Newbe looking at S&W autos

[ptf18]

Im a 1911 and Sig owner and have been thinking about a S&W auto. Not knowing a thing about the S&W auto line I signed up on this forum and started reading the various posts on S&W autos.

Im tempted to get a 5906 as Im leaning toward another 9mm. My understanding is that most of the 5906s that are for sale have been LE trade-ins. They are also Stainless and they are also HEAVY. Ive got my CHL and might consider carrying it but the weight might be an issue.

I have to ask size wise are they about the same as the "commander" size 1911s?

I understand they are very reliable and because of their weight are a "joy" to shoot.

Im somewhat confused by the magazines that are available. Ive seen 15 round, 14 round and 10 round mags. What is "standard"?

Can you all offer any "tips" that I should look for if I start looking at the 5906s?

Finally, should I consider any of the S&W autos that are in 9mm? If so what models?

Thanks....a S&W new be

 

[Badkarma 1]

Hello pft18, first welcome to the forum! Hope ya look around and get into it so to speak. Now to your questions:
First most of the 5906s today are indeed police trade-ins, and some might have been back to S&W for a refurb but most were maintained by trained police armorers and these guys are very talented! Just remember that condition is everything when purchaseing used, and S&W will still service these pistols, or at least they were last time I checked.
Size wise the 5900 series is about as big as a Commander just a little wider in the grip section and 14 round mags were the norm for years. It wasn't till the later part of the third gens run that 15 rounders became availible. The 10 round abominations were due to the Clinton crime bill!
Yes they are heavy! And since your thinking of carrying you might want to look for a 5903, it's the same size as the '06 but with an aluminum frame. Also it's in stainless (top half) and the aluminum frame is clear coated to match.
Also you might want to look at either the 6906 or 3913 as carry guns, as both are smaller (think Officers ACP size), the 6900 carries 12 rounds and the 3913 carries 8. Similar models are availible in blue too.
I can truthfully tell you that I have never had a jam with any of my S&W autos as long as I fed them good ammo! This includes an ancient model 59 and an even older 39-2! They are delightful weapons that have a lot of safeties built into them. The mag safety alone has saved many a cops life, and you will have to get used to a hammer drop safety that works backwards compared to your 1911s. I hope this helps, all the best Dale

 

[mlk18]

Sounds like you need a 5903 to me. Alloy framed full size 9mm. All of the fun without the weight. A joy to shoot AND a joy to carry. They use 15 round S&W mags or in my case 17 round MecGar mags. I have a couple police trade in 5903's that cost around $300 each. They are great shooters with only a little more wear than a normal used gun.

Other models to consider (different variations of the same thing): 5904, 6904, 6906, 5926, 6926, etc., etc., etc.

 

[RedCardinal]

Welcome, but don't stop with the 9mm, there is also the 4006 40S&W in many configurations. Then there is the 10mm when you want to "man up". It will not stop there as there are 45s. It is a contagious disease, especially if you look at some of Grinder's photos and launch yourself into the Performance Center creations. You can find out a lot about them all on this forum and see some great pictures.

 

[Titegroups]

I would consider the M&P, better design, gen 3 smith's aren't 1911's. IMO.

 

[bionic218]

The third generation S&W autos are really good hardware. I have similar experience with 1911s (DW) and Sig (P6/P226). To my hand, the third gen S&Ws feel similar to the Sig P228/229 series. They are reliable, accurate, and heavy. I would second the idea of the 3913 or a CS9 for carry. There are some really nice 5906s for sale in the classifieds here, and Summit GunBroker has a great deal on 5904s right now. It wouldn't be my first choice for carry, but as a HD or car/truck/range duty, you won't be disappointed by a S&W auto.

 

[18DAI]

5906 is a very nice pistol. I don't know what your budget is, but the "ultimate" 5906.....to me, would be the DPA prefix Performance Center 5906. These usually run around $1000.......when you find one.

The 5903/5904 are very nice as well, and easier to tote all day.

I always suggest a 3913 to anyone seeking a S&W 9mm. Best semi auto S&W ever produced, IMO. Regards 18DAI.

 

[novalty]

If my purpose was mostly to carry I would personally go with the 6906 over the 5906 for reduced weight, and more than sufficient carry capacity. The M&P's are great guns too, all depends if you want polymer or not, both will be reliable weapons.

 

[specops65]

Had a 6909 as a carry gun for several years. IMHO the 6946 is a better gun. I just could never get used to that DA/SA trigger. Too many years with a 1911. The 5900s are a full size service pistol and always seemed "heavy" to me for a 9MM. The reason they are police trade ins is most departments when to the Glock 9MM or 40S&W.

 

[sniper47]

Since your muscle memory is trained on the 1911 style safety (I am presuming here), I would look at a DAO or a 5926, which has the Sig-style frame mounted decocker.

 

[10mm Sonny]

This thread needs pics.

 

[ptf18]

Felows...thanks for your help. Sonny...Nice. I take it that is a later 5906 as it has the "rounded" trigger guard.

Maybe for starters I should just get a 5906 LE trade in. If nothing else just to get use to the S&W auto line up. I never was much of a 9mm fan until I got a Sig P6. Great gun and soooooooo cheap to reload for.

Can I "assume" that Sonnys pic of a 5906 has the adjustable for windage and elevation rear sight? I dont really care for the...."hood", if thats what its called that surrounds the sight but....

 

[10mm Sonny]

You assumed correctly.

I didn't care for the AS either until I bought this one.

 

[ptf18]

OK Fellows...if Im going to purchase a 5906 who would you all recomend? Gunbroker?

 

[RufusG]

Since your muscle memory is trained on the 1911 style safety (I am presuming here), I would look at a DAO or a 5926, which has the Sig-style frame mounted decocker.

Or get a 5906 and just don't use the safety.

 

[RufusG]

OK Fellows...if Im going to purchase a 5906 who would you all recomend? Gunbroker?

You will be able to find 59XX guns on GB in the $300 range with a little patience, especially if you don't mind finish wear.

IMHO the ideal situation (if legal in your locale) is a FTF transaction with no paperwork but that could take longer and YMMV.

 

[Cruiser RN]

If you are looking for a ultra compact,lightweight 9mm pistol I would consider a Chief's Special in 9mm.It has a 7+1 in chamber capacity,a alloy frame,and will chew up any ammo you might throw in it.It is basically a trimmed down 3913 and is ideal for a guy like me with small hands......Mike

 

[epj]

I have recently gotten a 5906, and also have accumulated a 4006, 1006, and 4566TSW in the past six months. My 1911 Kimber 4" is still my favorite gun, but the 5906 has quickly taken over second place. The 5906 is a bit on the heavy side, but I doubt it weighs any more than a steel Commander. No DA/SA auto will have a 1911 trigger. Don't bother to try, I've already done that for you. (way before the 5906) The gen3 Smiths have a pretty decent SA trigger, and they will respond to a bit of tweaking just like just about any other factory offering. I am a tinkerer and I haven't found the need to tinker with the trigger on any of my gen3 guns as of yet.

 

[Poohgyrr]

The TDA 5906 is a favorite of mine. Here is one of the DPA serial numbered versions mentioned above; I still carry it off duty quite a bit. The standard 3rd Gen safety is easier to learn than we might think; Mas has described a good way several times over the years. Or, like also posted above, some guys just use it as a decock lever...

And prices for the standard 5906's are good too.

 

[deanodog]

Here is a good carry that is thin and light. I have two 5906s and 6906s and a 4566 and a 4516-1. Buying these things is habit forming.
3913 LS