Should S&W Make 5906 & 6906 Again?

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ShoreShooter

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I am new to pistols, but am discovering what I want and like as I proceed.

I own a PPK/S which I flat love. I only wish I had a 9mm that was comparable to it.

I also own an M&P 9mm. It is a workhorse, and I shoot it just fine. But, I am coming to realize I prefer a solid heavy all metal pistol, like the PPK/S.

It is a question of balance. A virtually weightless frame with a mass of slide on top moving at speed just does not "handle" as well. For me.

So I go hunting for options. The Sigs. H&K's. And by good fortune I discover that what appears to be perfect was discontinued in 1999. The S&W 5906 & 6906.

Walther continues to make and sell a PPK/S which is a design going back to the 1920's or 1930's. But they are very hard to find, and feel fortunate I did.

Maybe the market for a 5906 isn't as robust as for mass market plastic guns, but isn't there a reasonable market for a higher end piece like a 5906? The PPK/S has been updated and tweeked with improvements over the years, and there are probably some refinements that could be made to the 5906 too.

I suppose I'll have to go on a hunt at local shops for a used one. I'd prefer to inspect rather than go online and hope.

But what do you guys think? Would there be a market for an updated 5906 were S&W to make them again?
 
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They have already made the updates and refinements. 3rd Gens are still sold on LE contract. The most popular are the 5946NY, the 4006CHP and the 4566.
 
myself I'm confident that the 06 and 03 models would sell well.
everyone I've handled and shot is a good shooter.
I dumped my 06 for an 03 to ccw. I shoot only maybe 50 rds/month thru it.
a nephew has the 915 I refinished w/spray and bake it's also good shooter.
 
I like them both and own two of each. You have to have a spare don't you....:D
 
ShoreShooter;137292375 Maybe the market for a 5906 isn't as robust as for mass market plastic guns ?[/QUOTE said:
Sig says there is a market for non-plastic guns and they're doing ok.

Maybe when the $350 supply of old 5906s runs dry they'll make a comeback.
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shawn mccarver said:
They have already made the updates and refinements. 3rd Gens are still sold on LE contract. The most popular are the 5946NY, the 4006CHP and the 4566.
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They do not appear on the S&W website, even under the LE tab. I had no idea they were still making them, or variants.

So if they are making them, why not just go ahead and SELL THEM to people like me?
 
Personally, I would LOVE it if S&W would bring the 59xx and especially the 69xx models back. However, I simply don't see it happening. They would probably have to be sold at a truly PREMIUM price, in order for S&W to make any money. In addition, in essence, S&W would be competing against themselves, as the 3rd gen. models would overlap with the market for the M&P line somewhat. Production capacity might well be a problem, as well. Basically, S&W is now set up to produce large quantities of cheaper to produce plastic-framed M&Ps - they may not have the excess capacity to do the 3rd gens at anything other than a trickle. Low production rates would serve to greatly increase unit cost - making the marketing/ price problem even worse.

Of course, IF S&W could be SURE of LARGE orders for some of the 3rd gen. models, that would certainly grease the rails. Then again, S&W is always actively pursuing big contracts with police and military sources, with their current M&P LINE - so again, the 3rd gen. models would be in competition with their current products.

Perhaps if we could put together a "group buy" for, say, 10,000 6906's....then S&W might be interested. Short of something like that....I don't see it happening (as I said above).
 
K-framer said:
Personally, I would LOVE it if S&W would bring the 59xx and especially the 69xx models back. However, I simply don't see it happening. They would probably have to be sold at a truly PREMIUM price, in order for S&W to make any money. In addition, in essence, S&W would be competing against themselves, as the 3rd gen. models would overlap with the market for the M&P line somewhat. Production capacity might well be a problem, as well. Basically, S&W is now set up to produce large quantities of cheaper to produce plastic-framed M&Ps - they may not have the excess capacity to do the 3rd gens at anything other than a trickle. Low production rates would serve to greatly increase unit cost - making the marketing/ price problem even worse.

Of course, IF S&W could be SURE of LARGE orders for some of the 3rd gen. models, that would certainly grease the rails. Then again, S&W is always actively pursuing big contracts with police and military sources, with their current M&P LINE - so again, the 3rd gen. models would be in competition with their current products.

Perhaps if we could put together a "group buy" for, say, 10,000 6906's....then S&W might be interested. Short of something like that....I don't see it happening (as I said above).
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VERY few weapons have the kind of mass market that comes with being a supplier to LE or other government agencies. Yet, they are produced and apparently at a profit, because they continue to be manufactured.
 
I recently picked up a 6906 on a whim...that's a darned fine pistol.

If anyone is interested in a 5906TSW (w/rail)...let me know, I have an extra that I'd kinda sorta almost like to sell.
 
Should? Yes.
Will they? Probably not.
All things considered, a better option might be to make the 3913 again.
Not that I'll hold my breath for that.

I do wish that they'd continue to make replacement and repair parts, especially things like side plates. Just because those seem to be the parts that break the most.

Springs don't seem hard to find.
 
the 5903 and 915 especially would be welcomed IMO.
good shooting pistols and safe to boot
and a couple makes of 9mmP carbines have the grip frame to take S&W mags
myself I would grab the S&W 9mm over most of the others
 
I own both polymerand (several manufacturers) and S&W 5946. Both great guns. Ive carried both daily. Im not a cop so i carry iwb. My job is fairly physical and encompasses both office and yard work, i dont wear a suit. After a day of lugging around car batteries, washing cars, picking up parts, doing invoices, arranging car pickups for our transport dpt...etc..etc..you start to appreciate the lighter weight pf polymer guns

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2
 
Based on the QC problems S&W has had of late, I doubt they could turn out either of these guns anymore in a form anyone would find acceptable or useable. I'd rather they gave or sold the designs to someone who would do it right. Who? Don't have that answer. I'll continue to look for and buy older guns myself.
 
I've been carrying a 6906 for 20 years. I shoot maybe 400-500 rds/yr through it, mostly WWB or Fed 115 gr FMJ. It's coming up on 8-10K using those numbers so I would like to have a new one. Problem is transferring the "good juju" from the present gun to another one. There's nothing in the FAQ's about that. Joe
 
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Of course they should make them again. They should also resume making the M19 (without a lock), the fine L-frames notwithstanding.

But they won't because the market in general doesn't find them sexy.
 
No matter how many times we debate this here, I always tell myself not to post, but somehow I still do. It does seem like we have done this quite a bit lately.

I would encourage you to look at the well known auction site. A very rare WVSP 4566 was recently auctioned. The selling price was $1675. How many peopel would pay that? I personally bid $1650 for it and got out bid by $25.

Please don't get me wrong. My DREAM is a 4506 with a milled in rail, checkered front strap and a loaded chamber witness hole. I would probably pay whatever S & W wanted to charge.....for more than one copy. Would you? How many here would? Many said they would pay a lot for a newer 3 rd generation. Very few if any bid on the most recent one for sale.

i even think S & W could produce one for WAY less than that. Unfortunately, right now with the political climate the way it is and S & W having record sales, we wont see it. Why? Because the profit margin is so high on the M & P. They make a larger profit on a gun that is faster to produce. They can probably crank out 100 frames for any of the M & P guns and about 10 3 rd generation frames in the same amount of time. Not to mention using lesser skilled workers using raw materials that cost considerably less.

If they started producing 3 rd gennies again, I would be the first in line. Unfortunately, I'm not holding my breath.
 
I wouldn't pay over $1000 for a new third generation pistol. Not when LNIB examples made with forged parts........or even 90's examples with the MIM parts can be had for much less on the secondary market.

If there was no secondary market available, I'd buy a Sig .45 for less than $1K NIB. Not as good as an older 3rd gen 45, IMO, but more gun for less money than a cheapened production "new" S&W. If current production S&W handguns are any indication of the quality one could expect in a "new" production 3rd gen pistol. Were they to still make them for the general public.

The $1675 for the WVSP 4566TSW is (IMO) simply an example of people with more desire/money than information on what they are buying. Why would anyone pay that much for a pistol that sold new - less than three years ago - for $750? The "Gunbroker effect".

If I'm paying $1000 for a third gen pistol, rest assured it is wearing the Performance Center logo. Oh, and keep in mind that S&W is STILL making 3rd gen pistols at their Houlton ME facility. They just won't sell them to the great unwashed. ;) Regards 18DAI
 
4506517 said:
No matter how many times we debate this here, I always tell myself not to post, but somehow I still do. It does seem like we have done this quite a bit lately.

I would encourage you to look at the well known auction site. A very rare WVSP 4566 was recently auctioned. The selling price was $1675. How many peopel would pay that? I personally bid $1650 for it and got out bid by $25.

Please don't get me wrong. My DREAM is a 4506 with a milled in rail, checkered front strap and a loaded chamber witness hole. I would probably pay whatever S & W wanted to charge.....for more than one copy. Would you? How many here would? Many said they would pay a lot for a newer 3 rd generation. Very few if any bid on the most recent one for sale.

i even think S & W could produce one for WAY less than that. Unfortunately, right now with the political climate the way it is and S & W having record sales, we wont see it. Why? Because the profit margin is so high on the M & P. They make a larger profit on a gun that is faster to produce. They can probably crank out 100 frames for any of the M & P guns and about 10 3 rd generation frames in the same amount of time. Not to mention using lesser skilled workers using raw materials that cost considerably less.

If they started producing 3 rd gennies again, I would be the first in line. Unfortunately, I'm not holding my breath.
Click to expand...



A market study based on a sample of one (me) isn't worth much.

But I recently paid more for a steel PPK/S (made by S&W under license from Walther) than I paid for a full size M&P 9mm.

I am happier with the higher cost purchase than cheaper purchase, and only wish I had the option of an even higher cost steel 9mm. To ME the difference is big, and worth it.

I contacted a gun dealer I trust today. His advice was to avoid a pistol so long out of production, due to parts issues. He raved about 6906 as a weapon. But not used, unless you KNEW it was lightly used and well cared for throughout its life, again just due to parts. Unless you just wanted a collector's piece.

As a result, I am headed for a Sig P229, I believe.
 
18DAI said:
Maybe Ruger will make us a nice "3913". Make it in steel and call it the LSW9.

I'll buy it. Regards 18DAI
Click to expand...

I totally agree with 18DAI, I would like to see a mini-3913 on the same line as a Kimber solo. Not a CS-9. Just take a standard 3913 and shrink it down in size all metal construction. It would replace my edc LC9 quicker than you can drop a magazine.
 
I would LOVE if they started producing the 69 series again in a scandium frame :-D

I've owned a 06, and an 04. * i know their a the same gun with a different finish* :-p. But the only downside to them is the weight......Make em lighter ill buy 10!
 
I have a 5906 and a 4506 that I will never part with. I like knowing that I can pick up either one and the trigger pull is the same on both. Both are accurate and reliable. If they did start making these again I would be in line to get one. My 4506 was purchased for $450 new and the 5906 was purchased used with 3 mags for $400. Couldn't get a new (or used) one for that now.
 
ShoreShooter said:
A market study based on a sample of one (me) isn't worth much.

But I recently paid more for a steel PPK/S (made by S&W under license from Walther) than I paid for a full size M&P 9mm.

I am happier with the higher cost purchase than cheaper purchase, and only wish I had the option of an even higher cost steel 9mm. To ME the difference is big, and worth it.

I contacted a gun dealer I trust today. His advice was to avoid a pistol so long out of production, due to parts issues. He raved about 6906 as a weapon. But not used, unless you KNEW it was lightly used and well cared for throughout its life, again just due to parts. Unless you just wanted a collector's piece.

As a result, I am headed for a Sig P229, I believe.
Click to expand...

Is that same dealer that told you to avoid the 6906 the one offering you the Sig? I purchased my 6906 used;it was a LEO turn in. I got it home, cleaned it up good, & went to the range with it. I've got five hundred rounds through it. I've replaced the recoil spring & kept it clean & lubed. I would not have a problem trusting my life to that pistol. I think if you were to do a search on this Forum you would find a pretty trouble free track record. 3rd Gen S&W's are pretty hard to beat, in my opinion.:cool:
 
ShoreShooter said:
A market study based on a sample of one (me) isn't worth much.

But I recently paid more for a steel PPK/S (made by S&W under license from Walther) than I paid for a full size M&P 9mm.

I am happier with the higher cost purchase than cheaper purchase, and only wish I had the option of an even higher cost steel 9mm. To ME the difference is big, and worth it.

I contacted a gun dealer I trust today. His advice was to avoid a pistol so long out of production, due to parts issues. He raved about 6906 as a weapon. But not used, unless you KNEW it was lightly used and well cared for throughout its life, again just due to parts. Unless you just wanted a collector's piece.

As a result, I am headed for a Sig P229, I believe.
Click to expand...

I have a 229 and it's a nice gun for shooting .40 and .357sig but I'd say a bit heavy for a alloy framed 9mm. You do know that it weights in at 32.40oz empty vs 23.50oz for the 69xx and 22.80oz for the 3913. I have a couple of Sigs and I like them but I like my 3rd gens more. Over the past 25 years I'd say reliability has been about the same. Oh by the way when I bought my 3913 the gun pusher thought I was crazy for not getting the then new Glock 17 ( didn't get my first Glock till 2005). I myself would not pass on a 69xx even if you don't like it you can sell it and not loose on it , try that with a 229.
 
Should they?

Well maybe. If they could build them to the same quality as the old ones, yes!
I have a feeling that they would sell to a lot of us older shooters who appreciate steel and/or alloy pistols, and too folks who just want a pistol for home or vehicle, and more than a few would carry them, especially the lighter alloy ones.
Problem is Smith has a lot of time and money invested in the M&P line, as they wanted to compete with Glock and get back into the law enforcement market. Therein lies the rub, Glock was seriously underselling Smith 3rd Gens at the time, or were giving such great incentives of buying all the old service weapons and replacing them with brand new pistols with all the accoutrements!
Smith did get back in with the M&P but as we've seen there less than perfect, as is the recent Glocks.
The 5900 was their "bread and butter" pistol, lots of law enforcement carried them, and the 6900 was right behind it. The 3913 was at its time probably the most sought after CCW pistol extant! Consider the fact that SIG built its P239 to compete directly with that pistol! NYPD and I think the RCMP still issue or approve the 5946 for patrol work, and as 18DAI said the weapons are still being produced at the plant in Maine.
Guys and gals I think if nothing else we might try flooding there mail box with requests for 5900s for us and see what transpires. Dale
PS: Would just like to add that I bought another 5906, yesterday!
 
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