Today I was hooked on 3rd generation autos.

[gatorhugger]

I finally got a chance to run a few boxes of 9mm's through my 6906 today.
My brother had a glock 17, and also I had my Ruger p89.

My first impression was that the DA trigger pull is nothing to write home about on the Smith. I have heard these guns have acceptable creep,and travel on the pull similar to a revolver. Like a model 66 or 19.
Please. Not even close. It is much worse than any older smith revolver I have owned.
The trigger pull is a bit draggy but lets off crisply. The single action follow up are terrific. Overall, very acceptable trigger, but let's not say it is revolver quality.
The balance is perfect on this weapon. It doesn't lay down on target as quickly as the Ruger P89 and is not as steady, being a lighter gun by 8 ounces, but the 6906 is worlds better than the ruger and the Glock 17 in ergonomics and general "shootability".

Where the Smith really shines is accuracy. Simply amazing performance from a 3.5 inch barrel. I could easily shoot- (3) semi braced shots from 25 yards and cover the holes with a silver dollar.
The glocks and the ruger would have a flyer in any string of shots. Not with the Smith. It consistently keeps all rounds grouped together. Never had a flyer. That is one great barrel!
Very impressive fit, finish, accuracy, not a jam, nothing but a good time shooting.
Now I want more of the 3rd generation.
Keep the "black" plastic guns. I love my aluminum and stainless 6906!

 

[gatorhugger]

I finally got a chance to run a few boxes of 9mm's through my 6906 today.
My brother had a glock 17, and also I had my Ruger p89.

My first impression was that the DA trigger pull is nothing to write home about on the Smith. I have heard these guns have acceptable creep,and travel on the pull similar to a revolver. Like a model 66 or 19.
Please. Not even close. It is much worse than any older smith revolver I have owned.
The trigger pull is a bit draggy but lets off crisply. The single action follow up are terrific. Overall, very acceptable trigger, but let's not say it is revolver quality.
The balance is perfect on this weapon. It doesn't lay down on target as quickly as the Ruger P89 and is not as steady, being a lighter gun by 8 ounces, but the 6906 is worlds better than the ruger and the Glock 17 in ergonomics and general "shootability".

Where the Smith really shines is accuracy. Simply amazing performance from a 3.5 inch barrel. I could easily shoot- (3) semi braced shots from 25 yards and cover the holes with a silver dollar.
The glocks and the ruger would have a flyer in any string of shots. Not with the Smith. It consistently keeps all rounds grouped together. Never had a flyer. That is one great barrel!
Very impressive fit, finish, accuracy, not a jam, nothing but a good time shooting.
Now I want more of the 3rd generation.
Keep the "black" plastic guns. I love my aluminum and stainless 6906!

 

[hberttmank]

I agree, I've got several 3rd gen autos and they are great pistols. If you like the 45acp round try a good 4506 or 845. Very accurate guns, built out of big stainless steel frames. The 3900 series pistols are a good single stack 9mm compact carry gun. The 3953 is one of favorites.

 

[FirebirdV8]

S&W 3rd gen autos are great shooters. Reliable, accurate, and easy to maintain.

 

[PX15]

Originally posted by FirebirdV8:
S&W 3rd gen autos are great shooters. Reliable, accurate, and easy to maintain.

JMOfartO:

It seems the only folks who appreciate the quality and performance of the 3rd Generation Smith pistol are those who actually own one..

As time passes, more and more "new" shooters are never even exposed to the fine 3gS's, and all they know is what is popular in the gun mags, and as we all know that's the plastic pistols.

So, unless someone unfamiliar with the qualities of the 3gS has an opportunity to actually hold and shoot one all they know about them is 2nd hand from what others' (generally equally ill-informed) say about them.

I was speaking to one of the S&W Customer Service folks and his opinion, and he said the opinion of other S&W CS/& gunsmiths, was the 3rd generation line of S&W pistols were among some of the best firearms S&W ever produced, and they were dismayed when the line was discontinued.

I'm not knocking plastic pistols.. Heck I've had a few.. But I keep coming back to the fine 3dS&W pistols...

I must like 'em, I've got 6 myself.

(Not shown in photo below, my 3913 & CS45)

Just personal opinion, no offense to plastic pistol lovers.

Best Wishes,

Jesse

 

[Mortech]

YOu know you've got 3rd genitis bad when Mark at Summitgunbroker calls YOU when has new ones come in

 

[bnewc75]

love my 6904.....don't let the word out until I pickup a few more 3rd gen's

 

[18DAI]

Keep that plastic crap. Make mine a metal framed 3rd generation S&W. Regards 18DAI.

 

[gatorhugger]

In case anyone needs it, I did get an extra 12 round mag from K&Y imports today.
Its a factory S&W, marked LE only, is used but in like new condition.
$19.99 plus shipping came out to $29 total price.

 

[FR8owner]

I have to agree that the smith wins in the accuracy dept over the glock. However where i part ways is with ergonomics. The clock frame fits my hand(large flat palms, shorter fingers) better than any other semi out there. The larger frame glocks are a different story but the G17/34 frame sits the gun so low in my hand that the recoil is really unnoticeable. But individual results may very. Congrats on picking up a fine weapon.

 

[SwampWolf]

Would you consider the 945 a "pure" third generation pistol, a variant of same or a bastarized version?

 

[Norbie]

I am a new convert to lovin the Smith 3rd gen autos. In fact, I am looking to buy a 6906. If anyone is interested in seliing one, please contact me!