I took my model 59 apart to clean, but can’t get it back together properly. The recoil spring assembly guide fits into a tiny notch on the barrel, but it appears worn out and won’t stay in the notch for reassembly. Help!

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If the guide rod is sticking out of the front of the slide on re-assembly, close the slide and give the part of the rod that is sticking out a "twist" clockwise and counterclockwise. It should snap into it's proper place. I would say by the looks of your guide rod, you need a new guide rod and new recoil spring.

The button at the end of the guide rod, and/or the crescent shaped cavity it sits in on the bottom of the barrel foot can sometimes become damaged. A replacement guide rod may help. Also, you can may be able to repair the damage to the perimeter edge of the button on the rear of the guide rod by peening.

You might ask the moderators to move your post. The model 59 is not an M&P.

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

OK… I twisted it back-and-forth. And it snapped back into place. Just like you said. Thank you so much!

Welcome to the S&W Forums!
I'm glad that the armorer here was able to help you. The retention of the guide rod by that tiny little cut on the bottom of the barrel lug works fine when new, but in heavily used or abused S&W pistols... well, you see how it works. You might need a new guide rod and sometimes that notch can be repaired.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA