S&W 3rd Gen Semi Autos

[1775usmarine]

Hey 1775usmarine!
I thought of you when I was trying to find this thread!

Follow up: I just tried both & they fit perfectly for me: nice & tight & the thumb strap connects (snaps) good.
I am pleased!
I got an OWB holster with it so I'm set.

Getting ready to stop at a friend house in Shelbyville & pick up a 22 pistol & rifle to shoot (the pistol I bought last night for him), just for fun.
So, I got my new 6964 & friend's 2 guns to shoot & a couple more of mine, so it looks like a 3-4 range visit, which is good b/c my wife is in work mode & I have to hide.

I figured you'd know where the gun came from since you keep your eye on anything SW 3rd gen.
Full report with my boring range pics will ensue.

I always call S&W and try to get manufacturer date since I like knowing how old the ones I get are, especially those that are in excellent condition.

 

[1775usmarine]

Was able to secure a trade deal and 2 more 3rd gen adoptees will be joining their extended family.

 

[doddg]

Was able to secure a trade deal and 2 more 3rd gen adoptees will be joining their extended family.

With my personality, I knew not to go down the road to collecting SW 3rd gens.
You are one of the reasons: I could see where it would lead.
I collected silver dollars for every year they made they in this country.
That wasn't to bad, but trying to upgrade for ones in better condition was bottomless

 

[doddg]

Enjoyed my range time with the 6946.
It is just a little smaller than the SW 5906: 1/2" here & there & 11.5 oz lighter.

specs:
Length: 7-in (5906: 7.5")
Height: No Data
Barrel: 3.5-in (5906: 4")
Weight: 26.5-oz (5096: 38 oz)
Produced: 1990 - 1999
Caliber: 9 mm
Action: recoil operated semi-automatic
Trigger: double-action only (DAO) (5906: DA/SA)
Safety: no manual safety
Magazine: 12-round (5906: 15 rd)
Frame: aluminum alloy (5906: stainless steel)
Grip: curved backstrap wrap-around
Sights: Novak Lo-Mount (5906: 3 dot)
Notes: stainless steel slide

These were my very 1st 40 rounds with it.
Top & middle were on a rest: the bottom (#3 & #5) was free hand.
1st rounds were on the head, with the last shots in the heart on torso where the "+" is drawn.
You can see me improving a little (till I went free hand).
DAO trigger not as smooth & light as the Kahr CT9 that I really liked & which I'd kept.
Previous owner said he shot high & to the right but I had a tendency to go low like with my two 5906.

 

[1775usmarine]

Practice makes perfect. Comparing the 6906 to my Taurus G3C they are very close dimensionally, though the Taurus weighs 6oz less and is a bit thinner.. Both hold the same and both allow the use of high cap mags from their bigger brothers. I do shoot better with the G3C than the 6906 at 25 but that was before I realized I need to shoot everything left handed not just rifles as Im left eye dominant. Though the 6906 I have is around a 95% for condition wise and would hate to shoot at the range and want to ditch the g3c.

 

[1775usmarine]

Can't wait to get my hands on those "new" 3rd gens. Looks like a family road trip will take place when the day comes. That'll allow me to inspect them on the 3hr ride back home.

 

[1775usmarine]

Got my 2 new to me 3rd gens yesterday. Which now ups my number to 16 factory 3rd gens and 1 hodge podge franken 5906 short slide clone.

 

[kscessnadriver]

Got my 2 new to me 3rd gens yesterday. Which now ups my number to 16 factory 3rd gens and 1 hodge podge franken 5906 short slide clone.

You've got to pump those numbers up. I think I've got 18, and that's after I've sold off a few...

 

[1775usmarine]

You've got to pump those numbers up. I think I've got 18, and that's after I've sold off a few...

Im startng to become more selective as the models become a bit rarer. Quality over quantity

 

[kscessnadriver]

Im startng to become more selective as the models become a bit rarer. Quality over quantity

I totally get it. I'd probably be willing to move on from at least half of the ones I have, maybe a bit more. Already dumped 2 of the 10mm models, and some of my 45's. I'll probably clear out the rest of the 45 sooner than later.

 

[doddg]

I was just thinking today how glad I am back having a SW 3rd gen with my 6946 purchase from a member a couple of weeks ago.
I got interested in the 3rd gen Smiths reading & learning from this thread over 2 years ago.
I bought a 5906 online b/c a member posted a link for me.
I had processed about it for months trying to resist the world of SW 3rd gens.
Later, I bought another 5906 from a member b/c I preferred it's profile.

Next, I found the "coveted" rear adjustable sights on a 4006 40 caliber model for a great price I couldn't pass up that opportunity.
It showed some finish wear but that didn't bother me since I wasn't looking to be a collector.
I let the 1st one go to pay for the 2nd.
I got into one of my selling frenzies & sold the 2nd one.
3rd got eliminated when I was trimming calibers.
I regretted letting all 3 slip through my fingers.
I have wished many times that I had kept at least 1 of the classic 3rd gens.
I have continued reading this thread envying those who had many variations-on-a-theme of the 3rd gens finding it fascinating.
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to get the 6946 a couple of weeks ago in the Classifieds to make amends & restore balance to my world.

The 6946 is a little smaller in every way compared to the 5906, but not sure about width.
I'm totally fine with it being a "compact" version of the 5906.
An added bonus for me is the DAO trigger in the 6946, since I've grown to like that in a CC.
Having held onto the two leather holsters (IWB & OWB) for the 5906 was a bonus when I realized they fit the 6946.
I even had a non-specific brand version of N8 Tactical tuckable holsters that a member recommended to me that fits like a glove as an added bonus.

 

[1775usmarine]

The widths are the same between the 5900 series and the 6900 series

 

[doddg]

The widths are the same between the 5900 series and the 6900 series

I just knew you'd know!
The 6946 felt like what I remembered from the 5906.

Weren't you the one who put me on to my 1st 5906 with that link for $450 from somewhere online?
In rereading this thread, I realize that link was for $350 5906s.

 

[Johnny C]

Does that S&W have a safety?... yes, it's that finger thing that goes up...

 

[doddg]

Does that S&W have a safety?... yes, it's that finger thing that goes up...

The 6946 has a decocker/safety if I remember.
If it is important I'll have to get up & look in the safe.

 

[1775usmarine]

The 6946 has a decocker/safety if I remember.
If it is important I'll have to get up & look in the safe.

Should be double action only, and not sure if I listed the link or not.

 

[mcapo]

I feel like it is time for this to make an appearance again. Credit to www.LuckyGunner.com

 

[doddg]

Should be double action only, and not sure if I listed the link or not.

It is a DAO, which is one of the reasons I like it.
I get your point & went & looked & since it is DAO: neither safety or decocker.

 

[doddg]

I feel like it is time for this to make an appearance again. Credit to www.LuckyGunner.com

WOW! Utterly fantastic summary chart!

 

[1775usmarine]

I feel like it is time for this to make an appearance again. Credit to www.LuckyGunner.com

Unless you like making franken smiths lol