Welcome to the forum... the 659 is an excellent pistol, it is what is know as a 2nd generation (or gen) S&W pistol, the first generation was the Model 59, and the version that came after yours (3rd generation) is the 5906.
The original Model 59 had an aluminum alloy frame, when the 2nd gen pistols came out they were available in 3 different frame materials...the model 459 (alloy), 559 (carbon steel) and 659 (stainless steel), internally they are identical and all had steel slides.
Whats the difference between the generations? They all are of the same basic design, each new generation was an improvement/refinement of the previous version.
Some parts will interchange, a magazine from a 5906 will fit and work with the older versions.
I've had a 459, and now have a 559.
The key to successfully shooting a semi-auto pistol is not much different than a revolver... sight alignment and trigger pull.
The rest of the difference is just operational and the concept is not unlike switching between a bolt action and a lever action rifle... they load and operate differently, but the basics of being able to shoot either one of them well is the same... proper sight alignment and a good trigger release/pull.
It sounds like you're not doing that bad with the 642, in my opinion what you are achieving now with a snub barreled gun sounds pretty good, is that shooting it double action of single action mode?
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Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222
Last edited by Gunhacker; 11-18-2010 at 09:55 PM.
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