New (to me) 5906

[BillLester]

Here are a few pics of the 5906 I just bought from CDNN. I'm very well pleased with the condition. This is as-delivered without cleaning. The only significant scratch is the one just behind the trigger pivot pin. I'd bet someone with clipped fingernails used a key or something to remove the factory inspector's sticker. A bit of Flitz should take care of it. I think the pistol is well worth the $339 plus shipping and local FFL fee it cost.

Can anyone advise me on the year of manufacture? It has a "VCU" serial prefix as shown. My 2nd edition of the S&W collector's book doesn't list that prefix.

 

[DrewZFoster]

I am really on the fence about one of these...did it come with a box? In the add it said 339.99 with box....I was hoping it was the actual box for that particular gun. Also, I want the factory grips!

 

[BillLester]

Yes, it came with a plastic S&W lockable box. It has two stickers, a large orange one saying used guns should always be inspected by a gunsmith before firing. That's CDNN for sure. Then there is a barcoded sticker that I'm inclined to think is also from CDNN but my memory of such things from the 1990's when I first bought these pistols isn't the greatest. Perhaps someone can post a pic of the S&W sticker. That way I can confirm if mine is original or not.

I too want a set of factory grips. These Hogues look brand new but are just too thick. I have to adjust my grip quite a bit to press the mag release. That's never been a problem with factory panels. Now the trick is to find a pair as nice as the pistol.

IMO, don't hesitate to buy one of these guns from CDNN. I'm well pleased with the condition of my example.

 

[deanodog]

Nice....I bought one a while back from CDNN and it had been polished a little to clean it up and I finished polishing it with Mother's mag polish. This batch sold for 299 when I bought with no choice for a better condition.

 

[morgan3054]

You can still get the factory grips from S&W ,I bought a round and a square about 45 days ago 16.00-18.00 plus shipping

 

[DesertZig]

They are great guns. Congrats!

 

[colt3374]

Regret trading mine in on a KelTec PF9 Dumbass:rolleyes :

 

[CQB27]

Yes, it came with a plastic S&W lockable box. It has two stickers, a large orange one saying used guns should always be inspected by a gunsmith before firing. That's CDNN for sure. Then there is a barcoded sticker that I'm inclined to think is also from CDNN but my memory of such things from the 1990's when I first bought these pistols isn't the greatest. Perhaps someone can post a pic of the S&W sticker. That way I can confirm if mine is original or not.

I too want a set of factory grips. These Hogues look brand new but are just too thick. I have to adjust my grip quite a bit to press the mag release. That's never been a problem with factory panels. Now the trick is to find a pair as nice as the pistol.

IMO, don't hesitate to buy one of these guns from CDNN. I'm well pleased with the condition of my example.

I have "Like New" set of factory grips. PM me your address and I will send them to you, no cost of course.

 

[BillLester]

deanodog,

That's an awfully nice looking pistol. I might have to follow your lead. Did you just hand polish using the mag wheel compound?

DesertZig,

They are great guns. My younger brother and I did a lot of shooting with 3rd Gen pistols when they were still in production. At the time the ones we had always shot well but never seemed to be terribly special. They were traded and sold on a revolving basis. Little did we realize how foolish it was to take for granted the 3rd Gen pistols would always be available. I'm just glad I was able to get such a nice example for so little money.

colt3374,

I think we've all done some very questionable deals, especially when funds are tight. It's the gun enthusiast's curse.

CQB27,

Thanks so much for your generous offer. A PM was sent.

 

[LIGHTNING-FAST]

THE WAY I READ THIS MAG POLISH

Nice....I bought one a while back from CDNN and it had been polished a little to clean it up and I finished polishing it with Mother's mag polish. This batch sold for 299 when I bought with no choice for a better condition.

This wheel polish, Will probley work on all stainless S&W 5906 1006 etc. I am a little bit afraid to try it.

 

[BillLester]

Can anyone provide a date of manufacture for this "VCU" prefix pistol?

 

[CQB27]

Can anyone provide a date of manufacture for this "VCU" prefix pistol?

Most most current SCS&W is the Second Edition, so the best I can do is somewhere between 1994 and 1997.

 

[rod330]

Bill, you are very fortunate...that's a great lookIng 5906. I just took delivery of two CDNN "select" 5906 guns at $339.99 each. Both were rough and one had a lot of deep pitting under the grips. I'm not taking any more gambles with CDNN police trade-ins. I'd lose more than $80 sending them back (shipping both ways plus LGS transfer fee) so I'll probably trade them in to my LGS for something else. Buyer beware, you might get lucky like the OP or you may get stuck with a turkey.

 

[mbliss57]

Bill,
I have the latest edition of the SWSC (3rd edition) and no mention of that SN prefix. It's possible the 1999 prefix, the last year of 5906 production used that code. The SWSC list only until 1998 as VHN. I checked the performance Center and none there either. The IDPA PC 5906 start with a DPA prefix.
There is a Lew Horton PC 5906 with Novak rear sights, 3.5" barrel.. bobbed hammer.. that's all. Unless you letter it I can't help you. It is a strange SN. Maybe worth it to you?

 

[scatterguy]

That's too bad Rod. Nothing worse than paying an extra premium(hand select) and not getting your money's worth. Sounds like CDNN may be literally scraping the bottom of the barrel with the 5906s.

 

[BillLester]

CQB27,

That's the copy I have as well. I really need to put the 3rd edition at the top of my next birthday wish list.

rod330,

I'm really sorry to hear about the two pistols you received from CDNN. This was my first gun purchase from them, so perhaps my view is a bit overly optimistic. Is there any chance they'll take them back or provide a partial refund?

mbliss57,

Thanks for checking the 3rd edition for me. It makes sense this could be a last year gun. I may have S&W document it for me. Perhaps they'll have information on what LE agency purchased it in the first place.

 

[Quentin]

Bill, you are very fortunate...that's a great lookIng 5906. I just took delivery of two CDNN "select" 5906 guns at $339.99 each. Both were rough and one had a lot of deep pitting under the grips. I'm not taking any more gambles with CDNN police trade-ins. I'd lose more than $80 sending them back (shipping both ways plus LGS transfer fee) so I'll probably trade them in to my LGS for something else. Buyer beware, you might get lucky like the OP or you may get stuck with a turkey.

Sorry you had such bad luck. I got a 5906 for $339 that CDNN rated as Excellent however I believe Good to Very Good is more reasonable so there may be something to the "CDNN is at the bottom of the barrel" post. No doubt it's more iffy buying one today than a year or more ago.

Still, it's a good pistol and the important things are good so I'm all right with it. I thought about complaining but didn't and after reading your post I guess at this late date it would be hard to get much better. The major issues with mine are a solid ding on the barrel bushing (but fortunately the barrel seems ok) and some pitting under the grips like yours.

My SN is RJF21xx and I'm trying to figure out its birth date. It came with the fat Hogue grips but I found original S&W straight back grips that fit much better. Looking for curved grips too.

 

[War_Eagle]

Nice....I bought one a while back from CDNN and it had been polished a little to clean it up and I finished polishing it with Mother's mag polish. This batch sold for 299 when I bought with no choice for a better condition.

Very nice. Did you use a dremel or other type of polisher or just by hand? I just bought one from CDNN today and was wondering about the type of condition they were in. Is the bore in good shape? Thanks

 

[Mosinguy]

Nice....I bought one a while back from CDNN and it had been polished a little to clean it up and I finished polishing it with Mother's mag polish. This batch sold for 299 when I bought with no choice for a better condition.

Please tell us how you polished your 5906! I ordered from CDNN a few months ago, paid the extra $40 for "select condition", and got a scratched half to hell firearm

I've seen a few other polished 5906s and they seem too shiny, but this one looks perfect!

 

[Quentin]

Please tell us how you polished your 5906! I ordered from CDNN a few months ago, paid the extra $40 for "select condition", and got a scratched half to hell firearm

I've seen a few other polished 5906s and they seem too shiny, but this one looks perfect!

I also paid the extra $40 a couple months ago. Mine wasn't that bad but I sure wouldn't rate it excellent either. A couple dings and definite holster wear. All in all though, I'm happy with it.

Tempting to polish her up a little after seeing that beautiful picture! Great job!