Hello all,
who can tell me something about this pistol. the info on google is spotty at best and there is a vague reference to a recall but not on the S&W web site.
thanks

Never heard of a 3rd Gen S&W recall.  On earlier versions, the single stack magazines were a bit persnickety (they were always reliable with 7 rounds, but with 8...).  Thankfully that was resolved and the last batch of 439 and all of the 3rd Generation magazines are GTG.





The 3904 is the 3rd Gen version of the 439, which was an improved 39.  Not many were made, as the 5904/5/6 got all the press and people like magazines that hold a double digit number of rounds.





I think that almost all 3904 and 3906's were made with the enlarged/square trigger guard.





Just like all 3rd Generation S&W's, the mainspring and strut are contained by the plastic grips, which can crack. Smith changed the grip material and since I like Hogue grips for 3900 series, this point is moot.  It is a solid 9x19 service sized pistol.  Many people find it easier to carry two single stack magazines then two double stack magazines.



3904 (9+1) plus two spare 9 round magazines = 29 rounds



5904 (15 +1) plus one spare 15 round magazine = 31 rounds





 

Only recall I remember on on 3rd Generation S&W auto was on the grips.  The 3904/3906, 3913/3914, and 59 series pistol had a problem with the grips breaking near the heal where a cross pin holds the hammer main spring.  Since a lot of these pistols were used in LE S&W would replace these grips for free.  The approved grip had a punch detent\dimple on the bottom of the grip to show it was the current improved grip.  The only failures I remember occurred after the pistol had been dropped.  The could be a problem for a LE/Military user who got into a knock down drag fight over a weapon.  The 3rd Generation S&W were very reliable pistols and probably under rated even though they tended to be a little heavy and bulky by some of the newer polymer pistols.