Need advice on a 5906

[corgiS&W]

I saw a 5906 in a LGS today, and because of the cost for ammo I am considering trading a Springfield XD45 for it. I failed to note the SN but just phoned and the store owner told me it was a TCR 3400 series. I did note that it has the square trigger guard. I found that I will not carry the XD45, nor do I plan to carry the 5906; I'll stay with a .38 for that. What should I be looking for in deciding whether to trade for this pistol? What is a reasonable price range? Any guesses as to what I ought to be getting for the XD45 with 5 mags and a Black Hawk holster?

 

[TexasG]

I have become a big fan of these 3rd Gen S&W's and "all steel" pistols in general. Prices range from $300.00 to $600.00 for pistols described as "very good". I recently bought one for $378.00 plus shipping and .3% CC surcharge from buds. I gambled - as it was described as "very good". After several hours of cleaning and crud removal, replacing the grips with stock S&W's it looks "very good". I consider this deal a good value for the buck plus I had to learn to tear it down to parade rest (beyond cleaning) to get the dirtiest spots. After some silent cussing and a few looks at some youtuber's who've graciously posted step by step 3rd gen reassembly videos, I became pretty good at tear-down and re-assembly. Don't forget to cover anything that spring loaded with your palm prior to just ripping the parts out.
On the other hand there are some LNIB's or BNIB's that you'll find run as high as $700.00 to $800.00.

However, I don't know the resale value of your XD 45 but an even trade may be equal to a very good or LNIB - especially if the 5906 trader has the original box and papers.

 

[corgiS&W]

Thanks. That gives me a good starting point.

 

[opaul]

I believe the TCR would put it around ~1988. I just picked mine up last week. They are nice. I field stripped mine and sprayed it with an all purpose gun cleaner and let it sit overnight and cleaned it thoroughly. After that mothers mag and 600 grit auto sandpaper. New grips and some red finger nail polish she is ready for some new leather.

 

[corgiS&W]

No additional help from the more knowledgeable?

 

[S&W Rover]

I'm NOT more knowledgeable, but I can contribute a bit of data: I recently bought one described as "very good" from Bud's, for $329 (+$30 FFL fee at my LGS). The RJF1XXX serial number puts it in the late 90's (it has a round trigger guard). It cleaned up nice, with only a few minor dings and a little worn bead blasting (which I can have redone but don't see the need to do anytime soon). The internals were near perfect. I replaced the worn grips with factory grips (curved butt) and will replace the recoil spring shortly. Interestingly, the advert said "with one mag" but Bud's sent me two.

So I would say you can find them in the mid $300's on up, with prices unlikely to go down.

It is a fine weapon -- shoots like a dream. I can see why people think it is too heavy to carry (even on a duty belt) - but that makes it more recoil resistant at the range.

 

[Dirk Diggler]

Ijust bought a 5943 on Gunbroker today. I got it for a SHTF/truck gun since I have others including a 3953 and a Glock 26. You should easily get a fair trade for the .45. I would have the LGS throw in a ton of ammo.

 

[corgiS&W]

Thanks. I went and traded the XD45 almost even for the 5906. I cleaned it and lubed it this evening and am looking forward to taking it to the range. I really do like the way the pistol feels in my hand. I'm pleased that it will be less expensive to shoot than the .45, although it probably is too heavy for EDC. However, I have switched to shoulder holsters because a surgery negates a tight belt and it might not be too heavy for that.

When I cleaned the pistol, it was not very dirty but was in need of lubrication. There was only one ding on the exposed end of the recoil spring guide. I smoothed that out with a fine file.

 

[mbliss57]

TCR is from 1988. probably a 1st year 5906. I have one and love it. Although there were some ejector problems on some of the very early ones that were resolved. I don't have details on what was the actual problem. Mine has the adjustable sight with the side blinders and square trigger guard. I love it.
$300-$450 is a good price range. Depends on if it comes with the box, paper sand tools. If it does I would go as high as $450 for a 1st year example with box etc. W/O Box $350 maybe $375.