My dad who is turning 80, gave me his 5906. He said he’s no longer strong enough in the hands to shoot it. I told him I’d always treat her right and think about him every time I shoot it. Great review 👍🏻
Thanks so much! I appreciate it. That's so cool that your dad passed that pistol down to you. And a gun like a 5906 will last many generations more. I guess some people want to see guns merely as tools for self preservation... and while they are, that... they mean so much more. Thanks again and take care.
@@HipsterTactical I have many firearms that are more expensive and more modern, but I’ll be honest, that 5906 means more than anything to me. No amount of money could convince me to get rid of it. Keep up the great reviews and be safe brother 👍🏻
I wish they would. I'd kinda like to see a "4th gen," if you will... some tweaks and improvements, etc. Maybe some design changes that make them a little more cost effective in terms of production. I think people would buy them--and they'd pay a decent amount of money. Thanks for watching!
Nice to see the younger generation, enjoying the old Ironside 5906. The 5906 (square trigger guard w/ SS trigger & hammer) was my first handgun I bought in 1990 and I still own it today; will never part with it. It needs new sights (preferably HiViz) and a trigger job, because that pull weight and long travel is now a turn-off & outdated. But that gun is a super sweet shooter, and will eat any ammo you feed it without question. I've used it in IDPA events and its simply reliable and accurate; but not a top performer due to that weight & trigger travel & safety feature. Thanks for the video
Thank you so much for watching! Honestly, I wish more people would appreciate the merits of classic guns like this--because I think they bring some worthwhile benefits to the table that, often, seem lacking in modern guns. The 5906 is a solid, great-shooting gun in any age. And I'll be honest... I wanted the adjustable sight version because that's what Mulder and Scully had in X-Files. Anyway... thanks for stopping by. Got some more reviews in the works, so... stay tuned...
Nice! Congrats! I feel like that's a great deal... especially for a gun that's so well built and durable. I paid a bit more for mine, but I reeeally wanted one with the big adjustable sights (because that's what Mulder and Scully had in X-Files). I'm sure you'll love shooting it. I love shooting mine. Thanks for watching!
I recently acquired one from my father who is a retired sheriff he carried it for years. I love the history and the gun it’s a great shooter would definitely recommend it.
Nice! Congrats. That's really cool to get a gun with a family connection like that--and it's really cool to get a 5906, anyway. I'm sure your dad trusted the gun with his life. I know I trust mine. Take care and thanks for watching!
I’ve owned way too many polymer semiautomatics, and most are gone now. I’ve been carrying revolvers for the past couple of years, but I found a 5926 two days ago. Absolutely mint, and ELEVEN magazines. Its trigger reminds me of my Sig P229. I carry .357 revolvers, so the weight doesn’t bother me one bit. In fact, I can easily fit the 5926 in the front pocket of my dress slacks (I’m 6’2”). It prints, but I don’t care. The fact that they were used in “Reservoir Dogs” boosts the cool factor a few more notches.
Dude, I’m jealous! I have this irrational desire to own a 5926-I love the looks of the frame-decocker 3rd gens. And I think absence of the levers on the slide provides a slicker profile for carry. But that’s so awesome you were able to find such a good deal. 3rd gens are addictive. I just bought a 4506-1, actually-already one of my fave .45s. Wanna do a comparison between that and the P220. Anyway… thanks for watching and thanks for the comment!
Thank you! Yeah, there's something... endearing... about real, solid, honest-to-goodness steel. It feels like it means something when you hold it. I'll always love the 5906. It's a solid, reliable workhorse today, much as it was back in the 90s. Thanks for the kind comments, as always!
Nice! Thanks for the LE perspective. I know a lot of officers carried these and, from what I've heard, most seem to think highly of them. Thank you for the comment and for your service.
I shoot one of these and considering it was made in the 80’s it holds up really well. I shot one without it having been cleaned for decades and it functioned flawlessly. I cleaned it up and lubed it properly, and I have complete trust in the steel. I definitely love heavier, stainless steel guns more than Glocks. It just feels more manly.
That's incredible. Definitely a testament to the design. In my experience, the Smith 3rd gen 9mms are about as reliable as anything. I also have a 6904 (which is a black 6906) in addition to this 5906. Both are 100% reliable. Also never had any problems from my 645... or the 4506-1 I have currently. Smith made some solid pistols. Thanks for the comment!
I carried one of them when I first got into the department. My cyclemattes and I picked one out of a box and were told that was our issued weapon. I was fortunate that I had a reliable one. Some people had ones that constantly jammed but nothing but some elbow grease and new mags solved some issues. I carried mine for about four years until we were issued Glocks. I carry a Glock 23, issued to Detectives and other specialized personnel. I love the Glock but the 5906, I liked. Reliable and at times, I used it as an impact weapon. Can't do that with a Glock.
Interesting. Thanks so much for sharing your experience--always intriguing to hear insights about how these classic guns performed on duty. Surprising to hear your department had reliability issues. Most anecdotes from LEOs seem to suggest these things ran really well. Like you said, maybe it was more magazine related? I have heard that some of the earlier 1st and 2nd gen Smith autos weren't as reliable as the 3rd gen--and my experience with the model 39-2 I've had corroborates that; man, that was a great-shooting gun. But it would have occasional FTFs and FTEs. In any case... thanks so much for the comment and the insight! Stay safe.
If you wanted to carry the 5906 you'd be wise to find a 5903 alloy frame variant. They had a huge variety. I personally dig the 6900 series. The hidden gems are the rare 5905 all blued carbon steel version of the 5906 and any of the dao variations.
I have a 6904. It’s one of my faves. Would love to find a 5905 or melonite 5906 “Modelo Militar.” Third gens are kind of addicting. Thanks for the comment.
Thanks, homey! I appreciate it. I try to make things engaging and interesting... while providing relevant context/information. Thanks a lot for watching!
I enjoy my original model 59 (blued steel slide and forged aluminum frame). It goes along well with my model 39-2 (single stack 9mm). Both have nice triggers.
Nice! I had a 39-2 for a minute. Man that thing was a great shooter. It never seemed 100% reliable though. I sold it to my buddy just as kind of a collector’s piece. But the 1st gen Smith have a great feel. Thanks for the comment!
From my personal experience- SW 3gen. pistols are far superior than every other 9mm pistol. I have alloy frame SW 5903 and I also have Beretta 92FS and I had CZ 85 Combat wich I sold to my friend. Also I handled and shot a lots of Glocks, HP35s, CZs and I honestly have to say it has the best trigger- so smooth and the reset, the size, the weight and more over weight distribution/ center of gravity, the sights, mag. design...and above all 100% reliability. No need to do any aftermarket upgrades, no trigger jobs and so. My SW 5903 is my Go-to-War pistol. I will never sell it.
Yeah, I tend to think the practical merits of the 3rd Gen pistols are FAR underrated... and under-recognized. I agree--the 5900 is kind of a sweetspot in terms of size and shootability. That said, I also find that the 6900-series guns to be superb carry guns. I've got a 6904 which, for a time, was my go-to carry gun. All that said... there are guns that I find to be more natural shooters... like the Beretta 92 and single-stack Sigs. But, it's hard to beat the balance of features and benefits the 3rd gens bring. One other thing I'll add........ If you love 3rd gens, check the Daewoo/Lionheart pistols. In a sense, they're like upgraded (4th gen?!) 3rd gens. I plan to do a review on my Daewoo DP51c, soon. Plus... they take 3rd gen mags. Which is dope. Thanks so much for watching and commenting!
@@HipsterTactical Thanks for the tip, I knew about Daewoo pistols from before but I never knew they are (apart from the safety lever on the frame) basicly SW 3gen. knock-offs. I never heard of Lionheart pistols but they look super nice- and with the Novak sights... hmm hmm hmmm... yep:D Mine 5903 came with Novak sights- those were good but I replaced them with Tritium sights from Meprolight (still Novak style), it brings the pistol to another level. My next buy will (probably) be another SW 3gen. pistol- here on the market are models 4006 and 1006, they are little bit pricey, but one of them will end in my hands (I´m little bit tired of 9mm and I want something different/ more exotic). For CCW my summer EDC is original USSR PM Makarov with 2 spare mags and my winter carry is CZ83 with tritium sights and 1-2 mags. Sometimes I add back-up CZ45 (Sootch00 did recently review on this). Btw. I´m not from U.S. I´m from Czech Republic- island of freedom and gun rights in whole Europe. Things are little bit different from you guys over there but we can own (and carry) practicly the same as you. For example I have original (semi-auto) open-bolt Uzi with retractable stock and standard-length barrel (no those SBR bullshits) :D
Man, I think you and I have similar tastes. I also carry a Makarov PM from time to time. I love the gun-very accurate, slender and reliable. Mine is East German… the legit USSR PMs are a fortune over here in the states. That’s really you have that piece of history. The next 3rd gen on my list is a 4506-1. I’ve got a 645… which is very nice… but man, the 4506-1 is just beautiful. Yeah, the Lionheart guns are basically just rebranded Daewoos. They make them in the U.S. now, so current production ones are $$$$. But they’re all really nice pistols. Some considerable differences internally, but they handle, feel, look and shoot like 3rd gens for sure. Czech Republic is a place I’d love to visit. I have heard you guys have similar guns over there too-that’s really cool. Speaking of the Czech Republic… man I want one of those FK Brno PSDs! You’re country is awesome! Thanks again, my friend!
Don't forget the 5903 its is a great compromise from the 5906. The same gun but with aluminum frame and SS slide. Its about the size of a G19 and about only 4 oz heaver. Feels great in the hand, recoil is much more comfortable than any of the synthetic frames. Also they come with SS magazines . The Gen 3s are all great guns. Buy one if you find one.
Yeah, the 5903 is a great option if you're looking for lighter weight. I have a 6904 with the compact alloy frame. It's a great pistol. Saved my dog's life one day. Thanks for the comment!
I agree. And I think a gun like the 5906 brings something to the table--in terms of feel and shootability--that a lot of the more common guns today lack. Thanks for the comment!
PSA: Make sure you get a new recoil spring when you buy one of these beautiful old pieces of art. My 5906 had some really gnarly damage done to the barrel locking area, especially on the frame near the breech face when locked. It was truly devastating to find. The pistol was too damaged to safely shoot. I suspect the previous owner(s) had run a lot of rounds through it, with the original spring from 89'. Good luck to anyone purchasing one of these! They really are awesome guns, and are built like a Sherman tank.
Thanks for the insight... I did change the recoil spring on this one. Also changed it on my 6904--which seemed kinda weak, honestly. I know the 3rd gen design cams the barrel with ramped surfaces on the sides... I'm sure those can get damaged without a good spring. Appreciate the comment!
9 месяцев назад
Have a 1006 and 4006, finally for christmas wife unit green lighted my purchase of a pristine 5906. The gen3's set the bar for reliability, have 1000's of rounds on the first 2, any ammo, any kind, like a hungry teenager eats everything, have never had 1 jam. Solid brute steel, no plastics allowed.
It's always cool to hear someone extol the virtues of the 3rd gens. I actually had a 1076 for a minute... which would have an occasional FTF. Maybe it was ammo.. I dunno. But my 4506-1, 645, 5906, 6904 and 3913/14 have all been 100%. Thanks for the comment, buddy!
Yeah, dude. I remember seeing those cheapo PR trades come in last year. Sigh. I will say.... I REALLY wanted one with the adjustable sights. And I didn't want the hooked trigger guard. So, I guess that could justify a bit of a premium? Plus, mine's in good shape. Definitely not the most I've overpaid for a gun. Thanks!
Nice! Yeah, the old-school Smiths are addictive. I really want a 5926, right now--that's basically a 5906 with a Sig-style decocker. It's kinda rare. And therefore I want it. Also... it seems like it'd be a little more svelte for carry. Anyway... thanks for the comment!
My second firearm was a S&W 4506 back in the late 80s. The only thing I didn't like was the safety on the slide and the magazine safety. It was a great shooter otherwise
Nice. I love my 4506-1. Yeah, I kinda liked the Sig-style decockers that Smith offered in the early '90s. But people seem to think they were fiddly and fragile. I had a 1076 for a minute... the decocker always worked great. All that said, I don't mind the slide-mounted lever. I usually just carry deocked, safety off anyway. Thanks for the comment!
That brings joy to my heart. I was in Vancouver a few years ago, and some cops at the airport had 59XXs in holsters. I’m guessing they weren’t RCMP… but, definitely still in use. I was in NYC in last year, saw plenty of 3rd gens in holsters. Cool to know these pistols are still getting used. Thanks for the comment!
1300?! Did you tell them they were smoking crack? Unless it was like a Performance Center version that’s crazy. I just did a search on Gunbroker and there’s quite a few for sale in the $500 range. This is where I got mine: www.gunbroker.com/item/926919481 Go for it, man! You’ll love it. Thanks so much for watching.
@@nathanielmcginnes8592 Yep. Another guy who commented here mentioned he bought one for $400. I paid a bit more for mine... but I was holding out for the big adjustable sights. So, I ain't mad...
I got into law enforcement in 1991. My first issue gun was a third generation Smith & Wesson 5946 which was a double action only 9mm. I shot it really well. The officers who could afford their own guns were mostly moving to Glocks and it would only be a couple of years before that department along with most others went to Glocks. Glocks are what killed the steel frame guns. They were just as accurate, even more reliable, and durable and way lighter. They became the wonder guns, and they still are in my opinion. When I changed departments I bought a Glock 21 .45 and later a G19 and G27. The department I worked for had an MBA as assistant chief and he made the arming decisions so I wound up having to carry what they issued for awhile when I was in uniform which was a SIG 229 in .40. Worst gun I was ever issued. I will not touch a Sig to this day. That thing was poorly balanced piece of garbage that would rust with you looking at it. It was hot garbage. I liked the Smiths a lot and enjoyed the one I was issued but after Glocks came about everything else just became second place. Now for just enjoying at the range the heavy steel guns are still a lot of fun to own and shoot.
I love the Smith 3rd gens. Personally, I feel they have the best DA trigger pulls compared to Beretta, Sig and HK. The DA on my 5906 is butter. And no herky-jerky BS when the hammer falls. I'd like to try some DAO 3rd gens--with a DA that good, I might not even miss the SA! Interesting you didn't like the P229. I like mine, in 9mm. It's accurate. But, to me, not as intuitive as a Beretta. Though if I do my part I can get some impressive groups with it. My favorite Sig is the P239. Works really well for my small hands and I find to match just about anything else I've shot in terms of raw accuracy. It'll shoot groups with my P88.
Awesome. If you like the Beretta 92, I feel like you’ll dig the 5906. I love the 92, personally. Also did a review on my 92F. And I hear you-Glocks aren’t my thing either. Thanks a lot for watching.
Gotcha. Feel like you can’t go wrong with either. I’ve never never removed the mag safety on a Smith. But I think you simply remove the rear sight and it kinda pops out. Good luck with it.
They are the best shooting semi pistol . 3 rd gen smith was the pinnacle but plastic cheapness ended its reign . Shoot a g19 and this 5906 at range . It’s not even close .
Couldn't agree more. A Glock 19 is a solid, reliable gun... but I've never been able to put rounds on target like I can with an old warhorse like this. Thanks so much for watching!
@@HipsterTactical put it this way , you get a 5906 and enjoy it the rest of your life . You get a Glock and people start replacing parts . And even after all that , not even close
Hola mi amigo! Yo no se in quetzales… eres en Guatemala? Yo voy a Guatemala en 2020… Antigua, Ati lan… muy Bonita. 5906 es $400 $500, dolares Americanos, pero no Nuevo. Los Ciento, mi espanol es no bueno. Gracias para mirar!
My local gun store just got a shipment of 5906s from a police trade in. Priced just shy of $600. I really want one but I’m afraid vehicle repairs must come first.
Yeah, I know how it is. Been there. If you can swing it, I’ll say it’s definitely worth it. If they’re in good shape, that sounds like a decent price. Especially if you don’t have to pay shipping + transfer. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for checking it out! I'd say it's around 10-12 lbs. Like I said--not necessarily the lightest, but very smooth and easy to shoot, in my opinion.
@@HipsterTactical I’m planning to find me one of these and purchase. I’m trying to find someone who can do a trigger job first though before buying me one.
@@misssassycompany9950 That's cool. It's an awesome gun. I think you'll dig it. Check out Wolff gun springs--you can get a lighter hammer spring and that will lighten up the DA pull. But don't go too light... or might get light primer strikes.
Aluminum is for beer cans. Plastic is for toys. Steel - that's the ideal material for firearms! But seriously, the other materials have MULTIPLE drawbacks, while only providing ONE benefit -- weight -- and that's only a partial benefit (weight helps control recoil). So when you go with a polymer frame, it's a sucker's tradeoff. I don't think it's worth gaining all the drawbacks for the "benefit" of lightening my carry load by a "whopping" 8 oz or whatever. Just seems like a braindead engineering gimmick to me.
Haha. I love me some steel heft, bro. The 5906 feels like... truth. But I have issues with my alloy-framed Sigs and Berettas. They taking a licking and keep on ticking. But... real steal still feels like the real deal. Thanks for the comment!
@@jason200912 "Muh weight all day carrying". Unless you're at absolutely ideal body composition and top physical condition, your argument is invalid. You're gonna sit here and argue about 2 to 4 extra oz from a steel frame while carrying around 10+ pounds of unnecessary body fat?
@@The_Conspiracy_Analyst body weight which is evenly distributed is super different from added hip object sticking out weight focused in one spot. I got back pain soreness from going above 35 oz carry and it went away as soon as I brought down the weight by 10oz
@@jason200912 Yeah and guess where your "extra weight" is distributed on a man? Right where you're talking about. If your an average man, you can pinch up at least 2" of fat right where you're talking. That's like 20 lbs of extra weight. Then you are seriously going to complain about 10oz? I think your problem in maintaining it securely lies with holster selection quite honestly.
