Thoughts on the 5906

allendavis58

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The 5906 has always been my favorite S&W semi-auto 9mm. I loved the grip, which wasn't much bigger than my all-time favorite 9mm, the Browning Hi-Power, and always had a pleasing profile, like the Browning. The two samples I owned had splendid sights and were very accurate. Those were great guns, and I deeply regret ever having let go of either of them. (One of them went in a trade for an Ithaca M-37 20-ga. pump shotgun.)

S&W has discontinued more great, great guns than many other manufacturers combined could not match. But I suppose I want to kick myself more for letting go of a gorgeous M41 with a 5" barrel.That little rascal shot like a rifle. Sadly, the economy was in the toilet, I was young with small children to feed and I had to prioritize.
 
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My departments former duty gun. Was the first semi auto issued I believe, issued between the model 19 and the m&p 9 we are currently issued.
 
Great guns. The Sherman tanks of the 9mm series.

This one is from 1992.....a retired police re-hab.


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I didn't have the 5906 but I had her sister the 5904. I bought her new back in 88 or 89. A fine pistol but I sold her back in 92. My hands just get along better with the thinner 1911's.
But I ran across a 3906 late last year and I'm back into S&W pistols. 3906 & a 645 now.
 
Sorry for the negative side of the issue, but I just haven't fallen in love with my 5906. I do like it, but it isn't a favorite. I dislike the thickness of the grip and especially dislike the adjustable sights. That having been said it really is a fine, reliable gun but one that was not made for me. I much prefer the 39, 39X and 39XX series.
 
Sorry for the negative side of the issue, but I just haven't fallen in love with my 5906. I do like it, but it isn't a favorite. I dislike the thickness of the grip and especially dislike the adjustable sights. That having been said it really is a fine, reliable gun but one that was not made for me. I much prefer the 39, 39X and 39XX series.

I'm with you, but alot may have to do with the configuration of it. It has the winged adjustable sights, and the squared trigger guard. It just doesn't do anything aesthetically for me.

It does, however, run like a top. I use it when I know alot of rds are going downrange, or if I have some steel cased ammo to burn. It's a good pistol, but my 915 (and 59) just look "right".
 
Bought a 5906 last month and took it to a Gun Shop because of the hard pull of the DA trigger. Gunsmith gave it good inspection and explained to me it was normal and great shape. Finally fired it at the range and found action was really smooth. Trigger has a easier pull short reset after first fire, this is my second Pistol to own other is a 469
 
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The S&W 5906 is a terrible TERRIBLE pistol.

It's beautiful lines, low recoil, it's ability to eat anything you feed it and place said rounds right on target.

It's the "gate way" pistol that started my 3rd Gen addiction which I may never recover from.[emoji20]
 
The S&W 5906 is a terrible TERRIBLE pistol.

It's beautiful lines, low recoil, it's ability to eat anything you feed it and place said rounds right on target.

It's the "gate way" pistol that started my 3rd Gen addiction which I may never recover from.[emoji20]


Ditto!

I could not have said it better. Especially the last sentence.
 
I sold my 1st 5906 a couple of years ago because I needed the money. Lucky for me, I found another one in better shape late last year.

It's one of my favorite 9mm and hope to score a 4006 soon.
 
Great model, perfect for a nightstand and decent in a holster as well. I like the weight for soaking up recoil and feel good about shooting heavy +P+ with the steel frame (added a 1-piece guide rod to mine). Seems like prices are going up on Gunbroker lately, so maybe the LE trade-ins are starting to dry up.
 
I've loved all the 3rd Gen pistols I've owned over the years. I don't have a 5906, but I do own a 5926 and, though I normally carry a Sig P226, I still carry it when I'm feeling nostalgic. It's a great pistol and one I'm not ever going to sell which is saying a lot for me! :)

SW_5926_1.jpg
 
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