After well over a century of service with law enforcement across the United States, Smith & Wesson firearms are easy to find among police trade-ins. Recently, it feels like the secondhand law enforcement market has been dominated by Glocks, SIG Sauers, and the Smith & Wesson M&P series. 

It is refreshing to see a diverse set of vintage S&W handguns that all draw a common lineage all the way back to the Model 39. All models feature a double/single-action trigger, a safety/de-cocker, and a double-stack magazine design. 
 

Table of Contents

Model 469
Model 5906
Model 6904 and 6906
The Tactical Smith & Wesson
Conclusion

Model 469

The S&W Model 469 is one of the first generations of the double/single-action model 59 series. This compact double-stack 9mm features a bobbed hammer. With a capacity of 12 rounds, this handgun is designed to be easily concealable while doubling as a main duty weapon. 

The weight of the metal frame and slide aids in maintaining control while shooting. The bobbed hammer and sleek controls help to eliminate snags when drawing from a concealed holster.
 

Model 5906

The S&W Model 5906 once reigned king of the duty handguns and was one of the most popular choices in the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s. The model 5906 features a stainless-steel frame and slide, differing from the lighter aluminum alloy frames in the 5900 series.

The 5906 is a full-sized duty handgun chambered in 9mm that normally feeds from 15-round magazines. However, due to their popularity during the 1990s and early 2000s, there are many restricted 10-round magazines – as are included with this set of trade-ins – from the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban era.

The weight and size of the 5906 helps the shooter maintain control with follow-up shots, diminishing some recoil. This Smith & Wesson model continues to be a favorite for many. 

We took a circa-1993 trade-in 5906 from the lot and put 100 rounds of mixed ball and JHP through the magazine that came with it.

Below is a typical string:
 

Related: A Closer Look at the Everlasting Wondernine, the Police Trade-In Smith & Wesson 5906 9mm Pistol
 

Model 6904 and 6906

Both the S&W Model 6904 and Model 6906 are compact 9mm handguns that were the third generation in the Model 69 series. The design is like the Model 469, featuring a bobbed hammer, a 12-round capacity, and a compact size for concealment. 

The Model 6904 features a steel slide and an aluminum alloy frame, both blued. The alloy frame makes the handgun a little bit lighter, while the blued finish protects the alloy. 

The Model 6906 is pretty much the exact same design, but the alloy frame features a color-matching finish to give the handgun that classic stainless-steel look.
 

The Tactical Smith & Wesson

While popular, the success of the 9mm-chambered S&W handguns hit a hiccup in 1986 after the fallout from the Miami-Dade FBI shooting. This historical event would change the landscape of service pistols and .40 S&W would be introduced to replace 9mm.

In 1990, the Model 4006 and Model 4013 were introduced to accommodate the new .40 S&W cartridge. Smith & Wesson also introduced the Tactical Smith & Wesson (TSW) line, featuring upgraded sights and a tac rail for accessories. 

The Model 4006 TSW (shown at top) was basically the upgraded .40 S&W version of the 5906. The frame and slide are stainless steel, and it features a double-stack 10-round capacity.  

The Model 4013 is a compact handgun with a bobbed hammer. The Model 4013 features a nine-round capacity and maintains the same stainless-steel color-matching finish on the alloy frame as the 6906. 

The 4000 series of Smith & Wesson handguns served with law enforcement groups all the way through 2019, when the California Highway Patrol became the last official department to retire them. 
 

Conclusion

All these handguns show typical service wear and have minor variations, as some officers chose to change the grip, sights, or add accessories. While there is holster wear, minor scratches, and worn spots on the finish, these handguns are still in great shape considering their age and use.

Trade-in handguns are a great value, considering you don’t have to feel too bad about the fit and finish when you take it to the range. With proven reliability, trade-ins have a lot left to give and that is why we at Guns.com are always on the lookout for new police trade-In firearms.