So looking to grab something before they go up more.
5903 or 5906?  truck house gun,  probably not carry, probably not shoot a ton.
also thinking of looking at a 6906 or 6904.  would probably try to carry that one.  any thoughts on them?
thanks

I prefer the 5906.  With all steel it really is a pussycat to shoot.  They are tanks.  

I've also got a 6906.  Rarely carry it though, G26 does everything better for me.  Not as many holsters ect... for 3rdgen S&Ws.

A 3913 (single stack 9mm) has also been on my radar for a while.  Would be more likely to carry that over a 6906, but prices are nuts now.

I prefer the 5903 and I carried a 5904 on duty about ten years.  I also like the 3913 better than the 6906/6904.   I think the 5904/5903 are easy to shoot and I just don’t care for the weight or balance of the 5906.  Basically it is personal preference.   The only difference between the 5906 is the stainless steel frame whereas the 5903 has an aluminum alloy silver color frame and stainless steel slide.  The 5904 has a black anodized aluminum frame and blued slide.   I also like the fully adjustable winged rear sight on the 439 and my 5904.

I've got a 5906 and a 6906.
I've had both of them over 20 years and shot them plenty. They were my carry/nightstand guns from the early 90's through about 2010.
I like them a lot, but not sure it's what I'd pick for a truck/house gun in today's market.

But if it's what you want, they are great guns and I'll give you the perspective of my experience.
The 6906 is an aluminum frame so somewhat of a comparison with a 5903 for recoil and carry.

I did not find much difference in felt recoil between the two so I wouldn't be opposed to the 5903.
The weight difference is absolutely noticeable for holster carry. Plus for the 5903, but you say that's not a use you need.

I'm not a collector but I think the 5906 was far more common.
If so, the 5903 might be more collectible down the road. But it also might cost more today. Don't know.

I would get the winged adjustable sight version.  I do like it better than the Novak style, and way better than the fixed non Novak sight they had in some guns.

5906 all day. Smith's alloy frames have a thin anodizing. That said, of the alloy frames I like the 5904 better than the 5903
Attached File

Either one is good to go, of price were the same I would go 5903.
I only say that from a collectors point of view, the 5906 is truly a hammer.

Get what's available and looks good.  I've seen some real beaters and a few gems.

Mine (5906)

5906 wins on asthetics because of the way the 5903 frame wears as cited above.  I found the 5903 is much easier to carry and not materially harder to shoot which is why I retained mine.  910 and 915 are just less expensive (back when they were in production) versions of the alloy frame 5904.    But for your application that does not include CCW, the 5906 is what I would pick.

How many rounds on a aluminum fram before you would have wear?  I have a 5903 spotted.  I did find a 5906 but they sure have went up.  Lol

I have greater than 5K through my 5903 and all the serious wear is external, it is still going strong.  I have avoided +P stuff over its life.

duplicate post, sorry

My next outing will include Win Ranger 127 gr. SXT +P+, CCI/Speer 115 gr +P+, Corbon 124gr +P and 115 gr +P, Rem 115 gr +P, Speer GD 124 gr +P, Hirtenberger 100 gr FL +P+, and Fed HST 124 gr +P.    

I concur.  I picked up an LE trade-in 5903 and while the frame is worn in spots, the internals are solid.

Archived thread in case you’re interested:
https://www.ar15.com/forums/Handguns/Aim-Surplus-LE-Trade-In-5903/16-189459/?page=1&anc=bottom#bottom

Ended up getting a 5903.  
Very happy so far.
Wife wants it.  LOL
Might have to get another.

Pics or it didn’t happen.  

Here she is.
Any guess what size the alan wrench is for the rear sight?


5903 picture

The alloy frame on the stainless pistols discolors and looks like shit, I only have 1 with an alloy frame and it's a blued 910, go with the all steel all day long.

Looks good!  

Nice!
Get the 5906 next and share mags.
I sold my 5904 but kept my 5906 TSW. The TSW is still one of my favorite pistols and the one I shoot the best.