Best S&W for +P+ 9mm

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by tgwillard:
I love my 6906, but I am interested in getting a third generation with a four inch barrel and all steel receiver so that I can shoot the +P+ loads. I like the style of 6906 and am hoping that such a model exists.

Illinois State Police used alloy frame autos with +P+ for years, and at least one forum member has more than 50,000 rounds of +P+ through his 5904 without incident. But, if you feel strongly about an all steel, then get the 5906.

 

[SWAT Lt.]

tgwillard,
The 6906 will shoot +P+ but it is rather hard on the gun and accelerates wear and breakage of parts. Make sure to change the recoil spring fairly often. You didn't say why you wanted to use +P+ rounds, but there are a number of VERY effective 9mm rounds that are standard pressure or +P. I no longer use the +P+ becaue of this fact along with the wear/breakage issue, and the increased recoil/noise of the +P+. Ranger T, HST, Gold Dot, and Cor-Bon DPX are excellent (and Federal and Winchester are quietly offering their HST and Bonded LE ammo for sale to civilians under different names, although in 20 round boxes at higher prices). So, unless you want to buy another gun (who doesn't?) you don't have to.

 

[tgwillard]

Swat Lt.: I asked the question in case I ever do want or need to shoot +p+ rounds. For now target shooting with standard loads is all I will be doing. Regarding the recoil spring, since I purchased the gun used would it be a good idea to replace the spring?

 

[SWAT Lt.]

Yes, especially since they are relatively cheap (probably around $6 or so) and you don't know how many, or what type, of rounds have been fired through the gun. The 6906 was our duty pistol, issued with the 5906 mags and adapters, back in the early 90s. They are extremely reliable as long as they are properly maintained, and are quite accurate. I like them a lot. I am sure you'll get many years of enjoyment out of your gun. Enjoy!

 

[jed1177]

Originally posted by shawn mccarver:

Originally posted by tgwillard:
I love my 6906, but I am interested in getting a third generation with a four inch barrel and all steel receiver so that I can shoot the +P+ loads. I like the style of 6906 and am hoping that such a model exists.

Illinois State Police used alloy frame autos with +P+ for years, and at least one forum member has more than 50,000 rounds of +P+ through his 5904 without incident. But, if you feel strongly about an all steel, then get the 5906.

Shawn is right. I had well over 50,000 rounds of +P+ through my 5904, not to mention thousands of standard velocity reloads. Only replaced the extractor after all those rounds.
3rd Generations are hard to beat.

Been there...done it.