S&W 5904: Anyone have experience with these?

[Maxpower]

Hi Guys,

I've got a line on a decent condition 5904 and was wondering what your opinions of these guns are. It seems to be in good condition but the seller stated it has the "69 series hammer". I'm relatively unfamiliar with S&W Autos, is this a good/bad/no biggie issue? Also, does anyone have info on when these pistols were manufactured? Thanks!

If you've got pics of your own I would love to see them!

 

[kbm6893]

The 5904 is the black version of the 5903. The 69 series hammer he is referring to means it has a spurless hammer from the 69 series guns, meaning you can't manually cock the first shot, but every shot after the first will be single action. They're great guns, but for some reason, I cannot warm up to black S&W semi autos. Gotta be stainless for me.

 

[snw19_357]

Did someone say 5904?!

The 5904s were made from the very late 1980's through the late 90's. (although they did make a couple 5904TSWs in 2009)

I think they are excellent pistols, but I am extremely biased. They are lightweight, safe, reliable, on and on. Personally I like the bobbed 69 series hammer, especially for carry. This one has the half-cock notch and serrations (2nd gen x69) so it can be manually cocked if you wanted.

It's got a lot of wear but that's because it spends a lot of time in a holster, etc.

I think there may be another one shown here.

 

[roaddog28]

Hi,

I bought a 5903 about four or five months back. I love the gun. I traded my dear to me 686-3 4 inch for the 5903 and all in all I am happy. They are a great gun and safe too. That was a main concern of mind in my decision.

Good luck with your decision,
roaddog28

 

[XAVMECH]

6904, et al

In my opinion this series of semi-autos is under-rated. I owned a 6904 during the late 80's and later sold it to a friend, thinking I'd be happier with one of the new .40 cal pistols coming out at the time.
I own a couple Kimber 45ACPs, and purchased a SIG 40 (229) a couple years ago. But recently, I've been missing my my old 6904, for its accuracy, construction, and all metal construction. I went on quite a quest to find another one in decent condition. I'm just happy to say I found a NOS 6904 in a mid-west sporting goods store and was able to purchase it for reasonable price.
Before finding my new 6904, I purchased an M&P .40 compact pistol. Nice gun, similar in size, but the 6904 seems to be a much nicer piece. So, I'd highly recommend the 6904 and its relatives....
Bill

 

[all5x]

5904

I must say that mine showed a lot of wear after I went through a 3 day transition training course to semi-auto's back in 1992..was surprised at how it could not take a bang or slamming a mag in the well and not show some wear..in and out of the holster did it no good either..the agency that put on the training would not allow the 59 or 559 models on the range..no three digit models at all from Smith..safety issue they said so I had to go and buy a 5904..I had a model 59 at the time..and to tell the truth I have not shot the 5904 at all since that weekend..might be time to refresh my memory and take it out for a spin..all5x

 

[EJO]

Great gun!... Very reliable, accurate shoot. It's alloy frame makes it considerably lighter than the 'all-steel' 5906. For me, a classic third-generation S&W.
You won't be disappointed owning one!

 

[Maxpower]

Hey thanks for the information guys! I really appreciate your help and the pictures. I will say you're not doing ANYTHING to help my restraint though!

 

[stringfellow]

One other thing to note if it matters; I know which seller you are referring to, and he is a very good guy. You won't be disappointed with the transaction.

There are also a few 5904s on Gunbroker, some of which are pretty cheap. I have thought about buying one of the more beat up pistols, and then getting it ceracoated or something. I am kinda torn between that and a full-stainless steel 5906, but hey--at least I am on the right track.

 

[mdwiese]

stringfellow I am in the same decision making process, stainless or aluminum frame? However I am in love with the reverse two tone look, so I am leaning toward the 5904. I would like to have the frame blasted and then the slide matte blued for that look. On the other hand I like the heft of the all stainless guns, the whole reason I love Smith 3rd generation autos in the first place...

 

[sniper47]

I cannot warm up to black S&W semi autos. Gotta be stainless for me.

+1 It looks unnatural to me

 

[hoek48]

I have a 5904 and it is a very good weapon. It has the square trigger guard, so finding a holster takes searching. It also has the adj. sights which sometimes do not fit concealement holsters. But, it has never falied to fire or function, and is comfortable to carry.