| S&W Model 5906 | |
|---|---|
5906TSW |
|
| Type | Semi-automatic pistol |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
| Produced | 1990 |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 1070 g (38.3 oz) |
| Length | 191 mm (7.5 in) |
| Barrel length | 102 mm (4 in) |
|
|
|
| Cartridge | 9 mm Luger Parabellum |
| Action | Double/single action |
| Feed system | 10 / 15 round magazine |
| Sights | 3-dot adjustable |
The Smith & Wesson 5906 is a third-generation pistol manufactured starting in 1989 by Smith & Wesson.
The 5906 is a full-sized, double/single action, staggered-column magazine, 9 mm pistol. Construction is all stainless steel.
The firearm is chambered to fire 9 mm Luger Parabellum ammunition. While a true double-action pistol, the firearm shares the magazine disconnect feature with Browning Hi-Power pistols: it cannot be fired without the magazine in place. This feature was developed to meet the needs of various law enforcement agencies interested in providing another level of safety for their officers. The 5906 comes standard with either a 10 or 15 round magazine. Other features include ambidextrous safety levers, a one-piece rear wraparound grip, and a choice of either fixed sights or a rear sight fully adjustable for windage and elevation. A popular model with law enforcement and military units in the United States, the 5906 is nevertheless being replaced by lighter, polymer-framed models from Glock, Heckler & Koch, SIG Sauer as well as Smith & Wesson's own M&P line of polymer framed handguns in both 9mm and .40 calibers.
The first generation Smith & Wesson semiauto pistol designations consist of two digits, such as Smith & Wesson Model 39 and Model 59. Second generation pistols are designated by three digits; these include the Model 459, Model 559, etc. Many second generation designs were eventually upgraded with various improvements, thus becoming the third generation pistols; these are identified by the addition of a fourth digit to the second generation model number: (5903, 5904, 5905, 5906, etc.).
Produced from 1989 to 1998, the Model 5904 has an aluminum alloy frame and blued steel slide. The Model 5903 was manufactured from 1990 to 1997, and featured an aluminum alloy frame and a stainless steel slide. The Model 5905 was a very limited version, with a blued steel frame and slide. It was manufactured only in 1991, and in very low volume. The 5906 is an all stainless steel model, hence it is noticeably heavier than the others. It was produced from 1989 to 1999.[1] The stainless steel double-action only variant of this pistol, the Model 5946, produced from 1990 to 1999, is currently one of three pistols available for selection by New York City Police Department officers.[2]