MecGar 20 Round Mag Fitment and Some Questions

[s1xty7]

I recently purchased an excellent condition, LEO trade-in 5906TSW without a rail (pre-rail?) from CDNN and was looking at the MecGar 17 or 20 round mags. I was wondering how they fit compared to OEM. Do they stick out further? Does anyone have a picture with one fitted, particularly the 20 round? What kind of experiences have you had with them?

I was also looking for a recoil spring since I hear it is a good idea to replace it on the trade-ins. Any leads on a good source for these? Anything else I should replace at the same time? I was thinking of going with a Hogue grip because I would prefer one made of rubber.

And lastly, does anyone have information on 5906TSWs without a rail? I read that some police departments may have ordered them without the rail, but was there ever a pre-rail version? I haven't received the gun yet, but I guess I will know more once it arrives.

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.

s1xty7

 

[s1xty7]

I recently purchased an excellent condition, LEO trade-in 5906TSW without a rail (pre-rail?) from CDNN and was looking at the MecGar 17 or 20 round mags. I was wondering how they fit compared to OEM. Do they stick out further? Does anyone have a picture with one fitted, particularly the 20 round? What kind of experiences have you had with them?

I was also looking for a recoil spring since I hear it is a good idea to replace it on the trade-ins. Any leads on a good source for these? Anything else I should replace at the same time? I was thinking of going with a Hogue grip because I would prefer one made of rubber.

And lastly, does anyone have information on 5906TSWs without a rail? I read that some police departments may have ordered them without the rail, but was there ever a pre-rail version? I haven't received the gun yet, but I guess I will know more once it arrives.

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.

s1xty7

 

[WoodLark]

I am by no means an expert, but I THINK the following info is accurate:

I beleive the 17 round mags do not protrude appreciably further than the factory one, but the 20 round ones do. The is supposedly a "grip extender" you can buy to make the transition between the grip and mag more natural, but I don't know where you can get them, and I think one would be required for each long magazine.

I, like you, am waiting for a new gun. In my case, it is a 5903 LE trade-in. I ordered a spring kit from Wolff (www.gunsprings.com) for $14.99. They also sell the recoil spring separately.

As far as the grips, I have heard that the Hogue grips are thicker which may be an issue if you happen to have small hands.

Good luck with your purchase!

 

[s1xty7]

WoodLark,

Thanks for the response! Congratulations on your recent purchase. Do you have many others? I'm new to pistols and this will be the first pistol I've ever owned. I'm a little anxious for it to arrive.

I think I will pick up one of their Type II spring paks and stick with the one 15rd mag and oem grips until I see how the gun works for me. I held a couple at a local gun show and some local gun shops, but I'm always cautious about really getting familiar with a gun in those sort of places. My brother once pulled back a slide at a gun show to look at the internals and the seller freaked out. I based my purchase decision off of what I have read here and elsewhere around the internet. It was either a 5906 or a CZ75B in stainless, but the availability and cost made the decision easier. Not to mention that it seems like nearly everyone who has a 3rd gen S&W thanks they're great and I was curious about how nice this "under-rated" pistol would be.

Thanks again and I hope yours arrives soon.

s1xty7

 

[WoodLark]

I do have three other 9mm pistols and a 9mm carbine. None are S&W, although the carbine uses the same magazines as the 5903/5906, which was a major factor in my buying the 5903.

I have previously owned a 3953 (bought it new in 1991) which is the DAO, single stack, 3.5" barrel version of the 5903. It was a very reliable pistol which happily digested any ammo I fed it. I only parted with it because of the heavy trigger pull on every shot with the DAO.

I spoke to the seller earlier today and my 5903 was shipped yesterday, so should be at my FFL tomorrow.

I certainly would want to look at the internals of any gun I was seriously considering buying at a gun show, but it is probably always wise to okay it with the seller first. If he says "NO", look for another seller.

 

[Extremo]

Mec-Gars are great, find them better than the stock ones.

Also curious about the 17 rounder. The 20 is longer and is not an alt for me (needs to fit the box).

E-mailed Mec-Gar in Italy regarding the 17 but they never replied.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by s1xty7:
I recently purchased an excellent condition, LEO trade-in 5906TSW without a rail (pre-rail?) from CDNN and was looking at the MecGar 17 or 20 round mags. I was wondering how they fit compared to OEM. Do they stick out further? Does anyone have a picture with one fitted, particularly the 20 round? What kind of experiences have you had with them?

I was also looking for a recoil spring since I hear it is a good idea to replace it on the trade-ins. Any leads on a good source for these? Anything else I should replace at the same time? I was thinking of going with a Hogue grip because I would prefer one made of rubber.

And lastly, does anyone have information on 5906TSWs without a rail? I read that some police departments may have ordered them without the rail, but was there ever a pre-rail version? I haven't received the gun yet, but I guess I will know more once it arrives.

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.

s1xty7

The 17 round MecGars do not stick out, the 20 rounders do.

Always get replacement parts from S&W.

There were TSW guns without the rails.