9mm input needed

[mod57]

Well I must have picked up a bug or two hanging out with you S&W auto folks because now I find myself needing (wanting) a metal framed 9mm. So which one will it be? I'm partial to the 639 and 3906 single stackers but the right 59 type would be ok. So make your suggestions!

 

[KSDeputy]

Forget 9mm and get a .45. I have a 4506, CS 45, & 4513 TSW. I like all of them, and have carried the CS 45 for over 20 years.

 

[model3sw]

Your choices are already excellent but for a double stack just go for a 659, or 5906 or 5905. I am not sure but I think the 539 is a steel frame, too. While other are getting higher prices a good 5906 seems to maintain a reasonable price. the 659 is a squared trigger guard, which the same frames were used at the start of the 5906 (square trigger guard) until they were all used up then went to the round trigger guard.

 

[Arik]

What would you be doing with it? Range time any would be fine but I prefer the newer (relative term) 5906 with Novak sights as opposed to the older ones with the weird sights (don't know what they're called).

If you intend to carry a 39XX is certainly easier. The 5906 can be carried and I have carried one for a while but smaller lighter is more convenient

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[mod57]

Forget 9mm and get a .45. I have a 4506, CS 45, & 4513 TSW. I like all of them, and have carried the CS 45 for over 20 years.

I just got a nice 4506, hence the aforementioned bug

 

[mod57]

What would you be doing with it? Range time any would be fine but I prefer the newer (relative term) 5906 with Novak sights as opposed to the older ones with the weird sights (don't know what they're called).

If you intend to carry a 39XX is certainly easier. The 5906 can be carried and I have carried one for a while but smaller lighter is more convenient

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Mostly see this as a range toy. Don't want to get too collectible or too hard to find. I do not own a 9mm currently, so I thought this might be a nice alternative to a polymer auto.

 

[model3sw]

Thinking about this and being conscientious about price, I'd be wiling to wager if you held a 3913, which is a single stack, a bit smaller than the 39-2 and 439, 3906 size but not quite as small as a 6906, you'd love it. Still reasonably priced, I think.

Some 1st, 2nd and 3rd gens just went bonkers in price. Recently no frills 39-2 97% to ANIB were selling at $1000 and over while a "nice" one was going for $500-$800. I tried to figure out "why" yet could not. There were a multitude of 39-2s made as well as plenty of 39 (no dash). The 39-2 in nickel have plenty out there, too, but are worth a few $ more but not much more.

The 3913 just "feels" nice. Just as nice are a 469 / 669 / 6904/ 6906 (Steel frame) or an older PC "Shorty" 9 that is just too nice for words.

The 3913 was the gun S&W finally manufactured that put Devel and Asp out of business. Devel & Asp fame was a shortened model 39-2 both length and height. Devel magazines were shortened, angular cut 39 mags but in a pinch a 39 magazine would work but protrude freakishly from the bottom mag well.

But if you want a nice, heavy, inexpensive 3rd gen the 5906s are selling at very reasonable prices, e.g. $400 +/- in nice condition. Police trade in for much less.

 

[mod57]

While I do lean toward a single stack, it cannot be denied that 5906 is one handsome gun. Especially the square guard version ( YMMV). I shall keep an open mind.

 

[rwsmith]

This chart is one of the clearest....

This is one of the clearest illustrations that has been put up here numerous times:

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

I have a 5943 which is a standard size 9mm double stack DAO with an alloy frame. I just want more third gens.

 

[smitholdtimer]

Well, I wasn't a Semi-Auto person

Being that I'm an old man with only the M-39 providing any semi-auto experience at all, when I first saw a M-639 I liked what I saw, the nice wood stocks and the all stainless construction, it just looks right and I have not seen all that many for sale either. Oh yes, the M-39 is nice but I seem to favor an the steel construction. My choice from your selection is the M-639 but I do have the 3906 & the 5906 just in case. You can not go wrong with either as your selection, make the decision and have fun shooting!

 

[digiroc]

Consider the Model 915 ...

Alloy framed all metal gun. Lighter than the 5906/05 all steel guns but same 17 + 1 capacity with aftermarket mags.

Of course for carry the 39xx series is the best.

digiroc

 

[Sevens]

If we are simply talking range and ownership joy, I think it's awfully hard to beat the 39-2. As they made so many, there are PLENTY of these for affordable money. Trigger is typically very smooth and everything about them oozes history and class.

A 3906 is just an amazing handgun! But you may struggle to find one and if you do, you could struggle with the price.

 

[4T5GUY]

I agree with each and every suggestion made. They are all
great choices.
Another might be a 3904 or 5904. Lighter than the 3906
and 5906.
Or, just accept the alleged "bug" you caught and get a few.

 

[Protected One]

Mostly see this as a range toy. Don't want to get too collectible or too hard to find. I do not own a 9mm currently, so I thought this might be a nice alternative to a polymer auto.

In that case...might I suggest a Browning Hi Power instead?

 

[mod57]

I have considered the Browning and while it would be nice to have also
I thought I could feed my S&W need while obtaining the 9 mm.

 

[mod57]

If we are simply talking range and ownership joy, I think it's awfully hard to beat the 39-2. As they made so many, there are PLENTY of these for affordable money. Trigger is typically very smooth and everything about them oozes history and class.

A 3906 is just an amazing handgun! But you may struggle to find one and if you do, you could struggle with the price.

The 39-2 has already been added to the short list of desirables. I think a nickle one would be the knees of the bees.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Mostly see this as a range toy. Don't want to get too collectible or too hard to find. I do not own a 9mm currently, so I thought this might be a nice alternative to a polymer auto.

Range toy ;IMO look for a steel frame gun ...... the easiest to find will be a 5906 double stack ...... but you can try the straight grips for a more Hi-Power feel.

I've been looking for a steel frame 639 for about 4 years at LGS's without success.

I'm partial to the 3913 family for concealed carry , 6906 and the PC Shorty 9s for hi-cap concealed carry..... as well as the 915 as a utility hi-cap 9mm.


As ProtectedOne noted .......IMO you cannot go wrong with a Browning HP...everyone who loves guns should have at least one.....and .. w/ Mec-gar mags you can go to 15+1............ IMHO "I" prefer them to 1911s

 

[TTSH]

In that case...might I suggest a Browning Hi Power instead?

As ProtectedOne noted .......IMO you cannot go wrong with a Browning HP...

This is interesting. You don't see people recommending BHPs very often anymore... especially as alternatives to S&W 3rd Gens... like almost never.

Finding a decent or new BHP in a gun shop around here is pretty rare. Doesn't help that they are not a MA-approved gun anymore but that's not the main problem as they are just as rare in the free states of NH, ME & RI as well.

As much as I want one (a BHP is on my "Bucket List"), the few I have found had terrible triggers... surprising to me for $1K & up guns.

 

[mod57]

I agree with each and every suggestion made. They are all
great choices.
Another might be a 3904 or 5904. Lighter than the 3906
and 5906.
Or, just accept the alleged "bug" you caught and get a few.

This is the correct answer.

 

[BAM-BAM]

This is interesting. You don't see people recommending BHPs very often anymore... especially as alternatives to S&W 3rd Gens... like almost never.


As much as I want one (a BHP is on my "Bucket List"), the few I have found had terrible triggers... surprising to me for $1K & up guns.

He did say a Range gun...... so a classic BP has to make "my" list....as a rule I don't conceal carry cocked and locked!

Trigger..... can be improved......... true they are now $1K and up..... God, I miss the good old days!!!!!!!

 

[jsbethel]

I'm partial to the 639 and 3906 single stackers

You were headed in the right direction at the beginning.

 

[TTSH]

He did say a Range gun...... so a classic BP has to make "my" list....as a rule I don't conceal carry cocked and locked!

Trigger..... can be improved......... true they are now $1K and up..... God, I miss the good old days!!!!!!!

Okay, but reality check time. Here we have a brand new member of Team 3rd Gen looking to buy his second 3rd Gen and first 9mm 3rd Gen... ... and the best you can come up with is a recommendation that he find himself a $1K & up BHP? With a crappy trigger than can be improved to decent for a mere $300.00.

Or like a local gunsmith told me recently: Alternatively, learn to live with the crappy BHP trigger and get yourself a "free" (or near free) 3rd Gen out of the deal.

 

[nocents]

I know you said range gun but if its a first 9mm 3rd. gen. why limit its use?.....IMO the perfect first 9mm 3rd gen. is a 6906....use it at the range or as a ccw...and there are plenty of trade ins available at very reasonable prices......and I say this as an unabashed 3913 fanboy.....now I need to take my own advice and get another 6906

 

[federali]

Single Stack

I too have come to the realization that a single stack 9mm suits my needs just fine, not that I'm about to sell off my double stackers. If size doesn't matter too much, may I suggest the Kahr E9? It's their largest 9mm, fits the hand like a glove, has a respectable 8+1 capacity (depending on magazine) and is really flat, slim and concealable. I'm strongly considering getting one for myself.

 

[TTSH]

I know you said range gun but if its a first 9mm 3rd. gen. why limit its use?.....IMO the perfect first 9mm 3rd gen. is a 6906....use it at the range or as a ccw...and there are plenty of trade ins available at very reasonable prices......and I say this as an unabashed 3913 fanboy.....now I need to take my own advice and get another 6906

Indeed, if I could only have one non-PC 9mm 3rd Gen pistol, it would be a Model 6906. Damn thing fits me like a glove... and the ability to use 5906 magazines is simply icing on the cake.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Mod57........ what's your budget?

TTSH got me thinking ........if you have the budget think about a 1990s Performance Center auto............ IMHO they can't be topped!

Shorty 9........ based on the 6906

5906 IDPA .... based on the 5906

Any of the 952 models....or one of the long slide versions..... next generation target model 52

My favorite is a SD-9... all stainless steel 6906 size frame with a 4.25 inch barrel/slide with bushing ......... down side; only 179 ever made.

 

[Sevens]

Okay, I will NOT take any blame for the thread drift. (allow me to be honest... mods will assess blame if/when they choose, I get no choice) but when a guy comes to the Smith & Wesson forum to specifically ask for opinions and suggestions with a S&W pistol to meet certain needs and someone replies with "try a Browning Hi-Power", it only seems fair that I get a swing at tearing down that bad idea.

The BHP has an iconic world history and I recognize that. I also believe the BHP is an extremely attractive looking pistol and I also absolutely acknowledge how slender it feels for an all-steel double stack 9mm. In those ways, I bow to the legend of the Browning Hi-Power!

However...
Ugh, this pistol does not measure up to most every other option in classic metal-framed semi-auto pistols. The fire control system to this day seems like textbook "Rube Goldberg" to me: the pivoting trigger actuated a teeter-totter style lever wholly contained in the slide, and that lever actuates the sear to drop the hammer. Unless there are some obscure foreign guns or perhaps some rimfire pistols I am unaware of... WHO DOES THIS?! This pistol design right from the start gives you a lousy trigger and two of my biggest personal pet peeves in a trigger: difficult to make an over-travel stop and the world's most vague, lifeless and utterly un-tactile trigger reset feel. And evidence #2 to support Rube Goldberg-- "well, we added a mousetrap-spring to the magazine to help fling it out of the pistol since our magazine disconnect that 97% of all humans LOATHE makes the magazine stick in the pistol..."

They are historic, they are iconic and I can't argue that "one day, you need one!" but this is an oddball design that is not at all a good answer for a guy who is looking for a classic 1-2-3rd Gen Smith & Wesson pistol.

..
..
SIDE NOTE if you are reading and you are annoyed with multiple references to Mr. Goldberg: such a design means going the wildly long way around to design a contraption in a complicated manner to solve a simple problem. Very much like the old board game for kids, "mousetrap" where you would turn a crank, make a ball roll, flip a catapult and fling a plastic figurine in to a bucket to make a plastic "net" fall down a stick and trap a mouse. The only thing missing is 150 dominoes tipping in succession...

 

[JohnHL]

Don't hold back, Sevens!
Tell us how you really feel!

John

 

[BAM-BAM]

Okay, I will NOT take any blame for the thread drift. (allow me to be honest... mods will assess blame if/when they choose, I get no choice) but when a guy comes to the Smith & Wesson forum to specifically ask for opinions and suggestions with a S&W pistol to meet certain needs and someone replies with "try a Browning Hi-Power", it only seems fair that I get a swing at tearing down that bad idea.

The BHP has an iconic world history and I recognize that. I also believe the BHP is an extremely attractive looking pistol and I also absolutely acknowledge how slender it feels for an all-steel double stack 9mm. In those ways, I bow to the legend of the Browning Hi-Power!

However...
Ugh, this pistol does not measure up to most every other option in classic metal-framed semi-auto pistols. The fire control system to this day seems like textbook "Rube Goldberg" to me: the pivoting trigger actuated a teeter-totter style lever wholly contained in the slide, and that lever actuates the sear to drop the hammer. Unless there are some obscure foreign guns or perhaps some rimfire pistols I am unaware of... WHO DOES THIS?! This pistol design right from the start gives you a lousy trigger and two of my biggest personal pet peeves in a trigger: difficult to make an over-travel stop and the world's most vague, lifeless and utterly un-tactile trigger reset feel. And evidence #2 to support Rube Goldberg-- "well, we added a mousetrap-spring to the magazine to help fling it out of the pistol since our magazine disconnect that 97% of all humans LOATHE makes the magazine stick in the pistol..."

They are historic, they are iconic and I can't argue that "one day, you need one!" but this is an oddball design that is not at all a good answer for a guy who is looking for a classic 1-2-3rd Gen Smith & Wesson pistol.

..
..


LOL..... I bet ^^^^he^^^^^ carries a "Block"!!!!!!!

 

[TTSH]

Don't hold back, Sevens!
Tell us how you really feel!

John

LOL!!!! I don't think I've ever known Brother Sevens to hold back on anything!

Everything he says is true, but I want a BHP anyway (crappy trigger and all) someday before I die. Sometimes, I even wonder why but it all goes back to that "iconic part of history" thang.

My recent conversation with a highly-respected local gunsmith didn't help matters. He really didn't have anything good to say about them and tried to talk me out of buying one. The gist of what he said? Buy it if you want it for its history and for the sake of completing your collection. Do not buy it expecting a really great shooter.