Best option for a 9mm stainless auto out there?
- Thread starter Ridge Runner
- Start date
Titegroups
Member
Buy an M&P and dont look back, speaking of stainless.
ColbyBruce
Member
I have a all stainless steel, DAO, S&W 5946 which is a fine gun, though a bit heavy, around 38 ounces empty. The RCMP was one agency that used this model. RCMP also used the 3953, a stainless/alloy, DAO, single stack compact. I have one of those too. I like it better than the 3913 I used to own.
I also have a Beretta 92FS Inox. It is three or four ounces lighter than the 5946 but much larger and thicker. I do not really consider it a CCW, but it can be done.
I also have a two tone, DAO, Sig P228. Real slick and lighter than the other high capacity guns. I am also fond of the single stack P225 series.
I like them all. If I could only have one I would have to pick the Sig P228.
I also have a Beretta 92FS Inox. It is three or four ounces lighter than the 5946 but much larger and thicker. I do not really consider it a CCW, but it can be done.
I also have a two tone, DAO, Sig P228. Real slick and lighter than the other high capacity guns. I am also fond of the single stack P225 series.
I like them all. If I could only have one I would have to pick the Sig P228.
Gearhounds
Member
Another vote for the 5906, with the 6906 a close second. You can't beat the combination of sturdy dependability the full size, all stainless 5906 offers. Makes the 9mm feel like a .22, and you'll have trouble ever shooting one to death. It is the next pistol on my short list, if I can find someone willing to part with one.
Badpe48
Member
I have a 5906 purchased in 1994 that will stay with me until I die! I love it. I recently purchased a S&W Shield 9MM for CCW, but the 5906 will always be my favorite weapon.
Browning Hi-Power or an S&W 3953. The Hi-Power is a sure pleasure to shoot and looks great (mine is a T-Series). But that 3953 is also utterly dependable, available at half the price and really simple in operation due to no levers/safeties. Just point and shoot. I'm traditionally a revolver guy and that trigger is an easy transition.
Silversmok3
Member
This hurts to type, but IMO i'd start with the Model 39 and derivatives like the 439, 539, 639.
As an owner of a 5904 I must confess that these guns are not for the small of hand. If there's a gun that's made to fit every hand, S&W double stack semi autos aren't it by a long shot.
IMO, the gun to begin your journey with is the 39. Excellent single stack ergonomics, 8 round capacity, and classic design that will stand out on firing range dominated by black polymer squares. Once you've gotten your single stack model, feel free to indulge in the later gen 5906s and like models. Considering the single stack guns are discontinued and demand will increase if magazine capacity limits are enacted,now is the time to get them. Right now the 39s are somewhat of a best kept secret in the gun world, but that'll end fast when the Glock fanboys discover why their granddads loved S&W pistols so much.
9mm stainless pistol.........5906. You did say 9mm and stainless, right? All stainless, available, 9mm, tough as ****, easy to get magazines, great shooting, this is where you should start, then you will have the addiction.......
BigCityChief
Member
Try to find a 5946 or a 3953TSW. I have one of each - both great "point and shoot" pistols and both nearly indestructible. Magazines are readily available (at least for now). Good luck.
The original heading on this post did not restrict recommendations to Smith pistols, but the body of the post does. If there is to be any consideration of a non-Smith, then my recommendation is the FNH FNX-9, which is fully ambidextrous and has a capacity of 17 plus 1. If staying with only Smith pistols, then the M&P, which is similar to the FNX-9, would be my choice.
flyguy8555
Member
A small vote for the S&W Model 669 - 2nd generation compact 9mm. The 469 (blued) and 669 (Stainless) are really 2nd to 3rd generation transition models. They have the improved barrel/slide (no separate barrel bushing), unlike the other 2nd generation pistols. The only differences between the 469/669s and the 3rd Generation pistols is the one-piece grip, redesigned ambidexterous safety/decocker (no Phillips screw holding the right side in place), and the upgraded (Novaks) sights. I carry a 469, and like all the S&W classic semi-autos, it performs flawlessly and fits my hand perfectly (but then I have rather large hands - if you run to the small side go with the single stacks like others have said).
It is worth noting that all the 59 series and 69 series magazines will work in these weapons.
Really, you can't go wrong with any of the S&W classics - but then what did you expect to hear on a S&W forum? ;-)
It is worth noting that all the 59 series and 69 series magazines will work in these weapons.
Really, you can't go wrong with any of the S&W classics - but then what did you expect to hear on a S&W forum? ;-)
Clay Bird
Member
How about the 559, all steel AS 14 Round , Not many
made 1991-1994. Great 9mm.
made 1991-1994. Great 9mm.
mscampbell2734
Member
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I'm going to have to disagree with this. Compared to the Beretta 92/96 series the Smith is MUCH better for smaller hands. It also offers the option of curved or straight back strap shape, which changes the feel of the weapon. While the Sig 226/228 feels better in the hand, and the Hi Power points more naturally, the Smith is solid, dependable and accurate. Its only real drawback is it needs to be kept fairly clean to be absolutely 100% reliable.
I carried 4506/5906/3913 for duty guns for about 8-9 years before switching to Glocks. They were good guns, but the full size guns were just too heavy after a couple of back issues.
poorbroker
US Veteran
Don't forget the value line 908,910 & 915. I have the 908 and love it.
