Looking at 2nd and 3rd generation 9mm pistols

[BruceB]

My wife is finally getting interested in shooting, and has signed up for some courses, so I'll be tagging along in support.

I'm getting seriously anxious about shooting my old 39 no-dash a lot, so I've started looking at buying a used later model 9mm.
I'm more of an old target shooter than a tactical guy, but this might become a CCW gun as well.

I like the old single-stack nines, but I'd be willing to try one of the double-stacks, like a 5906. I think the 3903 or 3906 would suit me best, if I can get it configured the way I think I want it. Are those available without the large squared-off trigger guard?

In looking at what's available online (not much in stores around here), I see three type of sights -

1. adjustable sights with big wings/protection of some sort
2. some described as "weaver" or 3-dot - wedge looking from the side
3. fixed sights

I really like the idea of the classic style adjustable target sights, but those winged things look so big. Are the wedge ones adjustable at all, and do they come in more than one style - classic or 3-dot ? Most pictures don't show enough detail to tell.


Anyway, a lot of questions. Thanks in advance for any advice.

Oh - my friend and I were at the range last weekend, he with his Kimber 4" 9mm, and me with the 39 and 41. He had had carpal tunnel surgery on the strong hand so was a little rusty. He was spraying some biggish groups at 10 yds, so I coaxed him into trying the 39.
Instant drastic improvement ! Made me sort of chuckle.

 

[Mack]

Third gen look for the 908 or 3913, single stack and alloy frame nice for carry. The 5906 is built like a tank, SS frame and feels like it will last forever but heavy. I don't have a 6906 but a lot of members seem to like them a lot if you want a high cap.

m.

 

[jsbethel]

The 3904/3906 pistols were only made with the squared trigger guard.

 

[1066]

I would say the 3906 is a little big for a single stack 9MM, go with the 3913. You will be very happy with that gun, it is a lot like you 39, but with the 3rd Gen improvements.

Why not just stick with your 39?

 

[Gunhacker]

The "wedge" style rear sights are called dovetail, and you can buy aftermarket replacements (Novak, Champion, MMC) in a vast array of styles and profiles, including adjustable, to replace the stock sights.

Those rear sight "protector wings on the 2nd & 3rd gen pistols look bulky, but I don't think they're that bad... they do keep the rear sight protected and keeps them from tearing up or snagging on holsters.

I have a 2nd gen 559 and put a slide from a 669 to get a two tone look and an ambidextrous safety, which wasn't originally available on my 559. I like the heavier feel of the 559 better than my 3rd gen 4006, and I like the idea of having an older model S&W that's no longer made.

Your single stack M39 would be a much better choice for CCW than the 59/559/5906's... these are definitely a hand full.

 

[BruceB]

My only concern with putting a lot of rounds through the 39 is that it's got the old style long extractor.

 

[ab4ka]

I don't think you can go wrong with a 6906. I've got one with the round trigger guard and the Novak fixed 3-dot sight and I absolutely love it.

 

[H Richard]

Don't overlook the 2nd generation models. I have a 469, slightly modified, and it is extremely accurate, compact enough, but double stack 12 round. Carries good, accurate, good sights, what more do you want.

The front trigger guard was removed and the matte finish removed. Most of them come with a flush hammer, mine didn't.

 

[11e40]

try looking at a 439 or a 539 if you can find one. improved version of the 39. i have one & it's a great piece.

 

[10ring]

Given your fondness for the 39, I would suggest looking for a 439...it has the same frame and grip you have now, round trigger guard you like and seem to be slightly more commonly found than the 3904. For CCW, I think a 3913, 3914 or their DAO counterparts are great choices.
I would not worry about the wings on the adjustable sight guns, they look bulky but only add a small bit beyond the size of the sight itself.

I much prefer the grip of the single stacks to the 59 series but that is a highly individual thing.

 

[Cruiser RN]

Hi.I have a Chief's Special in 9mm that I love.It is single stack magazine,7+1 capacity and just big enough for my small hands.....Mike

 

[BruceB]

I think you're right. A 439 or 539 would suit me perfectly. Single stack, DA/SA, available with decent sights, and a form factor I'm familiar and comfortable with.

Or - even another 39, this time a -2

 

[S&W247]

While the 3913 and CS9's are fine guns, they are not going to feel as good as your 39. The shorter grip and straight backstrap of the 3913 come nowhere near the comfort of the full size 39 series guns in my opinion. I carry a 3913 when I need something smaller, but much prefer the full size, single stacks. I would venture to say the curved backstrap of the 69 series, despite maybe a little more thickness, feel more like the 39 then the compact single stacks. I agree that a 439, or another 39 obviously, would be most like what you are looking for and pretty cheap if you aren't too concerned about condition. I have a 639 and love it, but it and the 539 are going to be heavier. Same goes for the 3906 plus it and the 3904 have the nasty square trigger guard. I wouldn't worry about the sights either. On the other hand if you get a gun with the fixed Novak sights there are plenty of options to replace those with adjustable sights if they don't end up suiting your fancy.

 

[shooboy]

I'll just add my two cents and agree wih another poster in the fact that the 469 rocks !!!! 12-round mag and one in the tube for 13 rounds capacity in a nice size auto. Mine is and was new in box until early last year and it never misses a beat. You could find one of these in good shape on Gunbroker for about $300. Mine cost more because it is very minty ! Good luck with your search, Shoo
My 469:

 

[Racer X]

bear in mind that a 469 is a "blued" and blued steel slide version of the later 6906, which has a stainless slide, and clear anodizes aluminum frame.

I love my 439 and my 6906 (and 5906). My GF likes the way the little 6906 fits her hand. With my packmeyer rubber grips, my 439 is almost as wide as my stock 5906 double stack though.

 

[Scotter260]

The 3904/3906 pistols were only made with the squared trigger guard.

Very nice pistols sir!

I imagine those single-stack 9s fit many-a-hand.

 

[Ogandydancer]

I have a 5903 TSW (Ex Gwinnett Co.) trade in great shape with the exception of the night sights "dim". It is a great shooter and every bit as accurate as any of my other pistols.

 

[BruceB]

I''ve become somewhat interested in the frame de-cocker models, like the 5926. I know it's not a single stack, but I'll probably end up with some version of one of those also.

I see a seller "gcolecoledist" on GunBroker has a number of them available, probably trade-ins.

Are there any recent buying experiences by this group from this seller? The seller seems to have a lot of feedback, but references from this group would lend more weight. (I hope this is OK to ask - didn't see anything about it in the rules).

 

[ColbyBruce]

I have done business with Cole Dist. in the past and never had a problem.

 

[Biggus]

The 909 has a rounded trigger guard.