need expert advice: choosing between a 5906 or original Jericho 941

[hackysackroy]

I finally turned 21 a few months ago, and want to exercise my right to own and carry a firearm. Already took and passed my CWP class with ease, but have no gun to go along with that permit. I have been in love with the original Jericho 941's for years, and heard they are very accurate and built to last a lifetime. Yesterday, I stumbled across this Very Good-Excellent condition 5906 on gunbroker (S&W 5906 9mm SS Hogue Novak 15+1 4" VG-EX : Semi Auto Pistols at GunBroker.com) and at $399 delivered I have a huge dilemma on my hands.

The Jericho 941 is being set aside for me by a dealer up in Maine, but it was imported and is listed as being in Good condition, so I have no idea how many rounds (if any) have been fired through it, plus it will cost $460 delivered. I feel like I will kick myself in the *** if I end up taking the 5906 and risk letting my favorite gun slip away (as they are pretty hard to find), but I also want to know which gun you guys feel will be worth it in the long run? Accuracy and durability are always the two most important things for me when it comes to buying and owning rifles, but you Gurus know way more than I do about these two pistols. Bring on any and all criticisms of both guns so I know which one to buy before that 5906 auction ends tomorrow.

Thanks

by the way, I posted this on the Smith and Wesson forum, thinking I wouldn't get all biased S&W responses....I got one semi-nonbiased response but I figured this would be the place for neutral playing field, so to speak.

 

[Sky]

5906 on gunbroker (S&W 5906 9mm SS Hogue Novak 15+1 4" VG-EX : Semi Auto Pistols at GunBroker.com) and at $399 delivered I have a huge dilemma on my hands.

Centerfiresystems has them (5906 and 6906) for $299 or $329 police trade ins. Many of us here have taken advantage of that deal.

 

[hackysackroy]

I'm guessing by your response that you too think I should get a 5906?

 

[TurtlePhish]

Jerichos look awesome- that's my input.

 

[TurtlePhish]

And just remember, if it's something you've always wanted AND rare, get it. You'll probably regret not getting it later.

 

[hso]

You should get what you point naturally for your first handgun. That will save you some time getting comfortable with the weapon and you'll get to be more accurate with it quicker. The first question is to find out what you point naturally.

The Jericho is a CZ-75 clone. If you just want a Jericho because you're a CZ fan then I'd go with that. If it is because you already know you shoot CZ-75 type handguns well, you could find a less expensive alternative closer to home in a used Tanfoglio or CZ or Witness or a NIB Armscor.

If you already know you point the S&W go for it.

If you don't point either, find out.

 

[Josh45]

Your favorite gun? Hard to find? Maybe you should get it then. I have no experience with them but if you truly want it, Get it.

There plenty of 5906 out there like the one that was posted for 299 and 399. I also have one in my area but its a 6906 and they want 350 for it. The 6906 we have is a great gun, It has fed everything we fed it and no hiccups.

Your gonna end up buying more than one gun, Get the one you want and if anything, You can sell it or trade it if you don't like it anymore. Or leave it as a talk piece even if you chose to do so.

My advice = Get the one you want.

 

[Sky]

I'm guessing by your response that you too think I should get a 5906

Not really because I am not familiar with your other choice. I do like the 5906 and the 6906; they both were originally priced over $700 new. They are well made and most who own one think they are great guns. But it is like anything. If you own it, it's gotta be good or you would not have purchased it in the first place. I have heard others say they have shot more accurate pistols and I am imagine they are being truthful. I do shoot a 1911 a tad bit more accurate but with the 5906 and the 6906 I can usually hit 4"x8" steel fall down targets at 30' which falls within acceptable parameters of my lousy marksmanship. Good luck on whatever you chose. Wish you could shoot them both at a range and then you would probably know which one is best for you.

You should get what you point naturally for your first handgun. That will save you some time getting comfortable with the weapon and you'll get to be more accurate with it quicker. The first question is to find out what you point naturally.

 

[hackysackroy]

I have shot a SW and don't really feel all the comfortable with it. Granted, I shot the M&P which I assume is drastically different than the 5906, but I did not like the trigger pull. I have also shot the CZ 75B and the CZ SP01, and absolutely love the feel of it; even in my small hands it fits like a glove. I've heard rave reviews about both guns on non-biased websites, and really am having a hard time choosing between the two. I will more than likely pay the extra 90 bucks and get the pistol which I've wanted since I was 17, unless enough of you guys on here sway me over to the SW 5906 or 6906.

 

[Old Guy]

Get the one you want, try a gentle probe on a price reduction?

Me? Glock 19. I am ducking!!!!!

 

[hackysackroy]

The price is already pretty low from what I'm told by local gun shops. Not only is it the original Jericho, it comes with the 41AE conversion barrel, 2-16rd 9mm mags and 1-41AE mag which I can't remember what the mag capacity is (not like I'll ever use it, just a novelty part really). Also comes in that snazzy case...as if I'm going to ever keep it in its case anyway.

 

[Fat Boy]

Someone has already mentioned the similarities between the Jericho, CZ, EAA, Baby Eagle, etc. I like the way this platform handles and fits my hand, so for me it would be that gun. HOWEVER, the Smith is a reliable, proven handgun; hard to go wrong with it. I think it is a personal decision. Best answer; if possible get both.

 

[hackysackroy]

I wish it were possible to get both...however the "poor college student" mantra/tag still applies to me for only one more semester, but I want a good, proven handgun. As hard as it is to believe, even at UCF (FL) there has been a steady increase in crime, mainly off campus where I live. That is as good a reason as any to ensure that if someone comes at me, I know the scale is tipped in my favor.

 

[hackysackroy]

Also, someone on the SW forum said that the market is somewhat saturated with good quality 5906s...is this true?

 

[TurtlePhish]

I think at this point it's Jericho.

 

[hackysackroy]

Yeah, so far on this site (way better than the SW forum site, in my honest opinion), all of you have said to go with what feels comfortable rather than what "everyone else feels is comfortable", which is clear and easy advice that I should've known and followed from the get-go. Since the Jericho is built off the CZ platform, and I've shot CZs with amazing results, I'm probably going to get my "dream gun" (not to sound overdramatic).

NOW. Do any of you guys have any advice as to what my backup gun should be?

 

[TurtlePhish]

Ruger LCPs/LCRs have a good reputation.

 

[jrod]

5906! Much better than a Jericho.

 

[Onward Allusion]

The 5906 is a better gun than the 941. It's also a lot less expensive due to the flood of police-trades. They're all over for ~$300 - $350

 

[dcarch]

I've always wanted a Jericho. Were I in your position, I would get it without a second thought.

 

[Nushif]

Jerichos look awesome- that's my input.

Pretty much it. All I can add is that they shoot very well, too.

 

[leadcounsel]

I was once a poor college student. I know the feeling.

Wideners has the 5906 for $275. I bought 3. All three were in 90% metal finish. The grips are servicable, but in need of replacement ($20 fix).

They also have the Sig Sauer P6, another excellent pistol, for $400.

http://www.wideners.com/itemview.cfm?dir=700|1012|1026

Can't speak to the Jerico, but the CZ 75 is a top rated gun in my book.

Good luck.

 

[c0nspire]

I own a poly-frame Baby Eagle in 9mm and I LOVE it. I'm always looking for a steel frame Jericho/Baby Eagle when I hit the local gun store and gun shows. I really don't think you can go wrong with them. I've been searching for a Baby Eagle in .40 for a while now myself.

You are correct, Jericho's are indeed hard to find. I say get it while you can. $460 doesn't sound like a bad price either. Last 941 I saw at a show I think the guy wanted $600 for it, and I've seen one or two steel Baby Eagles at a local gun store for $480 - $520. I bought my poly framed 9mm for $400, and I know the steel ones can be found in that price range too... I just don't ever see them around my parts.

I admit I'm biased, but as you suggest, I think you'll kick yourself if you don't get the Jericho while you can.

 

[biggameballs]

That P6 in the link above would be my first choice. Infact if I didn't have a Ruger SR1911 on order I'd scoop one of those up for sure.

 

[johnmichael]

Concerning the 5906, lead counsel noted Wiedeners which I can attest is highly reputable. If you are giving serious consideration to the 5906, you might also want to look at CDNN since they offer the 5906 at $299.99 and 339.99 for a Select unit (I do not know exactly what Select means---you would have to inquire). Either way, both of these companies are first rate.

Now, for myself, I personally have two metal Jericho's/Baby Eagles. I have a full size IMI Baby Eagle in 9mm as well as an IWI Jericho 941 compact (also in 9mm). Absolutely wonderful trigger on the full size which has seen considerable use and a very nice trigger on the compact which is not fully broken i yet and both are wicked accurate. While the factory certainly finish leaves something to be desired, these weapons are indeed built to last a lifetime and I like them better than my son's CZ P01 in terms of build quality.

Lastly, if you like the CZ clones, you may consider an Armalite (Sarsilmaz) AR-24 which has a great grip w/rubber palm swells and is also extremely accurate. This weapon displays the highest degree of build quality since it is machined from all steel forgings---very high end. It has a very nice trigger and may actually be one of the most desirable clones.

Choose with your heart; there will always be other weapons later. I for one am hanging onto my Jericho's/Baby Eagles until the bitter end! I like them that much.