Dear TFL, please talk me down from buying a SW 5906

N

ninjarealist

New member
Dear TFL,

There is an acceptable amount of money in the bank account and the fever is strong. I'm so nervous that these guns are going to sell out that I'm worried about even posting this thread. Part of me is afraid I won't have another chance at buying on of these fantastic and increasingly rare pistols and part of me thinks the $400 could be better spent.

Are these 3rd - Gen Smiths only going to get rarer? Is this really a "never-going-to-be-a-better-time" situation? Are these pistols actually as sturdy and reliable as so many people say they are and are they only going to become more desirable in the future?

Signed, Anxious in Louisville
 
There is no need to talk you out of it. What condition is it in? They are great pistols and if its new or in similar condition, $400 seems like a good price. You have to take into account S&W no longer offers support but that would not stop me. They are well made, reliable and have lots of accessories / parts available online.
 
I agree with everything Shadi Khalil said. You'd be buying a lot of pistol for $400.00. I wouldn't hesitate if it was me.
 
I purchased a 5903 new back “in the day” and it was my carry/home defense gun for several years. I have since moved on to other models, but the 5903 will hopefully always be in my collection. As to the future price/demand I’m not sure, but suspect availability will decrease slowly. Remember there were a lot of these made as many departments used them, so they’ll probably continue to be available just not as frequently.

If the money you have is budgeted for a handgun and this is what you want – go for it. However, if the money is allocated for other uses I’d hold off and pick one up later.
 
There are a lot of good guns you can get these days for $400. I'd put serious thought into it. But if it's a gun you can't get out of your head, by all means, go for it! Heck, I dropped $400 for a pretty well-used Beretta 8040G.
 
Are these 3rd - Gen Smiths only going to get rarer? Is this really a "never-going-to-be-a-better-time" situation? Are these pistols actually as sturdy and reliable as so many people say they are and are they only going to become more desirable in the future?
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Yes, yes, yes, and yes. They're already more expensive than they were a few years back.
 
To each their own-I know I know I know. I carried a 5906 for about my first two years or so on duty. It was my reality so I didn't know any better...until there was talk we could eventually carry the new and weird plastic Glocks.

After I handled a Glock or two, I was hooked due to my forward thinking firearms instructor's hype at the time and my desire for something new and different. My instructor liked them because Glocks had a consistent trigger pull and no safety to mess with under stress. He stressed the tache psyche effect where a single action trigger pull is just too light while under extreme stress.

After I ordered my new duty weapon, a Glock 17 Gen 2 and was the first in my agency to carry one, I was about to go to a local pawn shop to dump my 5906. It just now happened that my buddy's 5906 was stolen during a burglary of his residence so I sold it to him for next to nothing to help him out and because I just wanted to unload it.

I'm happy there is value to these pistols to keep the gun market moving, but I still feel the same way as I did back in the early '90s. Good luck with your new to you 5906!
 
What can the money be better spent on? Think about it and put the money in the best place for you and maybe your families future.

Please do not buy another firearm. Put it into your investment portfolio and make sure you diversify. Maybe a nice safe utility stock???

Does this help you with your request to the Forum? We aim to please our fella Forum Members. :)
 
The gen 3 S&W autos are thought to be the best Smith has produced. They are excellent guns. Their built like tanks, but they are heavy. I doubt you could wear one out. As stated above , I could not carry one all day. Excellent range weapon, though, and their collectability will only go up, so it depends on your wants and needs as to whether to buy one.
 
They are a good proven gun. I doubt they will ever be very collectable. So if you want a shooter or fighting pistol at $400, the XD9 wins all day long in my book.

If you want a S&W 5906, sounds like now is the time to buy.

If you want it to resell as a collectors piece.....I hope you have grandchildren to give it to.
 
I have a 5903 out currently for some refinishing. Bought it as a police trade-in last year, and it had suffered some pretty bad holster wear and the original grips were in rough shape.

Mechanically, it functions flawlessly and is still in fine condition. It's already one of my favorite range guns,

It has re-awakened my old love for the S&W 2nd- and 3rd generation guns, and now I want a 4506 and another 3913.

My advice? Buy it, you won't regret it.
 
Other than their size, weight, high bore, larger than necessary recoil, less than stellar trigger, and generally fitting the definition of "clunky", they are a fine pistol and for sure belongs in your collection.
Hope that helps. :)
 
Don't think they'll reach collector status? I'll disagree on that one. I don't know if you remember all the police trade-ins of the '70's . Fine S&W revolver for next to nothing. I picked up a model 66, pinned and recessed for the huge sum of $200. model 19's, about the same. Nobody wanted those antiquated revolvers anymore. I got several nice, nice Smith's at this time. Everyone said " Those old guns will never be worth much. Everyone has to have a wonder nine !" Now look at them. They were saying the same thing you did, almost verbatim.

P.S.~ I bought an excellent 5906 1 year ago for $299 at CDNN. Look at where the price is now.
 
I have one I bought new.It was my everyday carry back in the day.Still have it. I can't think of any reason not to.

As far as collectible who knows.But as a shooter I don't think you can go wrong for $400.
 
About a year ago when they were dumped on the market I pick up three of them from CDNN for about $300ea and could not be happier. I got one for me and one for each of my sons, they are solid pistols, stainles steel with high cap mags and are a pleasure to shoot. They do get a little heavy by the end of the day but are great for home and range fun. If you are thinking about adding one to your stable then go ahead, I think prices will slowly go up over time but nothing fast. I think you could do alot worse for a nice condition gun.
 
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