I have a Smith and Wesson 5906 9mm that I just got around to shooting today. It was surprisingly accurate and reliable. I am sure the thing is pretty dirty because I put several rounds through it this afternoon. I bought this pistol used and didn't get a manual with it. Being that most pistols I have dabbled with take down slightly different, I thought I would ask for advice before I try. That way I can't screw something up. I may buy a Safariland paddle back holster and start carrying this one a bit. Any help with field stripping will be appreciated.

www.smith-wesson.com/misc/pdf/Pistol.pdf

The whole manual is there. Should take care of any questions

Very simple procedure. Goes like this.
1) Remove the magazine
2) Clear the weapon
3) Cock the hammer(I do this, it makes it  easier to hold the slide open)
4) Open the slide until the shaft of the slide stop is under the notch on the left side of the slide.
5) Holding the slide open with one hand(it can be done, you'll figure it out) push the slide stop out.
6) Slowly let the slide go forward. If you cocked it the hammer will fall. Don't worry it's supposed to.
7) Push the slide completely forward and off the frame.
8) Remove the recoil spring and guide by pushing forward(towards the muzzle) and lifting up.
9) Remove the barrel by pushing forward and lifting up.

To reassemble;
1) Place the barrel back in the slide.
2) Place the recoil spring and guide back in the slide being carful to lock it back in the groove on the under side of the barrel.
3) Place the slide assy back on the frame. don't cock the pistol. As you push the slide back you have to depress the tabs on the frame in front of the hammer and let the slide ride over top of them.
4) Here's the tricky part. With one hand, open the slide about 1/8th of an inch. Put the slide stop in as far as it will go. Open the slide further until the shaft of the slide stop is under the notch on the left side of the frame. Push the slide stop in the rest of the way.

I'm glad you enjoyed the 5906.  Don't let the general bad-mouthing of S&W 3rd generation autos fool you... I think they are way underrated.  I have had a few and shot a few more, and never had a serious complaint about any of them.

Now the Sigma, on the other hand...

Don't forget, you can also order a free replacement manual from the SW website.

Step 1: draw from holster and clear

Step 2: Throw it away and buy a Glock.

Quoted: Step 1: draw from holster and clear Step 2: Throw it away and buy a Glock.

Step 3: Go to the nearest Trauma Center when your Glock blows up.

Watch out for that internal rod that holds the recoil spring. I used to have a S&W 4506 (45ACP) that had one of them and reassembly of that rod was a tad tricky.

Quoted: Quoted: Step 1: draw from holster and clear Step 2: Throw it away and buy a Glock. Step 3: Go to the nearest Trauma Center when your Glock blows up.

Hey, I own an '01 Crown Vic also.  You gotta go some time.

Quoted: Watch out for that internal rod that holds the recoil spring. I used to have a S&W 4506 (45ACP) that had one of them and reassembly of that rod was a tad tricky.

Really?  I don't recall it being that tricky, in spite of the fact that I launched one downrange at an indoor range once. Luckily it was about 10 minutes before closing time.