I just picked up a used 5906 looks great feels tight have not gonee to range yet but i would like to replace some parts with new ones just to prevent any problems. How is the firing pin replaced and the sights. Also would like to get new recoil spring and guide rod any suggestions?
S&W 5906
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I just picked up a used 5906 looks great feels tight have not gonee to range yet but i would like to replace some parts with new ones just to prevent any problems. How is the firing pin replaced and the sights. Also would like to get new recoil spring and guide rod any suggestions?
handgunner356
Member
I've never replaced a firing pin on a third generation S&W, spring but never a pin. I'd replace the recoil spring and maybe the mag springs and shoot it till you drop. You'll be hard pressed to wear it out.
Thee 5906(and its relatives) is one of the 9mm great guns. The only thing I would replace up front is the recoil spring, and if a mag malfunctions a mag spring. Keep the old recoil spring as a spare. If you have a recent 5906 do not even do that unless the gun indicates it needs it, like failing to strip a new round from the mag etc..
As to the sights, that is a personal preference situation. The Novak sights are as good as they get, and the only reason I would replace them is to get night Novaks. I would shoot the gun with the issue sights, and see how it does. If you are getting good offhand groups that are POA, I would not touch the sights-don't argue with success.
As to the sights, that is a personal preference situation. The Novak sights are as good as they get, and the only reason I would replace them is to get night Novaks. I would shoot the gun with the issue sights, and see how it does. If you are getting good offhand groups that are POA, I would not touch the sights-don't argue with success.
Replacing the sights on your 5906 depends on what kind of sights you have. Let me know what sights you have and I will try to help you out there. There were about three different kinds IIRC. Early fixed, the Novak fixed, and adjustable. If you don't know what kind you have just post a brief description of what they look like and I will know what you have.
Your guide rod should be fine unless it is visibly damaged or something. If it is I doubt you will find a better one to replace it with than a factory one. I am a firm believer in changing recoil springs. Not because there was anything wrong with the one from the factory, but like any recoil spring they will wear with a lot of use. Again I would suggest a factory replacement.
To remove the firing pin you have to remove the safety from the slide and it takes about three hands to do. For me anyway. There again I would not worry about it unless you have problems.
The modifications you asked about are done on a lot of 1911's. There are a lot of reasons why people modify 1911's and I won't go into it here. You can find anything for a 1911 but there are not a lot of aftermarket parts for the Third Generation Smiths like yours. The 5906 is way overbuilt for the 9mm round and should last forever with some reasonable care. You really are not going to find parts that are any better than what it left the factory with.
Your guide rod should be fine unless it is visibly damaged or something. If it is I doubt you will find a better one to replace it with than a factory one. I am a firm believer in changing recoil springs. Not because there was anything wrong with the one from the factory, but like any recoil spring they will wear with a lot of use. Again I would suggest a factory replacement.
To remove the firing pin you have to remove the safety from the slide and it takes about three hands to do. For me anyway. There again I would not worry about it unless you have problems.
The modifications you asked about are done on a lot of 1911's. There are a lot of reasons why people modify 1911's and I won't go into it here. You can find anything for a 1911 but there are not a lot of aftermarket parts for the Third Generation Smiths like yours. The 5906 is way overbuilt for the 9mm round and should last forever with some reasonable care. You really are not going to find parts that are any better than what it left the factory with.
I recently picked up a 5906 and took it and the wife to the range. Now it's her 5906
. We've put about 200 rds. thu it without a hitch. It does shoot about 2 inches low (for both of us). It has Novak fixed sights. Should we go to adjustable, what kind?
At first I thought it may be too heavy, so I have a 5903 on the way. This one has adjustable sights. Comes with box and 3 mags. $425 with shipping and handling. She may like this better.
While i'm typing the '06 serial is TVAxxxx. Can anyone shed some light on it?
Thanks
At first I thought it may be too heavy, so I have a 5903 on the way. This one has adjustable sights. Comes with box and 3 mags. $425 with shipping and handling. She may like this better.
While i'm typing the '06 serial is TVAxxxx. Can anyone shed some light on it?
Thanks
hello farman;
looking for another 5903. where in the world did you find a 5903? thank you for your time and consideration.
rp
[email protected]
looking for another 5903. where in the world did you find a 5903? thank you for your time and consideration.
rp
[email protected]
handgunner356
Member
The TVA shows up in '91. Front sights are replaceable and usually run .232" in height, there are shorter ones you can get through S&W or Novaks.
Thanks guys. I keep checking Gunbroker and Auctionarms. There aren't many deals, but I kept looking. It seems those who auction their stuff think is made out of gold. There's a 5906 on Gunsamerica, the guy wants almost $800.
As far as sights go, I'll wait until the with shoots the'03 and see which one she likes better. I'll prop. just change the front for now.
I like this forum, lots of info. I also belong to TN Gun Owners site. Lots of info there also. http://www.tngunowners.com/
As far as sights go, I'll wait until the with shoots the'03 and see which one she likes better. I'll prop. just change the front for now.
I like this forum, lots of info. I also belong to TN Gun Owners site. Lots of info there also. http://www.tngunowners.com/
M
MWB
Farman,
I had a similar experience - the 5906 got 'adopted'. For your shooting low problem, after determining that you are nor flinching the shots low, a shorter front sight will cure the problem - S&W used to sell them in various heights.
Measure your current front sight height, then divide the sight radius (6" for a 5906 with Novaks) by the distance (in inches) at which you're shooting; multiply by that two inches low to get the reduction in sight height in inches (actually a small fraction of an inch) - order the closest sight height from S&W or Brownells. Don't forget to drift out the old sight from left to right and install the new one FROM the right side (orientations given with pistol held in shooting position).
I had a similar experience - the 5906 got 'adopted'. For your shooting low problem, after determining that you are nor flinching the shots low, a shorter front sight will cure the problem - S&W used to sell them in various heights.
Measure your current front sight height, then divide the sight radius (6" for a 5906 with Novaks) by the distance (in inches) at which you're shooting; multiply by that two inches low to get the reduction in sight height in inches (actually a small fraction of an inch) - order the closest sight height from S&W or Brownells. Don't forget to drift out the old sight from left to right and install the new one FROM the right side (orientations given with pistol held in shooting position).
rp, regarding the 5903, summitgunbroker <dot> com did have them at a good price, then he went and SOLD them ALL before I could get my money together to get more. I got one at about 325(-ish?) before the election. It's a Gwinnett County (GA) PD veteran. Me likee.
EvelMe, If you have serial number VLM5971 I want it. (badly) That was the one that was issued to me. That was a few years back, but after writing the serial number on my qualification targets so many times, I still remember it. I meant to keep up with when Gwinnett County was going to trade them in, but I guess I missed out.
