Why won't my 5906 slide work?

[KMAAJA]

Hello,

I'm new to the Smith and Wesson SA/DA semi automatic pistols but I bought a 5906 and ordered a replacement slide with the adjustable sight because I love the look. When I try to swap out the slides I can't get my original barrel to seat into the slide, not by a long shot. Is there a special barrel I need to track down so I can use the slide I want and like? Sorry if this is a stupid question, please excuse my ignorance.

 

[Heymatt]

Kinda sounds like your original 5906 might be a TSW. The barrel would be a slightly larger outside diameter. Post pics of both slides.

 

[KMAAJA]

Sure thing.

 

[Jon651]

Hello,

I'm new to the Smith and Wesson SA/DA semi automatic pistols but I bought a 5906 and ordered a replacement slide with the adjustable sight because I love the look. When I try to swap out the slides I can't get my original barrel to seat into the slide, not by a long shot. Is there a special barrel I need to track down so I can use the slide I want and like? Sorry if this is a stupid question, please excuse my ignorance.

Not all of the parts from the same general model will universally fit across the entire line. Even pistols with the same designation went through generational changes, usually denoted by a "dash + number", such as 4506 (no dash), 4506-1, 4506-3. You get the idea. There are other variations even within a particular generation that also may not fit, such as the "TSW" (Tactical Smith and Wesson) or even the "PC" (Performance Center) versions. You can see just from your pictures the difference in the internal and external slide rails.

When I replaced the top end of my 4506 with that of a 4516 I had to ensure that both were the "no dash" versions in order for the pieces to work together. If all you want is an adjustable rear sight there should be some aftermarket options readily available. Perhaps your local shop can offer some advice.

 

[Ten2six]

The hood over the chamber is wider on your old slide. It can be fitted to your slide; any competent Gunsmith can do it.

 

[KAC]

I can see that the extension to the rear of the barrel chamber is narrower on your replacement slide, so the wider portion on the original barrel won't fit. Oops! Ten2six beat me to it!

 

[KMAAJA]

The hood over the chamber is wider on your old slide. It can be fitted to your slide; any competent Gunsmith can do it.

Any idea what that would and where I would go for that because currently I'm just looking at ordering a slide with its original barrel and then selling this slide one off. That's 300 bucks but if a gunsmith could fit it for less I would be interested.

 

[Heymatt]

Or, source a narrow hood barrel.

 

[KMAAJA]

Or, source a narrow hood barrel

Not to be "that guy" but considering I didn't know what was wrong with it, which suggests my S&W knowledge is sparse...would you know where I'd find a narrow hood barrel so I'm not just pouring money down the drain ordering the wrong part. I love the look of the adjustable sight (no idea why) and want my 5906 to have it.

 

[Heymatt]

Early 5906 barrels had a narrow hood, (the tab at the end of the barrel), it was 1/4” wide. On the later 5906 the hood was 7/16” wide.
Numrich ( Gun Parts Corp) might be good place to look.

 

[ACEd]

Last photo tells the story, The early pistols had a more narrow hood and matching slide as discussed above. The later pistols had the wider hood and matching slide. Measure the slot widths in the slide - as I recall the narrow hood is about 0.3 in and the wide is about 0.4 in - make sure you get the narrow hood barrel.

A 3rd variation is the TSW which had a totally different frame, slide, and barrel which will not fit the non-TSW pistols. These should all be wide hoods.

The later wide hood barrels are sometimes available new, but if you are looking for just the early barrel you may have to buy a barrel and slide combination set as sometimes listed on GB or Ebay. They are frequently included in "kits" of parts from a destroyed (serialized frame destroyed) pistol. Check rifling on older used barrels. Is it possible whoever sold you the slide has the matching barrel?

The barrel you want is from a 3904/3906 or early narrow hood 5903/5904/5906/5943/5944/5946 not TSW.

 

[KMAAJA]

Last photo tells the story, The early pistols had a more narrow hood and matching slide as discussed above. The later pistols had the wider hood and matching slide. Measure the slot widths in the slide - as I recall the narrow hood is about 0.3 in and the wide is about 0.4 in - make sure you get the narrow hood barrel.

A 3rd variation is the TSW which had a totally different frame, slide, and barrel which will not fit the non-TSW pistols. These should all be wide hoods.

The later wide hood barrels are sometimes available new, but if you are looking for just the early barrel you may have to buy a barrel and slide combination set as sometimes listed on GB or Ebay. They are frequently included in "kits" of parts from a destroyed (serialized frame destroyed) pistol. Check rifling on older used barrels. Is it possible whoever sold you the slide has the matching barrel?

The barrel you want is from a 3904/3906 or early narrow hood 5903/5904/5906/5943/5944/5946 not TSW.

I bought it from apex. They're sold of out barrels so I doubt they have any. I found a couple places with barrels in stock but I'm so new with these guns I'm not sure it's the right part.

I think, if I'm not mistaken it'll work. (Assuming I'm measuring right on the slide)

EDIT: I've removed the link to the part. It's obviously a scam site. The payment methods being zelle etc give it away.

 

[shil]

They're not 1911A1s nor were they intended to be. I'm looking at getting a 5906 myself. I want: A rounded butt; fixed sights; a rounded trigger guard; a fair price; a reputable source. No substitutes.

 

[woudstra]

They're not 1911A1s nor were they intended to be. I'm looking at getting a 5906 myself. I want: A rounded butt; fixed sights; a rounded trigger guard; a fair price; a reputable source. No substitutes.

Could you swap sights? If the dovetail is the same.

 

[KMAAJA]

Could you swap sights? If the dovetail is the same.

Nope the adjustable sight has a large milled out flat area and not a dovetail

 

[KurtC]

They turn up on Ebay now and then. Also try Dury Gun Shop.

 

[ACEd]

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