laststandonzombieisland

In production for 15 years and out of production for more than 20, the all-stainless-steel Smith & Wesson Model 5906 is an enduring classic that remains hard to beat. This is especially true in the case of “often carried but seldom used” police trade-in guns.

I grabbed this particular example from a stack of Police Trade-ins that came through GDC recently.

This bad boy looked a little rough on the outside but, when broken down and inspected, seemed in excellent condition on the inside.

Smith confirmed the “born on” date was August 18, 1993.

I ran 100 rounds of mixed ball and JHP from the original “pre-ban” mag with zero problems.

A typical run: 

Still supportable

Although S&W stopped production on the standard 5906 in 1999 (and the railed TSW variant in 2004), replacing the line with the polymer-framed striker-fired S&W M&P9 series, these old Wondernines are still supportable. While many LE trade-ins typically just come with a single mag, the 5900 series magazine is easy to source and Mec Gar makes an excellent flush-fit 17+1 round model that is an easily unlockable upgrade. Further, lots of new and recycled parts are out there. Replacement grips are also out there as well and, as far as holsters go, odds are you can find one without too much of an issue, although they may not be of the latest styles. 

I plan on giving this one a full disassembly and deep clean, replacing all the springs, and grabbing a couple of new Mec-Gars. 

The 5906 was the peak of S&W’s “Wondernine” evolution, benefiting from over 75 years of development of the platform as well as the feedback (and warranty returns) from thousands of users going back to the old Model 39 and the Army’s circa 1948-1954 X100 pistol program. In other words, it was about as perfect as Smith could make it for a duty-grade all-stainless DA/SA double stack 9mm. They are balanced, reliable, and shoot well, making them a good companion to similar all-metal hammer-fired guns of the era such as the CZ 75, Beretta 92, and SIG P226– but all American.

As for being a police trade-in gun, while LE customers may have used them for a decade or three, and lots of them are floating around as surplus, these guns are typically a long way away from being worn out, with most damage being of the cosmetic type.

For someone looking for a used 9mm pistol with a decent capacity and good performance that will likely still be working for generations to come, the 5906 stands tall.