S&W 5906 - Best 9mm Ever Made?

[whatmeworry]

I would like some of your opinions on this.
Reading an issue of Gunsmith's Magazine. There was an article about the S&W model 5906 9mm handgun. Claiming it is the finest made 9mm in it's class.
The photo shown in the magazine, was the model with the round trigger guard and stainless trigger/hammer.
I asked the local gunsmith in my town about this claim. His reply was "It is the finest" and the article was correct.
I have seen a few preowned on the internet auction sites. Priced very affordable. Making me think it is the best value for the money.
Now, with all the fine models out there: Beretta, Sig, Glock, Ruger, CZ etc. etc.
How do you rate the 5906 too others? Even other Smith & Wesson's

[sniper48]

Well, considering my very first gun was a 5906 and I still own it, I would say it is one of the finest made. The 5906 will digest any kind of ammo you put in it, it is an accurate weapon and it is a good looking weapon. I have an early production model with the square trigger guard and adjustable sights. I have owned it new since 1989 and probably have put close to 3k rounds through it without a hitch. There are numerous web sights that sell LEO trade in guns in varying conditions. The stainless finish lends itself to easy cleaning and maintenance. I would say if you are leaning towards buying one, do it. You will not be disappointed .

[shortranger]

Any of the 3rd Generation (4-digit model numbers) pistols are arguably the best in their class. The 5906 is certainly one of, if not the best full-sized, all steel 9mm service pistols ever produced. You will undoubtedly get arguments from those who think their particular brand is the best, but over the years I've used just about every make pistol offered and I have always come back to S&W's. I prefer the way Smiths handle and shoot, and happen to think that their internal design is easier to maintain than any other comparable pistol.

The more "modern" polymer designs are in a different class and, although probably better suited for general issue, will not do anything any better than a 3rd Gen Smith. For those of us who like them, nothing works better than a 5900, 6900, or 3900 series S&W. You will not go wrong buying any of them.

David

[deanodog]

I bought two M&Ps a full size and a compact but I shortly sold /traded them and returned to my 3rd gen 5906,6906 and 3913. For me there are no better.

[Leighton]

5906 is the best, and the 5903/4 is second!!!

Of course the 3913 smokes both of them!!!!!!!

[Sustinemus]

I've had a 59 since the 70's and have found no problems with it (other than the dinky caliber). If the 5906 is an improvement, then it is guilding the lilly as far as I'm concerned. I'm no expert, but S&W's have proven their superiority to me a number of times.

[Atarian]

I love my S&W revolvers and my model 39 - but I vote for the Beretta 92 series and SIG-Sauer P226 for the best 9mm double-stack. I've had two Glocks (that I've since sold) - not impressed although they never failed to function.

9mm a dinky caliber? Compared to a .357 maybe...

[samandglove1]

The 5906 is a great firearm, but I always felt it was a bit on the heavy side. I actually love the 6906 which I keep as my "do everything and never worry about it" handgun. It is dependable, easy to clean, and deadly accurate.

I don't think you can go wrong with either gun, its just a comfort thing. I do believe that the 3rd generation S&W semi-autos are the best non-military 9mm ever made (I don't know how they would function in sand, water, etc...). For a civilian or law enforcement officer, I would bet my life on it if I had to.

But remember, I am not a plastic guy.........

[18DAI]

Probably......in a high cap, ful size, steel frame category. In a single stack, full size, steel 9mm the 3906 is perhaps the best.

But as Leighton pointed out, the 3913 is widely accepted as the finest 9mm pistol extant. Regards 18DAI.

[SCLawMan]

I would agree...it was my 1st issued semi-auto duty weapon.