Dreaming of a s&w 5946

They ceased production in 1999, and have been prohibited 12.6 in Canada since 1995. You'll only find them on the EE or used Prohib section of stores which carry such wares.

I'm not sure of the exact process, but without a 12.6 you'll likely need the gunsmith to purchase it himself, rebarrel and have it verified Restricted.

There was a Restricted length 59 on the EE a few weeks back... Not sure if it's still there.

Good luck!
 
Why, why, why?
The 5900 series, S&W's third generation autos weren't particularly accurate, most full size models had 4" barrels, and were heavy with steel frames. Most has a barrel hump which locked up with a fixed bushing in the frame. They are nice guns, far from target quality, and were way too expensive. The vastly better M&P series that replaced the 5900 series has a better accuracy reputation.
These guns appear mostly on the prohib EE site, vastly overpriced, and are worth in most cases $300.00 much to the chagrin of sellers.
Seller & buyers who have re-classified them into the restricted class with new, longer barrels could do a whole lot better just buying a SAM 1911. Even re-classified, they will never be worth more than the cost associated with the changeover: C$400.00.
 
Why, why, why?
The 5900 series, S&W's third generation autos weren't particularly accurate, most full size models had 4" barrels, and were heavy with steel frames. Most has a barrel hump which locked up with a fixed bushing in the frame. They are nice guns, far from target quality, and were way too expensive. The vastly better M&P series that replaced the 5900 series has a better accuracy reputation.
These guns appear mostly on the prohib EE site, vastly overpriced, and are worth in most cases $300.00 much to the chagrin of sellers.
Seller & buyers who have re-classified them into the restricted class with new, longer barrels could do a whole lot better just buying a SAM 1911. Even re-classified, they will never be worth more than the cost associated with the changeover: C$400.00.

And yet they routinely go for around $1000 when a re-barreled one does show up in the EE (which happens several times a year).

You can state your opinion of what you are willing to pay for one, but it hardly represents the market for the ones that are out there and the price they go for.
 
Here is one in the EE recently already restricted (and the asking price of $1100 is the ballpark every time I have seen them pop up);

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1197534-Smith-amp-Wesson-5946-with-Bar-Sto-Restricted-barrel?highlight=5946

Smith & Wesson 5946 with Bar-Sto Restricted barrel
As the title says, this Double Action Only S & W 5946 in 9mm is classed as restricted because of the stainless Bar-Sto barrel. I am the second owner (I knew the first owner so I had no hesitation about buying this from him when he decided to part with it). Recognizing the rarity of a restricted S&W 5946, it is stays in the safe and is only shot once in a very blue moon. I no longer need it so I am putting it up for sale: $1100 (firm) - 2 magazines, night sights, and a black hawk Serpa holster. It has been well taken care of, kept clean and oiled - periodically inspected as it sits in the safe. EMT only

** send me your email for pics.

strictly local Lower Mainland BC sales only - sorry, don't want the hassle of shipping and handling.
 
I carried the RCMP "Duty" version for many many years. I don't want to discourage you as I sometimes have a desire for things others don't like,..but they aren't that fantastic. Now my M&P 9mm on the other hand,..well NOW we are talking!!!
 
I carried the RCMP "Duty" version for many many years. I don't want to discourage you as I sometimes have a desire for things others don't like,..but they aren't that fantastic. Now my M&P 9mm on the other hand,..well NOW we are talking!!!

Same goes here and still carry it daily. As others have mentioned there are more affordable sporting options, however, it sounds like you know what you want so I hope you find your S&W.

Personally, I would prefer something more "modern" for recreation and would especially welcome that change for my duty pistol, but there's no arguing that the 5946 is not a reliable, accurate pistol and I would trust it with my life and have done half decent in police competition with it. I suppose that extra weight carried on my hip all those years might help absorb some recoil in a gunfight for quick follow up shots, but it's negated by that long double action trigger. If one can master that 8-12 lbs trigger pull in double action (my experience has been never seeing one less than 10lbs) then that should be able to translate into any other shooting platform.

Good luck. I suggest browsing the EE and you will see one pop up eventually.
 
They ceased production in 1999, and have been prohibited 12.6 in Canada since 1995. You'll only find them on the EE or used Prohib section of stores which carry such wares.

I'm not sure of the exact process, but without a 12.6 you'll likely need the gunsmith to purchase it himself, rebarrel and have it verified Restricted.

There was a Restricted length 59 on the EE a few weeks back... Not sure if it's still there.

Good luck!


Thanks Phat Eagle!
 
Hey HK,

Yah, I own the M&P 9 and 40 as well, nice ones! I'd like to add the Parabellum to my collection, we'll see.

Cheers
 
Hey Archibald,

In terms of reliability we both know that the 5946 is quite reliable, even if it ever fails me, I'm sure I could use it to brake a skull in a fight just with the weight of it. The force wont change it at least for the next 15 years or so, not for the price itself of the gun (im sure they get'em real cheap in mass production from s&w) but for the money and time they'd have to invest to train every member across the country. No argue that the trigger pull just sucks, it doesnt matter how many years you've been doing it, I actually think my index gets weaker every time I requal.
More than anything, I want to get it just to make some modifications and adjustments to it, we'll see if I can find one.
Thx bud.
 
Hey Archibald,

In terms of reliability we both know that the 5946 is quite reliable, even if it ever fails me, I'm sure I could use it to brake a skull in a fight just with the weight of it. The force wont change it at least for the next 15 years or so, not for the price itself of the gun (im sure they get'em real cheap in mass production from s&w) but for the money and time they'd have to invest to train every member across the country. No argue that the trigger pull just sucks, it doesnt matter how many years you've been doing it, I actually think my index gets weaker every time I requal.
More than anything, I want to get it just to make some modifications and adjustments to it, we'll see if I can find one.
Thx bud.

They have served well as an impact weapon over the years. That is undeniable!
 
i would suggest you look at the various US sites and talk to Irunguns. if you find one, they would be able to purchase it for you from a US dealer if nothing available here in EE or Canada and then transfer the process to your gunsmith. Other suggestion, hook yourself up to the Smith and Wesson forum, stateside. More than likely, if you put some "feelers" out, you will be able to strike a deal and use irunguns.....As I am in the same boat....but broke...:(

Cheers
 
i sold one of the few restricted 5906's back a few years ago. It was pretty to look at, but honestly horrible accuracy, and the double action is just ridiculous. Go m&p and move on.
 
They are great guns but I would stay away from the Double Action Only models. I have had a re barreled 5906, 4006. I had a Virginia state police issue 1076, 2 645 models, 2 4506 models. Currently I am down to a 4506-1 and 1006. Both of those models have the adjustable sights and are CRAZY Accurate and reliable. These full size models are cheaper than the short barrels ex prohib ones. I like these guns and was willing to pay over $1000 for the 5906,4006 and 1076. I do recommend these guns but would not recommend one that has been re-barreled. Get a full size one. Another option would be to get a non restricted 4.25 inch barreled 4566, 1066, 1076 if you want a compact one or a 4506, 1006 if you want a full size one. you can buy from gun broker and get prophet river or IRG import them in for you. I got both my 1076 and 4506-1 from gun broker and had them imported.
 
They are great guns but I would stay away from the Double Action Only models. I have had a re barreled 5906, 4006. I had a Virginia state police issue 1076, 2 645 models, 2 4506 models. Currently I am down to a 4506-1 and 1006. Both of those models have the adjustable sights and are CRAZY Accurate and reliable. These full size models are cheaper than the short barrels ex prohib ones. I like these guns and was willing to pay over $1000 for the 5906,4006 and 1076. I do recommend these guns but would not recommend one that has been re-barreled. Get a full size one. Another option would be to get a non restricted 4.25 inch barreled 4566, 1066, 1076 if you want a compact one or a 4506, 1006 if you want a full size one. you can buy from gun broker and get prophet river or IRG import them in for you. I got both my 1076 and 4506-1 from gun broker and had them imported.

My 1086 is an awesome shooter, got it brand new and shot 2 mags (18 rounds) out of it with suprising results, really is an accurate pistol. The trigger is way better than any 5946 I've shot, there's no comparison.
 
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