When I was in charge of training and armory operations for a 200 man police agency, we were issued S&W 5906 and 6906 9mm pistols, and the 3913 was an authorized backup / off duty weapon. Although most of the guns only fired around 500 rounds per year, our S&W recommended annual complete teardown and armory inspection program for these very complex guns with lots and lots of parts (around 96 if I recall correctly) always turned up very substantial numbers that required parts replacements and armorer adjustment. With this intensive armorer support they worked fine in the field, but I couldn't in good conscience suggest using them without that level of professional maintenance when one has a choice. There's a reason why you don't see them in police holsters any more.wilder wrote:For a carry gun on the cheap that works the way you're accustomed to check out the S&W 6906 or 3913. They can frequently be had for under $400 and you could turn that Kahr into an amp. More important question is Blackface or Tweed?
On the other hand, the new S&W M&P semiauto pistols are very finely made, rugged, easy shooting and reliable guns that I put in the same league as the Glocks and Springfield XD series. They can be found at gun shows for just a few dollars above the $400 mark, and they usually come with a coupon for either a rebate or a couple of additional magazines. They also have interchangeable backstraps in 3 sizes to fit just about any hand comfortably. Any of the guns in this series would be a fine choice for defensive use.