I bought mine new in 95. I was just a kid, maybe 23 years old and I enjoyed going to the still pond and burning up 2 or 3 boxes of ammo, did it every weekend. I shot all kinds of ammo through it back then, what ever was the cheapest. Never a jam up or stovepipe in 25 years, not a single one. I don't go shooting much these days but still have my S&W 5903 in my night stand. It's my go to home defense.
When I was a Atlanta Police officer we carried the 5903 and when we switched to .40 cal., I the department allowed us to purchase our duty weapons (5903 9mm).
These are still available, albeit in DAO, for the NYPD. They have the choice of the DAO 5906, DAO Sig P229 and Gen3 Glock 19. My buddy actually carried one of these until very recently when they decided to allow Gen5 g19s and Post Update P320 Carry.
We're still shooting the exact pistol in .40 caliber here at the California Highway Patrol. We've had two versions of the 4006 for the past 26 years, and despite all the jokes about the ol' boat anchor, it's been a very reliable pistol and has taken care of quite a few felons over the years.
Greg: yaa the 4006 is like packing a boat anchor around ,, but they are accurate , in fact my 4006 put's my glock 23 to shame , glock is like ccp dream compared to s&w though .
Gregg Chrissakis I think smiths were the standard for reliability. Fresno SO switched from a 4506 to 4566 TSW to M&P.45. The only thing that sucks about those guns is the size l.
Officer Gregg are u bragging about killing people? Felon or not? As a officer of the law you shouldn’t brag about killing people in the line of duty regardless of the situation.
I really wish S&W had continued making this series. If Beretta can still make the 92/96 and Sig can still make the P220/226/229, then there's still a market for handguns made of metal. Polymer is great, love my dad's M&P9 and my P320, but the 5900 pistols are still pretty cool in my book.
Smith made some great guns. Somehow they just stop producing blaming sales. What friggen sales every dept used them! Something is definitely corporate style thinking there. Where it’s never enough!
All right... so who wants Smith to bring back an updated line of their DA/SA guns?? Come on, Smith. DA/SA is making a comeback. And besides, what do you have to compete with Sigs and Berettas? I'll buy one. Maybe two. Who's with me?? And thanks for doing this review, Sootch. These are excellent guns and they definitely still have a loyal following.
Hell yes! I've said it before, but I'll say it again. The 3rd gen. Smiths are among my favourite semi-autos. I have a 5906, 6906, 4006, a 4053, and I have a 6946 on order. I'd love it if S&W released a 4th gen. series. The only thing I'd ask is to clean up the naming convention. You really need a bloody flow chart to sort these out. :-P
Yes. I like the idea of 4th gen... or some new identity for the line. With some minor tweaks, I think these guns could be super competitive in today's market. People pay close to a grand for a DA/SA Sig. Give me something along the lines of a 6906 with competition sights, tuned trigger, g10 grips, match-grade barrel, low-profile decocker, melonite finish... I'd choose that option all day. Really, I think it would come down to positioning... as you said, going in with 6906 or 3913 isn't going to going too many people excited. Maybe it's the new "Executive Line." Or "Signature Line." Something like that. You and I know it's an improved 6906... but it's got a new identity that appeals to more gun buyers.
I Still have my 5906 and carried it during my Career. It has a SWEET easy Slide for my Arthritis Hands now that I'm 72 and NEVER Had A Hiccup. I Love The EARS on it.
Sootch, I really appreciate you covering old school firearms as well as the new stuff. Thanks again and please keep up the great work on both channels.
I got my Gen3 6906 around 1989 or so, and I have shot 1000's of rounds through it. I LOVE this pistol. I was worried at the time about the lightweight alloy lower (that was a semi-new concept at the time), but now after nearly 30 years of very consistent use, the pistol is still perfect. I Love it, and it is my EDC. It has always fired everything that it has been fed. The only issue I have is that, since it is an older weapon, I have trouble finding holsters. My good Bianchi from the day got stolen from my truck a while back, and I'm having a devil of a time finding replacement for a 6906 Squared trigger guard.
To remove magazine safety: Drift the rear sight to the right half way, remove the plunger and spring, push the rear sight back. Boom. Magazine disconnect gone.
Carried the S&W 6906 for the first ten years on the job. Department only allowed double action only with a 12lb trigger. Gander Mountain has been selling our old guns for a few months.
Sooch, I know this is an old vid, so who knows if you'll see this. And I'm not sure if these are even your guns. (I know you've reviewed the 5906, too). But its so easy to remove the mag safety. I have a 5906 and it was one of the first things I did. Simply a matter of punching a little white, plastic piece out of the slide. Its been a number of years, but if I remember correctly, access is underneath the rear sight. Anyhow, easy as can be, even for the most novice gunsmith.
You're in my wheelhouse. I've got a 457, 3913, 6906, 5904 (x2!), 5906, and 5906TSW so far. Running the all-stainless 5906 boat anchor feels like shooting a .22! What recoil? If ammo runs out you can always beat the attacker to death, but it'll drag your pants down if you carry it.
I recently rediscovered 6909 in my safe after watching your video and also rediscovered how competent this pistol is today --> even in comparison to the new bright and shiney's that are currently the fad. Yesterday I saw THIS video and purchased one this morning. 3rd gen Smith autos have become one of my favorite collectibles (for shooting!) from 9mm up to .45. One day I'll find a 10mm that doesn't require a 2nd mortgage to purchase and the collection will be almost complete. As a retired LEO these sure bring back memories and I'm glad you steered me to Aim Surplus. I'm now on their mailing list --> Thanks!
Awesome gun. My 5906 was deadnuts, reliable, very soft shooting and a great melee weapon if you ran out of ammo. They originally had stainless triggers and hammers. Towards the end of their run they switched to MIM hammers and triggers which are the black ones.
I am still not seeing any improvement for real world gun owners who aren't shooting for boasting rights, competitions, or combat situations. (other than weight)
Love Smiths, I have owned a 910 witch was an economy model 9mm. As soon as I was able I had it tweaked including having it hard chromed. Has been on my hip for 27 years. Thanks for the awesome videos. Keep them coming!!!
The 5906 was my first purchase of a semi-auto pistol back in the early 90s. I had friends who went Beretta, Sig P226, HK (even though it was single stack), 1911 ... and actually nobody went Glock as it was so new and peopel didn't know what to think of it. It's heavy and a real chunk of a pistol, but I liked the feel of it and the way it shot. I put a Crimson Trace laser grip on it, and it was my go to home defense handgun for many years.
Same here - the first pistol that I ever purchased and I still own it. I had a custom kydex holster made for it, but don’t carry it much due to its weight.
I have a model 4013 S&W .40. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT AND REFUSE TO GIVE IT UP EVEN THOUGH ITS DISCONTINUED AND PARTS AND MAGS ARE HARD TO FIND AND EXPENSIVE. I literally can hit a 6 inch target at 100 yards almost every time. .40's have a considerable drop at 100yrds. about 6"!!
Love these guns I own a 5906 with the adjustable sights. This is the gun I keep in my nightstand It beats the Glock and Springfield for that duty because it shoots so well. It's not the greatest carry gun because of its weight
I carried both the 5906 and 4506. Both were reliable and had decent accuracy. Compared to today's offerings, this is definitely Old School. I would rather carry a P226/227 if I were going to carry a DA/SA gun.
MattyD10000 I'm with YOU ALL THE WAY on S&W Dusting OFF their Machinery and Restart making Real Guns. I have The 5906 and it has in NO Time or WAY Ever Let me DOWN !
I had an old 469. I actually bought it new shortly after I turned 21. The 469 was a slightly smaller version designed for CC for law enforcement. Lots of people called it the detectives gun. It was a really good gun for it's day. If I recall, it held 12+1 or, it could also use the longer 459 magazines for 14 or 15 rounds. It was notably more reliable than most of the semi-auto "Wonder 9's" handguns back then. That's one I regret selling. I don't know if the 469 is particularly rare but I haven't seen one in years. I will snap one up if I see one at a reasonable price.
That was my duty sidearm in the Montana Highway Patrol the 5903 9mm was a great gun still have my now we carry the Sig Sauer P229R 357 SIG round that's another great gun too I love our Sigs too.
My old 5906 was the first “high capacity” pistol I ever bought 20 years ago after being inspired by Reservoir Dogs .....14+1 if I remember and I loved it until I damaged the extractor by dropping it while having the slide removed during cleaning and it never worked perfectly again. An ergonomic dream
Thanks for the review Sootch. I have a 5906 that I bought new in the 80's. It's like new with less than 150 rounds through it. There were quiet a few 3rd gen smiths on the TV show Miami vice.
One of my favorites of all time. I really wish I bought one when I had the chance. I would like to see Smith produce an updated model in Da/Sa with a rail, night sights; and without the magazine disconnect, or slide mounted safety.
Love the old school S&W pistols. I still have my 4516, (.45 ACP compact), and 5906, and they shoots as well now as it did in '95 and '98 when I bought them. My 4516 is still in my EDC rotation. Still looks great after more than 20 years of holsters. I honestly can't remember ever having a failure from either. I would love to see these reborn. Solid pistols. American classics!
I had the 5903 SSV version (short Slide version, the Police used to call it the Special Service Version). It was a limited run of 1500 made for either the NJ or Penn state Police and was a 1/2 shorter slide, bobbed hammer and sported a Blued slide with matter aluminium frame. The magazines had the 15th round marker punched out of it on original 14rd mags. It was really light, about 24oz. I will say as good as it was It really wasnt as accurate as any modern Glock, M&P or XD which is why I sold it off a couple years ago. Got over $500 for it and paid about $470 back in 1991.
If the market was there It would of sold for more. I had up for sale for months and the rareness of it added only about $150. I enjoyed it for 20yrs and got more then I paid for it. There were A LOT of the 59 series pistols made and based on what Sootch paid I feel even better about it. Theres one on Armslist right now for $475, knock yourself out.
Excellent Review! These now classic DA/SA Pistols are of excellent quality and will provide a lifetime of service. Years ago I had the S&W 4506 which was excellent, but I later sold it off when going to the .45 EAA Witness.
l've had a soft side for these Smith and Wesson automatics since l saw Don Johnson use them in Miami Vice. It's a shame these are almost nonexistent where l live.
...and there is the 6906 stainless steel slide in 9 mm. I have owned one for over twenty years, and it is perfect for concealed carry with 12 rounds magazines that I purchased used from a local gun shop.
I own a 5906 bought it new and put 150 rounds through but wasn't able to shoot for health reasons but after a long time I'm able to shoot again starting this month. Can't wait to shoot it again. Thanks for sparking the passion of shooting after watch your videos.
Thanks I sure will. Thank you for your awesome channel, I've learned lots from you while watching your videos. Keep up the super job your doing, you're a true asset to the shooting community.
The 5946 is the most modern variant of this gun. It lacks the magazine disconnect safety. I happen to own a 915, which is sort of the economy model of these pistols. It's blued instead of stainless.
I know this video is a few years old, but you do the best reviews on the net. Just ordered a 6906 from Atlantic. Had a 4506 back in the Crockett days. Super weapons.
You need some cool LE GLOCK hats...do you have any of the Blue Line hats from Glock? Let me know if you would like some. They don't make them any more. The are fitted and VERY nice. I am retired from Glock and have some racks of hats left. Send me a PO Box or address and I will send you some. A "thank you" for all you do for us out here. Email is gunnerman423@gmail.com Willie
I have a back-up cop 6946 (the compact DAO version) that was used by the St Louis PD. As in all things S&W, the St Louis PD did not like the mag disconnect, so S&W left it out. They printed a warning on the slide though. Great gun. I traded away my Compact Sig 320 after I got used to the 6946. The DOA trigger is heavy but has a short pull. (I am a revolver guy so 10 pound triggers are no issue).
I still own a 5926 (full-size, all steel, frame-mounted decocker). It's one of my all-time favorite pistols and is absolutely one of the most accurate pistols I own! Great video! Thanks!
Great video. I do believe as well that these were built to a very high degree of workmanship and expense especially earlier on where the entire fire control group was made of forged parts. They have no sharp edges, a generous beveled magwell, great sights, and are very durable. Those silver hammer and triggers are forged, machined, and flash chromed (but some are black too). The ones with the indented area on the hammer are later MIM. The S&W MIM in these are regarded as excellent as they made the investment to do it themselves. I'd say that if a 5903 like the one in this video were made today in low numbers, they would cost in the $1200-1500 range.
when ruger came out with the p series I was a kid and fell in love. the p91dk was my pick. investment cast frame, I think it was ground breaking for its time. it had a kind of art deco look to it.
My first duty weapon out of the academy was a S&W 5906 in '91. I liked it at first because it was the best out of the S&Ws we could choose from. It was heavy, but my big complaint was that it rattled to much. There was just too much play between the slide and the lower receiver. I finally was able to go to Glock which alleviated both of my complaints.
Better late then never... Its my first 9mm gun since i started shooting at our local range in Holland. Used to be my fathers pistol but he stopped shooting and gave me his gun. Love to shoot it!! And indeed, it shoots low.
really enjoyed that review.a few months ago I was doing some pawn shopping and found a hardly used 5903 and a new in box 659.When these guns were new I could not afford them and had a big family to feed.when I saw them sitting in that pawn shop I had a damn hot flash-LOL.
Man I love it when ya look at old school guns. Learning something new and get a break from all the videos of today's same ol guns. Man I would love to have one. Love an all metal gun and I love a hammer fired gun too. Keep em coming Sootch.
Okay so a friend of mine said, "Yo, I'm gonna go shoot some steel with your Glock 19, is that okay?" I just nodded, gave him a smile and said, "Sootch yourself." :)
Novak has replacement sights in many configurations. I really favor the 4006 straight grip vs the original arched or Hogue. Slap a Wolff spring kit in the pistol and see the trigger pull decrease a pound. Sootch, send the whole frame to Robar for their NP3 Plus finish. They will apply NP3 to all the internals including hammer, sear and trigger to really smooth out the trigger; plus make the frame match the slide. S&W 3Gen guns lead the charge for semi-autos in law enforcement. The 4506 and 5906 were first authorized by my department in '91. Good find.
Thanks Fazer! I haven't considered a Wolff spring kit. Robar is the deal. I've got a Super Blackhawk heading there now. I appreciate your service to your community my friend.
The S&W 5906 is on my list, I like to buy pistols/rifle combo's so I can pair them and I plan on pairing a 5906 with a Ruger Mini-14. They're both from the same era so it seems just right.
I have the 4563, thin, comfortable, extremely well balanced pistol. I love it, will NEVER sell it. Parts are harder to find like holsters and magazines.
Sootch, I'm glad that you review rare/old/uncommon firearms here. If you only ever reviewed modern polymer pistols or things that are popular, there'd be nothing new or fresh about your channel to set you apart from the others. (But you do those as well). I learn a lot about firearm history and field stripping here.
sootch00 For sure, modern mass produced stuff is great, but holding a piece of (sometimes) hand-assembled history is really neat. And as I said, it's good for me to learn how to take down the action on many rarer weapons. Might have to someday
great weapon have a few CS9 4043 4006 and something else can't think of it but anyway they are wonderful guns enjoy them it's about the only guns I haven't traded or sold brought the first CS9 when I was still active duty at the school of Infantry east Geiger North Carolina thank you for the video it's refreshing to hear from a guy who actually knows what he is talking about. retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Thomas
Yesterday I went to my favorite but not too close gun shop. Just for kicks, say hello, buy some ammo or maybe buy Walther P1/P38 pistol. Walthers were gone but I found one of these 5903s under the counter. I fell in love immediately and bought it. Price was very reasonable 7500CZK/327USD for pistol with two mags and nice leather/kydex paddle holster, condition of the pistol was nice too, one downside was that one a***hole try to dissasemble the gun and scratch the frame around the take-down lever pin on the right side of the frame. So sad but no big deal. I'm so happy, it was one of my dream guns that maybe, in the future, some other time... but opoturnity knocks and it was no-brainer. Now I can't wait for my sunday range-time. Greetings from Czech republic, Sootch. And thanks for your reviews.
My first duty weapon i was issued was a S&w 4566 Tsw and i was issued a s&w 3913 for off duty. My department has since switched duty weapons however everyone is issued the 3913 for off duty. We are not allowed to qualify with any other off duty weapon
I bought mine new in 95. I was just a kid, maybe 23 years old and I enjoyed going to the still pond and burning up 2 or 3 boxes of ammo, did it every weekend. I shot all kinds of ammo through it back then, what ever was the cheapest. Never a jam up or stovepipe in 25 years, not a single one. I don't go shooting much these days but still have my S&W 5903 in my night stand. It's my go to home defense.
My dad was a cop in New Orleans for 30+ years. My first memories of him were his duty rig and and his 5906. This video means a lot.
Glad you liked it Sim.
Sim Lucien, what years was your dad a cop in new Orleans?
When I was a Atlanta Police officer we carried the 5903 and when we switched to .40 cal., I the department allowed us to purchase our duty weapons (5903 9mm).
I carried one for 10yrs with the OCSD here in California, loved it and miss it. It was perfect for courtroom duty, thanks for the memories.
Thanks for watching Steve!
My nephew is with LAPD but he prefers the TRP ☺
sweet; 5906s were one of the guns we had available to train in the police academy with back in the day. Classics
These are still available, albeit in DAO, for the NYPD. They have the choice of the DAO 5906, DAO Sig P229 and Gen3 Glock 19. My buddy actually carried one of these until very recently when they decided to allow Gen5 g19s and Post Update P320 Carry.
We're still shooting the exact pistol in .40 caliber here at the California Highway Patrol. We've had two versions of the 4006 for the past 26 years, and despite all the jokes about the ol' boat anchor, it's been a very reliable pistol and has taken care of quite a few felons over the years.
Greg: yaa the 4006 is like packing a boat anchor around ,, but they are accurate , in fact my 4006 put's my glock 23 to shame , glock is like ccp dream compared to s&w though .
Gregg Chrissakis I think smiths were the standard for reliability. Fresno SO switched from a 4506 to 4566 TSW to M&P.45. The only thing that sucks about those guns is the size l.
Officer Gregg are u bragging about killing people? Felon or not? As a officer of the law you shouldn’t brag about killing people in the line of duty regardless of the situation.
You guys made a lot of us happy dumping your boat anchors for us!
Roman Pierce I sense a triggered snowflake lol
I really wish S&W had continued making this series. If Beretta can still make the 92/96 and Sig can still make the P220/226/229, then there's still a market for handguns made of metal. Polymer is great, love my dad's M&P9 and my P320, but the 5900 pistols are still pretty cool in my book.
5900 pistols are way better than either the P320 or the M&P.
Smith made some great guns. Somehow they just stop producing blaming sales. What friggen sales every dept used them! Something is definitely corporate style thinking there. Where it’s never enough!
The cost difference between producing a metal frame and a plastic one is HUGE :)
They should bring the Model 39/Model 59 family back.
All right... so who wants Smith to bring back an updated line of their DA/SA guns?? Come on, Smith. DA/SA is making a comeback. And besides, what do you have to compete with Sigs and Berettas? I'll buy one. Maybe two. Who's with me??
And thanks for doing this review, Sootch. These are excellent guns and they definitely still have a loyal following.
I want one
MattyD10000 Sounds good to me.
Thanks Matty! I'd buy one : )
Hell yes! I've said it before, but I'll say it again. The 3rd gen. Smiths are among my favourite semi-autos. I have a 5906, 6906, 4006, a 4053, and I have a 6946 on order. I'd love it if S&W released a 4th gen. series. The only thing I'd ask is to clean up the naming convention. You really need a bloody flow chart to sort these out. :-P
Yes. I like the idea of 4th gen... or some new identity for the line. With some minor tweaks, I think these guns could be super competitive in today's market. People pay close to a grand for a DA/SA Sig. Give me something along the lines of a 6906 with competition sights, tuned trigger, g10 grips, match-grade barrel, low-profile decocker, melonite finish... I'd choose that option all day. Really, I think it would come down to positioning... as you said, going in with 6906 or 3913 isn't going to going too many people excited. Maybe it's the new "Executive Line." Or "Signature Line." Something like that. You and I know it's an improved 6906... but it's got a new identity that appeals to more gun buyers.
I Still have my 5906 and carried it during my Career. It has a SWEET easy Slide for my Arthritis Hands now that I'm 72 and NEVER Had A Hiccup. I Love The EARS on it.
Sootch, I really appreciate you covering old school firearms as well as the new stuff. Thanks again and please keep up the great work on both channels.
Thanks Michael, It's a nice change of pace and I love these classics.
@@sootch00 can I get a link for the music at the beginning of the clip?
I got my Gen3 6906 around 1989 or so, and I have shot 1000's of rounds through it. I LOVE this pistol. I was worried at the time about the lightweight alloy lower (that was a semi-new concept at the time), but now after nearly 30 years of very consistent use, the pistol is still perfect. I Love it, and it is my EDC. It has always fired everything that it has been fed. The only issue I have is that, since it is an older weapon, I have trouble finding holsters. My good Bianchi from the day got stolen from my truck a while back, and I'm having a devil of a time finding replacement for a 6906 Squared trigger guard.
We lived in South Africa in the 90's. My wife carried a 5906 everyday. Great pistol!!!
To remove magazine safety:
Drift the rear sight to the right half way, remove the plunger and spring, push the rear sight back. Boom. Magazine disconnect gone.
Thank you!
Thanks for the review. I have an aluminium frame S&W 915 that I bought in the 80s, and after all these years it's still my favorite shooter!
The 3rd gen smiths are the most under rated pistols ever made.
I have one for sale if you're interested.
Ken Egler how much? Is it an 03 or 06
@@redram5150 $600. It's in the original box and has the original paperwork. It's the 3.
Need a hostel for this which one tactical one
@@kennyeggs Still have it ? :)
Carried the S&W 6906 for the first ten years on the job. Department only allowed double action only with a 12lb trigger. Gander Mountain has been selling our old guns for a few months.
Where I fin the 669 and 469 literally today. Well, Gander world but same thing.
Sooch, I know this is an old vid, so who knows if you'll see this. And I'm not sure if these are even your guns. (I know you've reviewed the 5906, too). But its so easy to remove the mag safety. I have a 5906 and it was one of the first things I did. Simply a matter of punching a little white, plastic piece out of the slide. Its been a number of years, but if I remember correctly, access is underneath the rear sight. Anyhow, easy as can be, even for the most novice gunsmith.
You're in my wheelhouse. I've got a 457, 3913, 6906, 5904 (x2!), 5906, and 5906TSW so far. Running the all-stainless 5906 boat anchor feels like shooting a .22! What recoil? If ammo runs out you can always beat the attacker to death, but it'll drag your pants down if you carry it.
I recently rediscovered 6909 in my safe after watching your video and also rediscovered how competent this pistol is today --> even in comparison to the new bright and shiney's that are currently the fad. Yesterday I saw THIS video and purchased one this morning. 3rd gen Smith autos have become one of my favorite collectibles (for shooting!) from 9mm up to .45. One day I'll find a 10mm that doesn't require a 2nd mortgage to purchase and the collection will be almost complete. As a retired LEO these sure bring back memories and I'm glad you steered me to Aim Surplus. I'm now on their mailing list --> Thanks!
Awesome gun. My 5906 was deadnuts, reliable, very soft shooting and a great melee weapon if you ran out of ammo. They originally had stainless triggers and hammers. Towards the end of their run they switched to MIM hammers and triggers which are the black ones.
Thanks. That explains the different hammers.
"Heavy is good. Heavy is reliable. If it doesn't not work, you can always hit him with it". - Boris the Blade
I have one of them black ones, a s&w 915. Very good shooting gun. I prefer it to a m&p any day.
I Love the looks of the old S&W semi automatics. They just had a simple, and classy/elegant look to them. Thank you Sootch for posting this video!
Thanks John!
I carried a S&W 5906 for a few years as an armored car guard. Loved the gun, and if I ran out of ammo I could bludgeon the bad guy to death.
Remember the 90's when everyone was using the 5906, Beretta 92, and the 1911. I remember those days.
Yes, good memories. Thanks
sootch00 wow sootch thank you so much for reviewing this great american classic... ive been asking you for the longest.. THANK YOU!
I am still not seeing any improvement for real world gun owners who aren't shooting for boasting rights, competitions, or combat situations. (other than weight)
Word. Smith DA/SA autos were the real deal. My 6904 holds its own with my Sigs and Berettas.
TheTyrial86 I'm pretty sure Denzel totes two 5906 pistols in Training Day.
Love Smiths, I have owned a 910 witch was an economy model 9mm. As soon as I was able I had it tweaked including having it hard chromed. Has been on my hip for 27 years. Thanks for the awesome videos. Keep them coming!!!
Thanks Brother!
The 5906 was my first purchase of a semi-auto pistol back in the early 90s. I had friends who went Beretta, Sig P226, HK (even though it was single stack), 1911 ... and actually nobody went Glock as it was so new and peopel didn't know what to think of it. It's heavy and a real chunk of a pistol, but I liked the feel of it and the way it shot. I put a Crimson Trace laser grip on it, and it was my go to home defense handgun for many years.
The first gun I bought was a second generation 659. I still have it. It's one of the most accurate guns I own.
The first centerfire handgun I ever purchased was the similar S&W 3906. I still have it and still use as a carry gun.
Same here - the first pistol that I ever purchased and I still own it. I had a custom kydex holster made for it, but don’t carry it much due to its weight.
I have a model 4013 S&W .40. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT AND REFUSE TO GIVE IT UP EVEN THOUGH ITS DISCONTINUED AND PARTS AND MAGS ARE HARD TO FIND AND EXPENSIVE. I literally can hit a 6 inch target at 100 yards almost every time. .40's have a considerable drop at 100yrds. about 6"!!
Have a 4516, 5906 and a 1006. Smith and Wesson should never have stopped making them.. I like them so much better than the M&P series.
Love these guns I own a 5906 with the adjustable sights. This is the gun I keep in my nightstand It beats the Glock and Springfield for that duty because it shoots so well. It's not the greatest carry gun because of its weight
I carried both the 5906 and 4506. Both were reliable and had decent accuracy. Compared to today's offerings, this is definitely Old School. I would rather carry a P226/227 if I were going to carry a DA/SA gun.
MattyD10000
I'm with YOU ALL THE WAY on
S&W Dusting OFF their Machinery and Restart making Real Guns.
I have The 5906 and it has in NO Time or WAY Ever Let me DOWN !
I had an old 469. I actually bought it new shortly after I turned 21. The 469 was a slightly smaller version designed for CC for law enforcement. Lots of people called it the detectives gun. It was a really good gun for it's day. If I recall, it held 12+1 or, it could also use the longer 459 magazines for 14 or 15 rounds.
It was notably more reliable than most of the semi-auto "Wonder 9's" handguns back then. That's one I regret selling. I don't know if the 469 is particularly rare but I haven't seen one in years. I will snap one up if I see one at a reasonable price.
That was my duty sidearm in the Montana Highway Patrol the 5903 9mm was a great gun still have my now we carry the Sig Sauer P229R 357 SIG round that's another great gun too I love our Sigs too.
My old 5906 was the first “high capacity” pistol I ever bought 20 years ago after being inspired by Reservoir Dogs .....14+1 if I remember and I loved it until I damaged the extractor by dropping it while having the slide removed during cleaning and it never worked perfectly again. An ergonomic dream
Thanks for the review Sootch. I have a 5906 that I bought new in the 80's. It's like new with less than 150 rounds through it. There were quiet a few 3rd gen smiths on the TV show Miami vice.
Thanks Brother! Miami Vice for the win!
One of my favorites of all time. I really wish I bought one when I had the chance. I would like to see Smith produce an updated model in Da/Sa with a rail, night sights; and without the magazine disconnect, or slide mounted safety.
I love these older Smiths. I would like to get a few but I never see them in my area. Thanks for sharing this one!
Thanks Labby!
Fantastic handgun right there, I owned one in the mid 90's and it ran like a Swiss watch. One of a handful of handguns I would trust my life with.
Love the old school S&W pistols. I still have my 4516, (.45 ACP compact), and 5906, and they shoots as well now as it did in '95 and '98 when I bought them. My 4516 is still in my EDC rotation. Still looks great after more than 20 years of holsters. I honestly can't remember ever having a failure from either. I would love to see these reborn. Solid pistols. American classics!
I had the 5903 SSV version (short Slide version, the Police used to call it the Special Service Version). It was a limited run of 1500 made for either the NJ or Penn state Police and was a 1/2 shorter slide, bobbed hammer and sported a Blued slide with matter aluminium frame. The magazines had the 15th round marker punched out of it on original 14rd mags. It was really light, about 24oz. I will say as good as it was It really wasnt as accurate as any modern Glock, M&P or XD which is why I sold it off a couple years ago. Got over $500 for it and paid about $470 back in 1991.
The Tactical 6 String You sold a 1 of 1500 gun for 500 bucks?! Are you nuts?
If the market was there It would of sold for more. I had up for sale for months and the rareness of it added only about $150. I enjoyed it for 20yrs and got more then I paid for it. There were A LOT of the 59 series pistols made and based on what Sootch paid I feel even better about it. Theres one on Armslist right now for $475, knock yourself out.
Excellent Review! These now classic DA/SA Pistols are of excellent quality and will provide a lifetime of service.
Years ago I had the S&W 4506 which was excellent, but I later sold it off when going to the .45 EAA Witness.
Thanks JWC!
l've had a soft side for these Smith and Wesson automatics since l saw Don Johnson use them in Miami Vice. It's a shame these are almost nonexistent where l live.
He carried the bren ten also
...and there is the 6906 stainless steel slide in 9 mm. I have owned one for over twenty years, and it is perfect for concealed carry with 12 rounds magazines that I purchased used from a local gun shop.
I own a 5906 bought it new and put 150 rounds through but wasn't able to shoot for health reasons but after a long time I'm able to shoot again starting this month. Can't wait to shoot it again.
Thanks for sparking the passion of shooting after watch your videos.
Awesome! Enjoy your range time brother!
Thanks I sure will.
Thank you for your awesome channel, I've learned lots from you while watching your videos.
Keep up the super job your doing, you're a true asset to the shooting community.
The 5946 is the most modern variant of this gun. It lacks the magazine disconnect safety.
I happen to own a 915, which is sort of the economy model of these pistols. It's blued instead of stainless.
my FEG PJK9 (hi Power clone) had a mag disconnect, hate it. So I removed it. still works fine, trigger is lighter and mag drops free.
I know this video is a few years old, but you do the best reviews on the net. Just ordered a 6906 from Atlantic. Had a 4506 back in the Crockett days. Super weapons.
Sig hat while showing the Smith? Love it...
What can I say? I love guns : ) Thanks Mark!
You need some cool LE GLOCK hats...do you have any of the Blue Line hats from Glock? Let me know if you would like some. They don't make them any more. The are fitted and VERY nice. I am retired from Glock and have some racks of hats left. Send me a PO Box or address and I will send you some. A "thank you" for all you do for us out here. Email is gunnerman423@gmail.com
Willie
I have a back-up cop 6946 (the compact DAO version) that was used by the St Louis PD. As in all things S&W, the St Louis PD did not like the mag disconnect, so S&W left it out. They printed a warning on the slide though. Great gun. I traded away my Compact Sig 320 after I got used to the 6946. The DOA trigger is heavy but has a short pull. (I am a revolver guy so 10 pound triggers are no issue).
Still have a original Model 59, had it for 40 years. It is a fine weapon, still runs like a clock.
I've got the Smith&wesson 915 which is the same gun. Love it! Mecgar has a 17RD mag for them. Fits flush just like the 15rd.
Carried a 5906 for 6 years on duty. Loved it!!
I still own a 5926 (full-size, all steel, frame-mounted decocker). It's one of my all-time favorite pistols and is absolutely one of the most accurate pistols I own! Great video! Thanks!
Thanks Brother! They are just shoot-able.
I used to have a 4006 with adjustable sights and stainless. looked just like the one in the video. Very heavy it was cool back in the 90"s.
You still see a lot of these with the NYPD veterans, they stopped giving them out years ago but you still see the old timers with em.
Ive been waiting so long for someone to make a video about the 5906
Great video. I do believe as well that these were built to a very high degree of workmanship and expense especially earlier on where the entire fire control group was made of forged parts. They have no sharp edges, a generous beveled magwell, great sights, and are very durable. Those silver hammer and triggers are forged, machined, and flash chromed (but some are black too). The ones with the indented area on the hammer are later MIM. The S&W MIM in these are regarded as excellent as they made the investment to do it themselves. I'd say that if a 5903 like the one in this video were made today in low numbers, they would cost in the $1200-1500 range.
when ruger came out with the p series I was a kid and fell in love. the p91dk was my pick. investment cast frame, I think it was ground breaking for its time. it had a kind of art deco look to it.
WoW I remember, 5906 it was my first law enforcement gun about 20 years ago!
The finish on those guns were great. The 5900 series is what convinced me to buy the 910s because it looks very similar. Great Video!
Thanks Brother!
Glad to see some old school gun reviews :)
A 4006 was my first autoloader. Still have it, probably never get rid of it, even though I don't carry it anymore.
I like the looks of full metal guns over polymer, I just like heavier guns in general.
A little old school action, love it! The 5906 and 4006 were some of the best pistols ever made. S&W were on top of their game then.
Thanks Johnny!
I have a 5906 with five or more 15 round mags pluses 3 10 round mags with the S&W box and paperwork. let's talk.
I owned a 645, 5906, 4506,and a 4516. I regret ever selling any of them. Those were absolutely great guns.
This video reminded me of my old S&w 4006 had a bobbed hammer and adjustable sight got it as a CHP trade in some years ago. Thanks for the memories
Thanks for watching Steven!
I have one that I still use. last year I got two mags from midway for about 25 bucks.
My first duty weapon out of the academy was a S&W 5906 in '91. I liked it at first because it was the best out of the S&Ws we could choose from. It was heavy, but my big complaint was that it rattled to much. There was just too much play between the slide and the lower receiver. I finally was able to go to Glock which alleviated both of my complaints.
Better late then never... Its my first 9mm gun since i started shooting at our local range in Holland. Used to be my fathers pistol but he stopped shooting and gave me his gun. Love to shoot it!! And indeed, it shoots low.
really enjoyed that review.a few months ago I was doing some pawn shopping and found a hardly used 5903 and a new in box 659.When these guns were new I could not afford them and had a big family to feed.when I saw them sitting in that pawn shop I had a damn hot flash-LOL.
Awesome gun. My 5906 hits slightly low as well, but it's consistent.
Man I love it when ya look at old school guns. Learning something new and get a break from all the videos of today's same ol guns. Man I would love to have one. Love an all metal gun and I love a hammer fired gun too. Keep em coming Sootch.
Thanks Brother! It's a keeper.
Thanks for the video, had a 457 model...total junk, glad they finally made a good model in the M&P series
I use to own a 3913 many years ago, for a single stack 9mm it was a very good shooter
I just picked up a 6904 in Excellent Condition !
Wonderful Tank !
My first duty weapon was a 5906. Really great at busting windows open.
It seems people either loved or hated 1st,2nd,3rd gen s&w semi auto's. I'm in the camp that loves them
It's like a beretta 92 and browning hipower had a baby.
Your correct about it shooting low but very easy to get used to.
Okay so a friend of mine said, "Yo, I'm gonna go shoot some steel with your Glock 19, is that okay?"
I just nodded, gave him a smile and said, "Sootch yourself."
:)
Lol! Now that's funny! Thanks Brother~
Novak has replacement sights in many configurations. I really favor the 4006 straight grip vs the original arched or Hogue. Slap a Wolff spring kit in the pistol and see the trigger pull decrease a pound. Sootch, send the whole frame to Robar for their NP3 Plus finish. They will apply NP3 to all the internals including hammer, sear and trigger to really smooth out the trigger; plus make the frame match the slide. S&W 3Gen guns lead the charge for semi-autos in law enforcement. The 4506 and 5906 were first authorized by my department in '91. Good find.
Thanks Fazer! I haven't considered a Wolff spring kit. Robar is the deal. I've got a Super Blackhawk heading there now. I appreciate your service to your community my friend.
6906 is my first 9mm1992 still love it and it is a small tank. Don't shoot it much now, but this is a showpiece.
Reggie Hammons ii
I really like the Smith&Wesson 3rd gen pistols. I still have my 5906 and would not trade it for anything...
I remember almost buying one back in 94.
I really love these guns from Smith and Wesson. Awesome design, and old school charm.
5903 TSW does have an accessory rail. Same exact gun just with a 1913 pic rail bolted on underneath.
The S&W 5906 is on my list, I like to buy pistols/rifle combo's so I can pair them and I plan on pairing a 5906 with a Ruger Mini-14. They're both from the same era so it seems just right.
I have the 4563, thin, comfortable, extremely well balanced pistol. I love it, will NEVER sell it. Parts are harder to find like holsters and magazines.
Sootch, I'm glad that you review rare/old/uncommon firearms here. If you only ever reviewed modern polymer pistols or things that are popular, there'd be nothing new or fresh about your channel to set you apart from the others. (But you do those as well). I learn a lot about firearm history and field stripping here.
Thanks Brother, I love the older firearms and the change of pace. They seem to have more soul : )
sootch00 For sure, modern mass produced stuff is great, but holding a piece of (sometimes) hand-assembled history is really neat. And as I said, it's good for me to learn how to take down the action on many rarer weapons. Might have to someday
Bought my 5903 back in the spring, old Police weapon. A great pistol, like your posts!
great weapon have a few CS9 4043 4006 and something else can't think of it but anyway they are wonderful guns enjoy them it's about the only guns I haven't traded or sold brought the first CS9 when I was still active duty at the school of Infantry east Geiger North Carolina thank you for the video it's refreshing to hear from a guy who actually knows what he is talking about. retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Thomas
one of my favorite and most accurate pistols I've ever owned!! bear to carry tho
The intro song is GOOD. This motivated me to do my homework...
Got one. Also have the 6906. great guns. Built like a tank.
Yesterday I went to my favorite but not too close gun shop. Just for kicks, say hello, buy some ammo or maybe buy Walther P1/P38 pistol. Walthers were gone but I found one of these 5903s under the counter. I fell in love immediately and bought it. Price was very reasonable 7500CZK/327USD for pistol with two mags and nice leather/kydex paddle holster, condition of the pistol was nice too, one downside was that one a***hole try to dissasemble the gun and scratch the frame around the take-down lever pin on the right side of the frame. So sad but no big deal. I'm so happy, it was one of my dream guns that maybe, in the future, some other time... but opoturnity knocks and it was no-brainer. Now I can't wait for my sunday range-time.
Greetings from Czech republic, Sootch. And thanks for your reviews.
My first duty weapon i was issued was a S&w 4566 Tsw and i was issued a s&w 3913 for off duty. My department has since switched duty weapons however everyone is issued the 3913 for off duty. We are not allowed to qualify with any other off duty weapon
Earlier models had Flash Chrome and Carbon Steel Hammers. Later models like my 5906 have black skeletonized MIM Hammers
These are some of my favorite guns to be honest.
You have to do the 4506 next... Sonny Crockett would be proud.😁
Hell yeah and t-x greetings