I have had one since 1989 and, following my agency's transition from revolvers to auto pistols, the Model 6906 was my duty pistol until I retired ten years later. In all the bi-annual qualification drills, while using thousands of my department's cheap reloads over the ensuing decade, this pistol never once failed to function; not once. The pistol is rugged, accurate and dependable.
Of the many different auto pistols I still have in my inventory, including a CZ 85, a Beretta 92, an HK USP 40, a SIG 227, a SIG 226, a Ruger LCP and a couple of 1911s, none have proven to be more reliable than my "Third Generation" Smith pistols. The Model 6906 continues to be the pistol I rely on most for EDC duties.
In my experience, factory magazines, both new and used, are still relatively easy to locate and are comparatively affordable.