the Model 5904. They look very much alike to me, but the 915's appear to sell for a hundred or so less.
915 vs 5904
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The 915 was made as an economy version of the 3rd gen 9mm's.
Thanks Max
Thanks for that info.
Do you know what items they economized on? Does it have plastic or alloy where it should be steel? I know some gun makers do that and I always worry that such economizing makes for an Achilles hill.
So far all the reviews I have seen on the 915 have been very general and very positive with no indication of weakness. I am looking at getting a 5904, but I always look to save a buck if I can without losing quality.
Thanks for that info.
Do you know what items they economized on? Does it have plastic or alloy where it should be steel? I know some gun makers do that and I always worry that such economizing makes for an Achilles hill.
So far all the reviews I have seen on the 915 have been very general and very positive with no indication of weakness. I am looking at getting a 5904, but I always look to save a buck if I can without losing quality.
handgunner356
Member
The 915 was real close to the early 5904s', it had the plain straight blade rear sight, one mag and a simpler machined frame than the 5904. When they went to the 910 they went further with some plastic parts, simpler machined slide and such.
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Here's a somewhat generic answer as it relates to the Value Series, of which the M915 is part of.
The Value Series guns saved on cost by:
1- using plastic parts, to include some sights, as opposed to the standard production guns using Novak sights.
2- single side safeties, instead of ambi safeties as found on the standard production guns.
3- Frames had less milling, resulting in the Value Series having more of a straight frame profile, with no "step" in the area just above the dust cover. Interestingly, you need to be careful with holster selection, as with closely formed holsters made for some standard production guns won't work with their Value Series counterparts due to the frame differences.
4- back to plastic parts, some of the Value Series guns had plastic guide rods, while the standard production guns had steel.
Not all the above are negatives, but they saved production costs - allowing the Value series guns to sell for less.
The Value Series guns saved on cost by:
1- using plastic parts, to include some sights, as opposed to the standard production guns using Novak sights.
2- single side safeties, instead of ambi safeties as found on the standard production guns.
3- Frames had less milling, resulting in the Value Series having more of a straight frame profile, with no "step" in the area just above the dust cover. Interestingly, you need to be careful with holster selection, as with closely formed holsters made for some standard production guns won't work with their Value Series counterparts due to the frame differences.
4- back to plastic parts, some of the Value Series guns had plastic guide rods, while the standard production guns had steel.
Not all the above are negatives, but they saved production costs - allowing the Value series guns to sell for less.
handgunner356
Member
5904-Blued steel slide/alloy frame
5905-Blued steel slide and frame
5906-Stainless steel slide and frame
5905-Blued steel slide and frame
5906-Stainless steel slide and frame
tom-tom
Member
Not to be contentious, but I think the Value Line pistols are later production than the 915. The 915 was an effort to economize on the 39XX through simpler machining, but, technically speaking, is not a Value Line gun. The Value Line came a few years later and took the conception a step further in machining simplicity and material changes for some smaller, non critical parts.
An advertisement lists the VL as the 908/908S (version of the 3914/3913), 910/910S (VL for the 3904/3906), the 410/410S (VL 4004/4006), and 457/457S (VL 4504/4506). I believe this ad dates from 1996-97. A two page ad that comes from 1993 shows the new 442, 411, and 915. There's also a 1994 single page ad that shows the 915 and its brethren.
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cpeblue
Member
One other thing too keep in mind, the 915 was produced from 1992 to 1994 then superseded by the 910 . I would not think twice about getting a 915 no ambi safety ,beefy frame , whats not to like ? It's almost a prelude to the TSW guns frame wise .
As state above, the 915 is NOT part of the "Value" line, that series was introduced later on. The 915 had a simple blade rear sight which saved S&W from paying royalties to Wayne Novak, and the front of the alloy frame has more metal that was not milled away, saving manufacturing costs. Practically EVERYTHING else is the same as a top-shelf 5903, except the ambi safety. Even though the gun is finished in a black oxide, the slide stop, extractor and safety are black coated stainless steel. Excellent pistols and a very undervalued deal when you can find them under $350.
Oh hell, I just noticed this thread is four years old! Where do all these zombie threads come from?
Oh hell, I just noticed this thread is four years old! Where do all these zombie threads come from?
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You've gotten a good summery of the 915; let me just add.......
I would equate the 915 to the 28....... in a 27 vs 28 comparison
Novack used the 915 to build (several) customized carry 9mms.
I've got a couple of 915s (not Novack's guns).......they are great guns generally at a great price.... but they are creeping up in price
4years old..... why did Dr Dick use the OPs thread to ask his question????????
I would equate the 915 to the 28....... in a 27 vs 28 comparison
Novack used the 915 to build (several) customized carry 9mms.
I've got a couple of 915s (not Novack's guns).......they are great guns generally at a great price.... but they are creeping up in price
4years old..... why did Dr Dick use the OPs thread to ask his question????????
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cpeblue
Member
Guess I'm going to have to start looking at the dates of these threads.I missed that entirely .
I got this 915 from iammo earlier this month. It was reimported from Israel and was $349.
tom-tom
Member
Palm hits forehead. I never saw the original date.
Poohgyrr
Member
The questions and answers are still good, even today. The 915 is on my list of 3rd Gens to buy. A solid pistol.
wvs&w
Member
Still a good read, I have a nice 910. Don't let the 910 slip you by if you find a nice one. Yes it does have the plastic front and rear sights, but they are very easy to see, the mag button is plastic but on mine the plastic guide rod has been replaced with SS, and the Smith grip had been replaced with a Hogue, the gun is 95%.. I found the the gun in a local shop, the tag had 350 on it and I ended up with it for 275 otd. There are a lot of sleepers out there in the older Gen 2 & 3 Smiths.
medic15al
Member
Didn't the 915/910 and 411/410 models have a squared off slide instead of a rounded slide on top?
