Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	Smith & Wesson More Info

About the Gun

Stainless-slide counterpart to the blued 5904 within the third-generation 5900 series lineup, combining an aluminum alloy frame with a stainless steel slide and barrel for improved corrosion resistance while maintaining a lighter overall weight than the all-stainless 5906.

Production

Production ran from 1990 through 1997.

Market value

MSRP at production ranged $550–$650. Current used market values average around $450–$550 for examples in good to very good condition.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	9 mm Luger
Alias:	9 mm Parabellum
More Info

Analysis

The Smith & Wesson model 5903 shares the same double-action/single-action operation, ambidextrous slide-mounted safety/decocker, 15-round double-stack magazine capacity, and general duty-oriented design as the rest of the series. The stainless slide contributed to better durability in humid or variable environments compared to the carbon steel slide on the 5904, making the 5903 a common choice for agencies or users prioritizing reduced maintenance alongside the alloy frame's weight savings. In the handgun market, the 5903 positioned itself between the more affordable blued 5904 and the heavier, all-stainless 5906, appealing to users seeking a balance of corrosion resistance and reduced carry weight in a full-size 9mm platform before polymer designs became dominant.