Model 3906. Good things are produced in small numbers.

[Moo Moo]

I've got a Model 3904 in rough condition that I bought for $200 AUD about 6 years ago. Hits in nicely with my 3rd Gen Collection.

 

[stansdds]

Up until becoming a member of the S&W forum, I was beginning to think I was only a handful of owners of a 3906. I bought it new in 1990 and it has been a wonderful gun. I still even have the original receipt.

A couple of years ago one side of the casing extractor broke causing spent shell casings to get hung up in the slide. Because this gun is so rare I have not been able to located parts. I want to get the gun fixed if possible. Any suggestions?

First, welcome to the S&W Forums!
As previously mentioned, the 5906 extractor is the same part. If you are good at firearms repairs, you can probably find an extractor on eBay or Numrich Gun Parts Corp. Alternatively, take your 3906 to a qualified gunsmith or contact S&W, they should still have parts and they know exactly how to fit an extractor.

 

[black1970]

Came across one at a gun show for sale by an old geser that I have done business with in the past. It was in like new condition. He said his county’s sheriff’s dept. bought it brand new but was never issued. He wanted 425 with one mag and no box so I bought it. This was about a year ago. Back last summer I was at a flea market out of state and this guy I have bought from in the past had a grab box full of stuff. I saw a stainless magazine in it and he gave it to me free. A like new 3906 magazine. Oh happy day. BTW-no dept. stamping.

 

[black1970]

Model 3906

Found another mag. And a Smith box.

 

[jsbethel]

Found another mag. And a Smith box.

Beautiful pistol. Make sure it has an updated grip - http://smith-wessonforum.com/140654762-post10.html

 

[Miami_JBT]

I'm poor... all I have is a Model 909 when it comes to full size single stack 9mm goodness.

But I do have a total of six factory mags for it!

It does accompany my other S&W Autos very nicely, especially my 3913.

 

[stansdds]

Came across one at a gun show for sale by an old geser that I have done business with in the past. It was in like new condition. He said his county’s sheriff’s dept. bought it brand new but was never issued. He wanted 425 with one mag and no box so I bought it. This was about a year ago. Back last summer I was at a flea market out of state and this guy I have bought from in the past had a grab box full of stuff. I saw a stainless magazine in it and he gave it to me free. A like new 3906 magazine. Oh happy day. BTW-no dept. stamping.

Great buy at $425. I cannot tell you the last time I saw a 3906.

 

[Miami_JBT]

@18DAI, I have this enroute to me.

 

[Sevens]

The mag on the left is the short-printed factory 8-round magazine.

 

[Tntcwg3]

the 3906 is one of my wish list pistols, I've had a half dozen 639s and three 39 variations so I guess that makes me a single stack fan. As a personal preference,I prefer a heavier, all steel gun over alloy frames and as such, won't even consider a polyframe pistol for my collection.

 

[18DAI]

Congrats Miami_JBT! Nice score of a scarce pistol. I look forward to your range report! Regards 18DAI

 

[Kenna]

The mag on the left is the short-printed factory 8-round magazine.

Could you explain what you mean by short printed? Thanks Dave

 

[Green Frog]

Mr Calmex, your 3904 is nice, and your Miami Vice wedding is impressive, especially with the lovely Mrs Calmex, but what I really love from that series of posts is your cornflower blue Kubelwagen! That really turns my crank.

 

[Green Frog]

Wow, now I notice this thread has been going on for-freaking-ever! I enjoyed going through its resurrections and re-resurrections, and noticed that all along there were a few small voices speaking for the Gen 2 version, the Model 639 in particular. It doesn’t get the respect it deserves, but we know! all the naysayers who say they “need” a wide body along with a baker’s dozen plus load of ammo… maybe you should do a bit more practicing. If you get into an extended gunfight, you should have brought along extra mags and several friends with extra mags as well!

Froggie

 

[Miami_JBT]

Could you explain what you mean by short printed? Thanks Dave

Good question.

When the 3904 hit the scene, it came with an 8-round magazine. And accessory magazines in the blister pack on the classic blue card were made in large volume.

Shortly after, the follower was changed (spring also? Unlikely but maybe) and capacity was upped to 9 rounds.

The 3906 did not stay in production very long. The 3904 did, and the Value Line Model 909 came in the mid-90’s and used the same magazine. In the year 2000, the Performance Center made the very first of the 952 pistols (the no-dash, Bangers exclusive) and this pistol used the same magazine. As a matter of fact, by this time the S&W accessory magazines were now packaged in a clear plastic box with a blue insert card and the 952 was even listed on the card as one of the capable models for this magazine.

Externally and fit-wise, there is no difference between the 8 and 9 round full size single stack 9mm magazine except for an added witness hole. I should also think (but haven’t tried) that the newer follower used in the 8-round magazine would allow it to run perfectly well with 9-rounds in it.

They come up on Gunbroker often. I never go to Ebay, but since they are not hi-cap, they are probably on there also.

What are they “worth?” Haha, rarely are they worth what a seller tries to list them at… at least in my opinion. I would suggest that $35 is fair, more if it is a sealed accessory magazine in original package.

As magazines go, I would not term these particular magazines as scarce, and absolutely not rare. S&W made MANY, and they made pistols that used them as late as 2008, possibly later.

3904/3906 Magazines

 

[Kenna]

Thanks for the answer,I got to go look.I believe I got both.

 

[Kenna]

Red followers are 9 rounds. Orange are 8. One 9 still in package.

 

[Sevens]

This fantastic discussion has been up for quite some time and I don’t remember if I posted this a page or two ago so forgive me if I have.

I’m fortunate to own two 3906’s. One of them, the earlier of them has the older style 2nd Gen slide and lettering and the pre-Novak fixed rear blade sight. The slightly later 3906 has the more modern true 3rd Gen slide and has a very cool old school fixed Novak style night sight. The lamps are long dead and I have no plans to re-lamp them, but the profile of this rear sight run high in cool factor!

As shooters, I find them interesting. Those familiar with the 3rd Gen ergonomic upgrades will be most familiar with them on the doublestack frame or the larger .45/10mm frame. Because those same improvements that feel so advanced on the 3rd Gens come across a little different on the 3906.

I’m sure it’s personal and hits each shooter in it’s own way, as it should. What I’m trying to say is that the 5906 feels like a RADICAL improvement, ergonomically speaking, over the 659. However the 3906 does not necessarily feel that way, at least in my opinion, over the classic 639.

Even still, these are noteworthy relics and I love owning them. Cool pieces of a much larger picture of the evolution of 9mm duty guns.

Fantastic thread, 18DAI!

 

[jjfitch]

39-2 Awful accuracy!!??

How do these things shoot, compared to a Browning MK III or a CZ-75B?

The sole S&W 9mm I've fired was, I think, a M-39-2. Accuracy was awful. Wasn't me; other guns fired that day shot normally, very good indeed.

Not in my neighborhood!

Smiles,

 

[Mike in Reedley]

I think the 3913 decreased the popularity of the 3906.