S&W 5904 or ?????

[jeffyboy]

I have a oppertunity to pick up a S&W 5904 from a family member for next to nothing. I have shot it a few times with Remington UMC in it and the accuracy did not impress me. I was looking at the SIG P226's and have heard good things about it but not sure about spending that much money right now(already built 3 OLL in the past 3 months).

Just not sure which way to go here....need some helpful advise.

[Blwnbwtie]

I would say pick up the s&w cause its a good deal. Just because you get the s&w doesnt mean you cant get the sig later. just my opinion.

[ExcitedPanda]

Yeah I guess if its next to nothing there isnt much to lose in getting the S&W 5904. Personally I love my p226 however given the an ridiculous deal on something else you can always get the Sig later as mentioned.

[BillCA]

The 5904 is a pretty decent pistol and if you can find one at an inexpensive price, I'd snag it.

The 39xx/59xx series may be older designs but they can still shoot well. As an example, with a box-stock Model 39-2 (single stack version of the 59xx series) on a freezing morning I shot this 8-shot group the first time out.


If the 5904 doesn't shoot decent groups, the first thing to do is replace the barrel bushing. That usually tightens up the groups. Most of the trainees I've worked with who used Model 59's or 5906's tried to hold the gun too tight. Relax your grip and the gun usually shoots better.

[jeffyboy]

The 5904 is a pretty decent pistol and if you can find one at an inexpensive price, I'd snag it.

The 39xx/59xx series may be older designs but they can still shoot well. As an example, with a box-stock Model 39-2 (single stack version of the 59xx series) on a freezing morning I shot this 8-shot group the first time out.


If the 5904 doesn't shoot decent groups, the first thing to do is replace the barrel bushing. That usually tightens up the groups. Most of the trainees I've worked with who used Model 59's or 5906's tried to hold the gun too tight. Relax your grip and the gun usually shoots better.

Thanks for the info.

I took the SW out for another test drive this evening. I put about 100 rounds of UMC through it at 10 yards. The groups were a little better the more comfortable I got with the firearm. But it still wasn't were I would like it to be.

So, is changing the bushings something an "average" person could do or should it be done by a gunsmith?

Also, the rear dots sights appear to be fading. Is there a luminous paint I can use to touch them up?

[JTROKS]

Yup! The 5904 is the dark brother of the 5906. Nice guns! This one is all SS, but the advantage of the 5904 is the lighter weight. I'd say get it. If the price is $300 or lower and it is in excellent condition, get it.

[BillCA]

I took the SW out for another test drive this evening. I put about 100 rounds of UMC through it at 10 yards. The groups were a little better the more comfortable I got with the firearm. But it still wasn't were I would like it to be.

So, is changing the bushings something an "average" person could do or should it be done by a gunsmith?

Also, the rear dots sights appear to be fading. Is there a luminous paint I can use to touch them up?

First, try using Winchester ammo. I've found the UMC 9mm ammo seems to be a bare minimum load and doesn't group that well from my 39's... in my short 3914 the ejected rounds barely clear my forearm instead of flying well clear. I suggest 115-grain FMJ Winchester White Box (what was used for the photo above) or 124-gr FMJ.

The barrel bushing is normally removed during field stripping so you should be able to replace it yourself. Normally these seem to be "drop in" compatible with S&W's. If it causes any cycling problems a gunsmith can remedy that by relieving the bushing slightly, as is done for a 1911. (Usually for less than $20).

If your sights are not self-illuminating night sights with tritium inserts, you can repaint the sights yourself. Brownell's sells two paint kits (and single paint colors). One is plain paint, the other is phosphorescent "ghost" glow paint. See www.brownells.com and search for "sight paint". One tip: use a toothpick to apply the paint slowly for best results. Don't use a brush.

[battleship]

Ok i will try again with a thread i got no answer on before.

what is the difference between the 5906 and the 410s which is no longer available from SW it looks like the same model and was made in 9mm which was the 910s and 40sw which is the 410s the 410 is the blue version. I realy like the 410s and the 5906 so please do tell.

[JTROKS]

The 410 and 910s were not the blued versions of the 4006 and 5906, but they are the no frills version making them cheaper in MSRP. There were shortcuts in the finish and the esthetic machining. You can see the difference with the following pix




Caution when trying to make 910 slides function with 5904 lowers, the slide rails dimensions may have been modified for reasons I don't know about. Could be cost cutting or beefing up the pistols chambered in 40S&W.

[Knauga]

I have a oppertunity to pick up a S&W 5904 from a family member for next to nothing. I have shot it a few times with Remington UMC in it and the accuracy did not impress me. I was looking at the SIG P226's and have heard good things about it but not sure about spending that much money right now(already built 3 OLL in the past 3 months).

Just not sure which way to go here....need some helpful advise.

Get the Smith. You won't regret it.

[jeffyboy]

First, try using Winchester ammo. I've found the UMC 9mm ammo seems to be a bare minimum load and doesn't group that well from my 39's... in my short 3914 the ejected rounds barely clear my forearm instead of flying well clear. I suggest 115-grain FMJ Winchester White Box (what was used for the photo above) or 124-gr FMJ.

The barrel bushing is normally removed during field stripping so you should be able to replace it yourself. Normally these seem to be "drop in" compatible with S&W's. If it causes any cycling problems a gunsmith can remedy that by relieving the bushing slightly, as is done for a 1911. (Usually for less than $20).

If your sights are not self-illuminating night sights with tritium inserts, you can repaint the sights yourself. Brownell's sells two paint kits (and single paint colors). One is plain paint, the other is phosphorescent "ghost" glow paint. See www.brownells.com and search for "sight paint". One tip: use a toothpick to apply the paint slowly for best results. Don't use a brush.

I'll pick up some white box today. On the bushings I can't seem to find a place that lists them. I checked Brownells (http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/sch...h+&model=5904+) but didn't see it listed for sale. Any idea where else I might find it online?

Thanks for the sights tip, if I get the firearm I'll do the toush-up work on them.

[Slayer]

Any gun is worth picking up "for next to nothing". Good luck to you

[bwiese]

The 3rd gen S&W 9mms and the big bores (45ACP, 10mm) are grrrreaeat guns - I love my S&W 915 and 1006.

Triggers can sometimes be a bit gritty but that's resolvable and shouldn't introduce inaccuracy.

Never judge a gun by one type (loading and/or brand) of ammo. Try some other higher-grade brands.

If you're in the SF Bay Area and find you don't like that 5904, I'll gladly help you dispose of it - we'll find a mutually convenient FFL and do a PPT.