Was looking for a 4013, but found instead...

[imarangemaster]

Well, I was snooping around for a 4013 to go with my 4006. In Commiefornia it is not as easy as you think. I need to find one for sale on a private party transfer. I did, however, possibly come across a nearly mint 6906 for sale!

I now prefer 40 over 9mm, BUT, I have really liked the compact 2nd/3rd gen Smith 9MMs since I fired a preproduction sample of the 469 in the early 80s, that the S&W LE rep brought to our department to evaluate. (We carried 59s then). I have had 469, 669, and 6906 through the last 35 years or so. I sold my last 6906 to switch to a Shield (couldn't afford both at the time - had a real bad year as a Realtor. Now I can afford to have as many as I want for a change).

I do think that the 6906's 13 rounds of the ISP 115 +P+ are as good as 10 of the 4013s .40s. I also still have half a dozen of the pre-2000 12 rounders from my prior 469/669/6906s. In Commiefornia, you NEVER sell you mags, even if you sell the gun.

 

[Redcoat3340]

So are you buying it? I sold my 6906 when I bought my 4513TSW as I found myself carrying the .45 and not the 9. Then I was too weak to resist a 4013TSW, but I'm questioning whether I need both TSWs.

I'd ask you which gun you think you'd carry (if you are buying it for carry) and if it's a "duplicate" of what you have, well, maybe there's something else you might want.

Unless of course you can get a screaming deal on the 6906.

 

[imarangemaster]

I think I would carry the 6906 more than the 4013. The 4013 gives 9+1 of 40. My Shield 40 is 8+1 (with a Magguts spring and follower), and weighs much less. One more round doesn't justify 30% increase in weight. The 6906 is 12+1, or 4 more rounds than the Shield 40's 9 rounds. With a flat steel magazine baseplate (from a 59), it is almost as compact as the Shield, though heavier. 4 rounds (or 43% increase in firepower over Shield) makes it worth it. In the last 35 years since I shot the pre-production sample of the 469, a 469/669/6906 was one of my carry guns for probably 1/3 of that time.

Also, I am getting a great deal considering how clean it is. Besides I have always had a soft spot for the 469 and its descendants...

 

[Frank Black]

A 6906 makes for a great compact EDC choice *if* you're 'okay' with carrying a 9-minimeter.

Mine is an ex-L.E. trade-in I bought for a song two years ago or so, for like $300. It came with 3 factory mags, box, papers, and both S&W derilin grips and Hogue grips.

It seems to like the 124gn+P JHPs I'm stocked up on.

 

[raygixxer89]

i've got a 669 that I still need to try out. I like the it feels in my hand. Oh heck, who am I kidding I like the way ALL 3rd gens feel in my hand!

 

[antilamr]

Being in southern Commiefornia, I feel your pain. If you're having as hard a time as I am in finding 3rd Gen's, buy it before you can't. Carry all of them or none of them, just buy it!
You'll be glad you did!!!

 

[imarangemaster]

Deal is done! Seller is out of town, but will get started on the 10 day jail when he gets back. I still have 5 legal pre-2000 12 rounders and 3 pre-2000 14/15 round Model 59 mags. We agreed on $500, but it is close to excellent to nearly mint. Even the grips show no marks, indicating it was seldom carried. A check of Gunbroker showed that ones in this good of condition go that high or higher. Considering the limitations on finding one for private party sale in California, I'm not complaining.

It is late production with the small, round trigger guard and Novak rear sight, identical to the one I stupidly sold last year. My last one had a definite preference for federal 9BPLE over Speer Gold Dot 124 +P, so I will stick with that. The Federal's 115s were noticeably easier on recovery for subsequent shots.

Unlike my 4006, I will leave the bobbed hammer on it, though I will replace the recoil spring with a factory OEM one. The mags were all rebuilt last year with new springs for my last 6906. I still have an old Desantis high rise pancake for the 669 I had back long ago, and a Milt Spark's Summer Special IWB I use on my Shield .40.

This brings my stable of Smiths to three: .40 Shield, 4006, and the 6906. My oinly other two semi-auto pistols are a Glock 19 and a Bauer .25 stainless copy of the Baby Browning. I do have a bunch of revolvers, though...

I am going to be like Ralphie in "A Christmas Story" waiting for his Red Ryder BB Gun!

 

[max]

My EDC is a 669. It has a 6906 slide and that gives me better sights.

 

[quikdraw67]

I recently picked up a 6906 in very good condition, shoots well.

Congrats, glad it all worked out for you.

 

[imarangemaster]

I am delaying my HR218 Retired LEO annual qualification un til I get it. I want the 6906 on it along with my 40 Shield, Glock 19, and .44 Bulldog.

The only time I carry the Glock 19 is when I venture out of the mountains into dense urban areas like SF or So-Cal. The 6906 will likely replace that in that role, and will be the one I wear on the days I am working part time at the local gun shop.

 

[veeklog1]

I bought a 6906 a few years ago, sent it to the S&W Performance Center to get a complete make-over, and looks brand new. Mine definitely like our duty round, Speer Gold Dot 9mm 124 grain+, and shoots nice tight holes. I was able tp score a bunch of new OEM twelve round magazines in 2016 for $22 USD a magazine, so it goes well with my dad's old 5903.

 

[imarangemaster]

I bought a 6906 a few years ago, sent it to the S&W Performance Center to get a complete make-over, and looks brand new. Mine definitely like our duty round, Speer Gold Dot 9mm 124 grain+, and shoots nice tight holes. I was able tp score a bunch of new OEM twelve round magazines in 2016 for $22 USD a magazine, so it goes well with my dad's old 5903.

I am intrigued and interested. I LOVE the 6906. Can you please post a pic? What did they do to it? How much did it cost? Thanks

 

[veeklog1]

I am intrigued and interested. I LOVE the 6906. Can you please post a pic? What did they do to it? How much did it cost? Thanks

I sent the gun to Smith and Wesson Performance Center who did the 3rd Generation Action Package, Bead Blasted the slide, and I don't think they re-anodized the aluminum frame (even though I did ask for it), but S&W did clean it up for free. I think with shipping it was $300 USD. I added Trijicon SA08 night sights since that is what I carry at work. Attached is the direct link to S&W Performance Center services

Performance Center(R) Precision Gunsmithing | Smith & Wesson

 

[imarangemaster]

Should be able to get my 6906 by Friday or Saturday. Out of town until then anyway. I got a new factory recoil spring for it. I have seven ( one 469 and six 6906) mags and three Model 59 mags, all with new factory springs in them last year.

Two of the 59 mags are aftermarket (Mecgar and unk) but replaced the guts with S&W followers and springs in them. They worked flawlessly in my last 6906.

I am seriously contemplating the Performance center. Depends what their turn around is. Probably do it in the Spring when I switch to shorts with my Shield in my front pocket with a sticky holster!

 

[imarangemaster]

A 6906 makes for a great compact EDC choice *if* you're 'okay' with carrying a 9-minimeter.

Mine is an ex-L.E. trade-in I bought for a song two years ago or so, for like $300. It came with 3 factory mags, box, papers, and both S&W derilin grips and Hogue grips.

It seems to like the 124gn+P JHPs I'm stocked up on.

Well, I do think the .40 is a better round, but I have faith in 124 Gold Dot +Ps (doing a great job for NYPD for years) and Federal 9BPLE 115 +P+ which has been making bad felons into &%$#* felons for years!

 

[gen3guy]

The original 4013 has an 8 + 1 capacity. I think they found a way to get one more in the TSW version.

 

[imarangemaster]

I believe the original 4013 was single stack. I know the 4013 I have checked had 6906 frames and a 9 round double stack.

 

[rincar]

I have managed to come into 2 S&W 6906's. Both Are the earlier type with the square trigger guard. Also both have night sights that have went dead log ago. I paid $325.00 for each of them. I have 2 spare mags for each of them. They are great for concealed carry. Although I dont carry them much any more. I have switched to a S&W 9 mm EZ for concealed carry.

 

[imarangemaster]

Not a big fan of night sights, but do like the Highviz