Smith & Wesson Model 915 Gun Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 พ.ย. 2024
- The S&W Model 915 is a 3rd Generation Semi-Auto that was produced from 1992-94. It's part of the "Value Series" but the same design as the Model 5906/5903 Pistols. This is a Police Trade-In I found at Aim Surplus. #Smith&Wesson #Model915 #3rdGeneration
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![America's Last Steel Duty Pistol: The S&W 5906 [Ep 2]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/p0Iq-NtLYIA/mqdefault.jpg)
I purchased my 5906 on the first day of availability.
Based on the serial number, mine was the 40th unit off the assembly line.
It was my duty sidearm and remains my primary carry to this day.
After thousands of rounds...
It remains highly accurate.
Bought my 915 brand new......still have it. It has run flawlessly. NEVER had one malfunction.
I bought mine used in 1999. I agree with you - never had a malfunction of any sort in 25 years of indoor range firing. Looks a bit worn (on the outside) but I'm never going to sell this gun!
S&W third gen auto's tend to be flawless, still regret selling my 3913 it shot amazing for the size and had almost no recoil.
I also had a 5906 but it didn't shoot half as good as the 3913 for me for reasons unknown.
5906, 5903, 59, 59 nickel plated, 910, 915, AND a 4506 are in my collection. A bit of a pain to tear down if you haven't dealt with a 1911 or CZ, but great guns
Hey dad…it’s me. I know we haven’t talked in years since mom got involved in that MLM scheme. I’m grown now and I too enjoy high quality firearms. Let me know if I can come over and shoot your awesome retro pistols... Ok dad. Thanks.
Also the very first version of this family : model 39.2. Great.
This was my first handgun. I still have it. Still accurate and S&W... American classic.
@sootch00.. thanks sootch. Keep doing your great Job but not good for my wallet😂i bought couple of guns according to your great videos. Present fantastic ass rifle, italian beretta bm 59. I tell you awesome. Better than original beloved M14. Regards. Peter
I'm glad someone is showing these old metal pistols some respect. The old S&W 59 series, Sig 22X, CZ, all great pistols. Idc about optics, pic rails, striker fired.
I like the modern stuff but these class of guns seems overlooked these days love these guns they shoot just as good if not better than modern guns...weight does not bother me
@@marcosaruca5283 that's me, I have M&P and glock but love my old metal guns. Idc about weight either. Now seems like what's great today is outdated next week
@jimchambers7548 ia have a sig 365 and 320 xcompact rxp...also have a berreta 92x rdo...looking into getting a compact version for carry....and one day get some sig p22x series which are my favorite
@@marcosaruca5283 my 229 is a 1995 the second year of 357sig and have a 40S&W barrel. It's absolutely my favorite pistol
@jimchambers7548 i rented one at the range and shot it really good loved it i need to get a part time lol
My first handgun. I still have it today. I paid a couple hundred bucks for it new. Bought in in 1994. Great, reliable handgun.
In the early 80s I owned the models 39, 59, and the 439. Unlike my Colt Series 70 before that, never a hiccup from any of them.
I've inherited a S&W 39-2,Mod 6904, and a Mod36. They all work flawlessly.
I bought my 915 in 1999 from my dad's coworker for 300. It's never let me down and no rust. It was my first gun purchase.
This was the first gun that I ever bought… I paid $200 and got 1000 rounds of reloaded ammo with it 😂 oh, times have changed
Nice…although obligatory comment here for others…..I hope you knew who loaded that ammunition at the time. Good way to have a gun blow up in your hand
Well, at least I get to hear about a time like that… 😢
@@Joe-hz1nw a competition shooter that had 18 Dillion precision reloading presses.. he wouldn’t even swap dies. He just had separate stations for each caliber lol he was a master.
@@3-7-77MTthis was about 12 years ago. Lifelong friend. At that time the ammo was worth about all of that and the gun on the used market went for about 400 at the time.
@@KatotownUSA haha that’s the most I’ve ever seen, that’s pretty crazy. I thought my 3 different presses were excessive. Great person to get guns/accessories from.
Dand it Sootch! You make me want everything... thank you for making learning about firearms easy and interesting..
Think of it this way... just building up your 401"G" Thanks Brother~
I love your reviews on these classic old war horses. My vote is for more of this time video. Thanks
I had the 915 back in the early 90's , it was my qualifying pistol during my time in the police academy. I'd love to have another one.
Excellent review Sootch00!
Thanks Brother! I love the quality of these handguns
Me too, academy provided 92s or you could get your own , I bought a new 915 shot 100 rounds to get familiar then my 500 rounds qualify without cleaning or any extra oil, ran perfect from first to last shot, i have replaced it with a 5904 and love it also
@@lintlicker4178 that's awesome, we both used a 915. I will buy another one if I see one available.
Another underrated feature is the magazine safety.. it’s unique because you can leave the pistol with a round chambered ready to go without a loaded magazine inserted.. hear a bump in the night insert a mag and you’re good to go..very safe way to store ready to go firearm for home to defense.
My S&W 5904 is a wonderful handgun. Light. Always works. Never a hiccup. Bought in 1988. The Kansas City PD carried it for several years. (where I live). I don't understand why the 5906 gets all the attention when the 5904 was widely used. The 5904 was ambi.
These Gen 3s are actually outstanding pistols. I own a few that I plan to hang on to... You're right, Sootch. These have some soul to them
Back in 2002 or so, I walked into a local gunshop that had a used mod 915 in the display case. .
A local man was getting his equipment ready for the police academy, bought this firearm and found out that it wasn't authorized. In walks me.I picked it up for, IIRC, $250 and some change plus, the CA tax. I had to buy a couple of 10 round magazines. Since leaving CA, I've bought some 15 round magazines.
The feed ramp was unblemished as was the sliderails.
I gave this handgun to my daughter and some years later she gave it back to me and, bought herself a Glock which she carries.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this fine sidearm Sootch.
I have the 6904 and love it. The thin slide and 12+1 capacity make it a CCW option still, 37 years after it was produced. Can't say enough positive things about it.
I'm so glad to see these getting some recognition. I'm a huge fan of the 1st-3rd gen S&W autos and I while I wish they were as cheap as they once were, I'm glad people are respecting them. Thank you for making a video on the 915, I have been debating whether I should get one or one of the fancier models as the only 9mm one I have now is the 6906, which I carry daily.
Bought one just before the ban. Love it. Still have it and is still my go to. Perfect weight and balance. Sights have been upgraded and that's all it needed. Never thought I would see a review on these after this long . Thanks Sootch
First handgun I bought back in 94, I think. $350. Shot it for the first time in at least 15 years...fired beautifully! Love this gun.
I admire your work and watch all your videos. I'm a police officer in Brazil and I love firearms.
The best gunsmith videos in the world Nobody dies it better than this guy
Thanks Brother!
I bought my 915 back in 1994 at Turner's, and still shoot with it today.
I got mine in 1994 at Turners in Orange. About 500 rounds through it. Have not fired it since 2000. Flawless in performance. I will be passing it down.
This is the gun to own. Mine has never jammed and it's extremely accurate.
I have a 915 I have been debating on selling it but this video makes my love it all over again.i also have trijicon night sights.
I bought two 915s, and New-in-box example, and another in very good condition; both with original box. Great purchases of a great gun...just love it, and for this Gen X guy, it has the style and character I love. I absolute love the short reset of the trigger! I dig my Glocks, but gotta have an all-metal gun!
Spent the day at the range yesterday. Love this gun, lightweight for 15 shots.l, super accurate, and of all the pistols I own this is the most comfortable to shoot. Also of all the pistols I own this is the most comfortable to shoot one-handed
The second gun I ever bought was a Model 59 from Montgomery Wards. I later acquired a 909. Both were very reliable and great shooters. The one I miss the most is the 909, it was a great carry gun.
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The main detractor to the 915 which you have, the 910 i have and the 908, would be the mag disconnect and the guide rod and spring not being captured. I can live without a rail, and without the optic ready slide. These were made Prior to the majority of the Rails and Optic ready slides. My 910 i hit a a Coors Aluminum Bottle at 80 ft, shooting from a pretty good angle, i was at minimum 10 feet higher than the target, So it's a great shooting weapon
An inherited 915 is why I am here. My stepmother's father died, and gave her his firearms. She asked me about it and to clean it for her. Thanks for the information.
That was my first full sized pistol. I absolutely loved that gun
I picked up a good to excellent condition 6906 at a local gun shop a few years ago for under $400. Absolutely love it!
Great little gun. One of my friends carried one as an off duty for years. No jams. Wish I could find one. Good video. Very clear videos and great explanation.
Everything you need. Nothing you don't. Like the Smith model 10 military and police revolver that preceeded, this pistol and its siblings are solid, rugged, potent, reliable and reasonably priced. I own a 410 upgraded with 11 round magazines.
3rd generation Smith's are phenomenal. My favorite is the SW 4506. Heavy yes, older designed yes, but come on they Rock!
I love 4506 too but I want also 1006: )
The 915, my first handgun purchased new 1993. Glad I still have it! Thanks for the review.
I have both the 5906 and 915 police version and love em both. I EDC’ed the 5906 for years before switching to a lighter pistol. Great review of this classic piece of history.
As a police officer i have had alot of guns on my hip. my absolute favorite gun was my 915. it just went straight to my heart.
Good video 👍
The Mec-gar after market magazines are around $37 and hold 17+1.
Great video!
I bought mine new in 1992 & still carry it very often. It's on my belt now.
I have struggled finding replacement sights for it though. I have seen the night sights, but was hoping to add fiber optic to it, to aid my aging eyes.
Thanks to your video, i can now extend my search to include the other models you mentioned with the pre Novak sights.
I have other choices of carry, including striker fired & revolver, but the 915 continues to be my prefered open carry firearm.
It's a fine addition to any collection.
I truly hope Smith and Wesson brings these guns back they are beautiful (the best looking semi autos ever made in my opinion) and will sell. Beretta still makes the 92, CZ makes the 75, HK makes the USP. Why did they stop!?
Smith and Wesson was asked this, and they said the gun would cost them something like $1,100 to make (referring to the 5906), let alone mark up to make any money.
They didn’t think the market would support that price. I 100% agree with them as you still can find a very good condition used 5906 for $400 if you look around. That gap is far too wide to make it viable.
@@Joe-hz1nwpeople are buyin 1911 and sig p22x for around 1000 dollars....people will buy if the product is good
@@marcosaruca5283 take the time to read the second part of my comment.
I’ll say it one more time since you missed it. You can find very nice used 5906’s (among other similar 3rd gen models) for around $400. $400 is less than half of $1,100+profit margin. The math simply doesn’t work.
@Joe-hz1nw i read your comment but new construction is new construction not that i mind a used gun but new is always better
@@marcosaruca5283 new construction is not better most of the time on a proven platform like the 3rd Gen S&W, particularly once they work out the kinks which they did decades ago. I’ll explain why:
1. You can look at the 5906 as an example. Early models had nearly all stainless steel parts. Later models introduced some cast and plastic parts, probably pulled from the value model in this video. I know this for sure because I’ve taken apart several all the way down to the last spring and pin.
2. If they made a version of the 3rd gen S&W today, with the cost pressures I described already $400 vs $1,100 + profit margin (victim of its own success), odds are high S&W would cut more corners, just as they do with all of their revolvers. Take a good look at a nice 1970’s S&W blued revolver vs. one they make now and the difference in quality, fit, and finish is evident.
3. Most guns purchased aren’t shot that much. A robust design like the 3rd series S&W chambered in 9mm or 45 can go 10’s of thousands of rounds, and virtually no one shoots them that much. A lot of the 3rd gen S&W pistols on the market are police trades that sat in a holster most of their lives. Of course there are exceptions but that is the general rule. So a used gun isn’t really all that used, it’s not like it’s a car with 200,000 miles on it.
4. Back to S&W building guns that are cheaper, you can see this in their and others companies focus on making polymer guns with far less parts/complexity. Easier to manufacture, repair under warranty, far cheaper so larger profit margin and accessible to more people with lower incomes. It makes more sense from a business perspective to make these and not the older models.
Lastly, the average gun in my collection is probably 50-60 years old. I’m not a fan of a lot of the newer stuff unless it’s for a very utilitarian purpose. But even with that “bias” it’s clear to me the economic viability of building the 3rd gen S&W models again isn’t there, and S&W agrees with me and said so openly.
I had a model 910 in the mid 90s, my first handgun.
Ive got a 645 and a 4013TSW currently, I used to additionally have a 457, 669, and a 4046. Great guns.
Dam sootch you just took me back to some great great times!! Merry Christmas and happy new year buddy!!
Merry Christmas Brother!
I have had a 659 since 1985. Excellent firearm. All of this series still presents something to compare any modern pistol to. With S&W accessory followers, they take 17 rounds.
Great review! Not a lot of videos on the 915 on youtube. I own one and it shoots real smooth. It truly is a piece of history.
Bought a SW 6906 w/ 5 magazines for $300 a couple years back. I always thought these SW’s were neat.
Love my 915. Absolutely awesome pistol.....👍👍
What a gem ❣️💯. I think it's time Smith & Wesson make an all metal shield plus 4-in and have a premiere with a 2311 all metal performance center line up as well.
i've had a 469 for years. love it. wish it had the shorter takeup that 3rd gens do, but oh well.
Buy the aftermarket trigger take-up spring and your problems will be solved.
My issued duty gun when I graduated from the academy was the 5904. That thing rattled and so loose but I shot that thing great and it never jammed
I got the really old one the 659 it's a little heavy but I like it because it's never failed in the 35 years I have had it. Trust it with my life.
I bought the Smith and Wesson 5946 model. My first gun I have a Purchase in Smith and Wessòn family.
6906 was a great gun. Carried it from 90 to 97 as unauthorized backup in NYC .then we went to glock 19. I sold the Smith & Wesson and I'm sorry I did.
First pistol 🔫 I ever shot was a Smith & Wesson 1076 10mm and Iam still in love with it today ❤ now I carry the Glock 29 with the extended clip . 16 rounds of 10mm ouch 🤕
That decocker is easy to kill with a file or a rotary tool in 10 to 15 minutes. But make sure you clean it inside and out. Then you can carry it cocked and locked. As Martha Steward say’s “it’s a good thing”. As for the trigger I burnish the trigger part with MolyZ powder my double action was 7.5 # and single was 3.5 #.
Smith still markets factory mags for the 59 series. I own a 915 as well as 2, 411s which is the same gun in 40 S&W. I also own several M&Ps and like them also but still prefer gen 3s. Thanks for spotlighting the fine old 915 pistol!
I bought this thing during COVID and was pleasantly surprised to find out that Mec Gar still makes mags for it
It's interesting that your revisiting older models of S&W. I had a subcompact when I was in my early 20's but can no longer remember the model.
I have a 5946 and 6946 myself. Quite heavy (at least the 5946) but excellent pistols to shoot.
I have a 908. The single stack version of this gun. Nice little carry piece.
I have a 908 as well good shooter
My uncle back in the 80s he had one just like that it was Chrome it was a 45
I have owned many of these all metal models over the years and think they are excellent pistols. I still have one which is a model 6904.
My dad has a 915 he bought in 1992. When he bought it he also bought 1000rds of Remington Golden Saber 124gr +P.
He gave me a 5906 for my 21st birthday.
Got a few friends in private contracting. They swear by these. They are as reliable as you can get.
4526, 5906, 6904, 915 love my third gens more than the rest of my pistols. One third gen that eludes is the 4505 would love one. Only 1200 and change were made, about the same production number as my 4526.
Oldie but Goldie
I bought a 915 in the early 90's with the marlin camp 9 before leaving the service. Both use the same magazine. May have over 400 rounds in them. They are great guns and still have them both.
My first pistol!
My CHP 4906 TSW (?) Is my favorite pistol that I own.
Nice. Thank you. Reminds me of El Paso, TX.
On a recent trip to Mexico City, I noticed that a lot of the cops down there still carry this gun... The plastic grips on a lot of them are all beat up but I'm sure they still shoot straight...
The first gun ever carried for concealed carry was a Smith & Wesson model 411 40 S&W it had the magazine disconnect, which I didn’t like
I have two 3rd Gen Smith and Weesons. The 5946 and the 3914DAO. Both have never given me trouble, and are comfortable in the hand. Tried the M&P Shield Plus and did not like the stippling.
Man that beginning was epic. I felt like I was watching a movie with my phone 2” in front of my face so it’s like a big screen TV and the surround sound hits perfectly like u are in the actual movies. And the movie was a freedom movie where the citizens are fighting a modern day revolution. Where a tyrannical government is being taken over with in by a foreign government. Someone idk let me think about it. Ummm China! So now the citizens must start to fight back. And in the movie u are that citizen, you are the star. Ya that would be an awesome movie to see. I think a lot of ppl would realize we all have a little Sootch00 in us.
Thank you for your review of such a fantastic pistol
As a left handed shooter : right handed need ambidextrous for self defense just in case your right hand get injured , left handed do not need we learn how to live in the right hand world ;) ...
Looks like the old mod 37 single stack???? I carried one for several years while Illinois State Police was issued them. It always went bang!!
Interesting specimen. Looks like a cross of the CZ 75 and Browning high power. Thanks Sootch
Thought #1: Man, those were some sweet guns!
Thought #2: Man, I'm getting old!
I wish they still make these
Thanks for doing a video on the 915, brings back a lot of good memories. Being in Ca we can't buy LEO trade ins anymore since the roster, maybe someday.
That means "never again", Sorry.... come to Texas.
I have a 3914, not a single malfunction. Solid. Well made.
Goodie for me.
My first EDC gun was a 5915 bought in 92/93 winter. 1.5 years later, xtra mags were $120 .00 a pop. Then came the Sigma lol
Sigma….I have the 40f, the only pistol I’ve purchased that I truly can’t stand. Bought it new and all the years later I bet it doesn’t have 200 rounds down the pipe.
Smith & Wesson 5906
Hastasıyım ..yarı yolda bırakmaz👑👍🍀
I have the same two guns in this video (915 & 5906). Frankly S&W never should have abandoned entirely the "59" format to chase after the Glock 17. The M&P is OK but they could have developed a polymer frame version of the 59. If you don't think there would have been a market for a DA hammer fired polymer 59 then ask Berretta how many PX4 Storms, ask FN how many FNPs and ask SIG how many SP2022 they've sold.
I have the 439 and this 915. Love both. I should buy a holster for it
Second firearm I ever purchased in 1993 after turning 21 and I still own and have it in my carry rotation along with the the 5906 and 6906 all of with I carry regularly. CHP had some of the 5906 made with pic rails if I’m not mistaken. I would love to find one of those.
Saw one a couple years ago at a shop for 225. The shop was 2 min from my ready mix plant. After deciding I wanted it I got off work and rushed in to find someone filling out a 4473 for it. Wish I snagged it when I first saw it. Did score a very lightly used P07 for 375 though
Looks like the S&W 5905 Blued 9mm handgun that I have. Cool!
A predecessor to all these was the 659, made popular in Reservoir Dogs and Miami Vice. I wish I didn't trade it in.
It sucks that they discontinued these bad boys
I have a 1006, and a 1046. I may have to pick one of these up.
❤ I bought mine and it is very accurate it's has low recoil due to the weight hit the target at 60 yds with the std sights ran around 100 RDS through it Christmas day 2023
I had the 910. Very nice firearm.
Really cool gun! I may have to check into getting one. Thanks sootch for another great review.
This was my first gun ! Luckily it had upgraded sights.
I bought a dirt cheap 915 that had come in on trade at the ffl ibworked for at the time as a lad and ended up carrying it more than my g21, but I remember everyone saying "a 915? You mean a 910?"😂 Sold it as the awb was about to sunset.