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  #1  
Old 05-21-2011, 11:05 PM
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Default S&W 459

I was wondering if anyone on the S&W forum has info on the S&W 459. I've checked several sites with no luck. Any information would be helpful and appreciated. Thanks,
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Old 05-21-2011, 11:58 PM
spudwrench spudwrench is offline
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I too have wondered about the 459 , from what I can glean it was not S & W's best design. One report called it the jam o matic. On another site the guy said it was the best he'd ever had. Who knows huh. The local pawn shop I saw one in had it for 375 which was down 25 from a couple of months ago. And it's the last one in the case. Not a good report is it.
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Old 05-22-2011, 12:37 AM
357larry 357larry is offline
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The 459(aluminum frame) along with the 559(steel frame) and 659(all stainless) are the 2nd generation versions of the original model 59. As all of these have ramped barrels they have been found to be extremely reliable. I don't know what kind of dufus you have received your information from but I would question the integrity of your source rather than the integrity of the pistol.
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Old 05-22-2011, 08:56 AM
ispcapt ispcapt is offline
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I carried this one for several years as my duty pistol and while I was on SWAT. It's been 100% reliable. Several thousand rds of Federal 115 BPLE and W-W 115 +P+. It will do sub 4" groups at 25 yds with either rd all day long. I still carry it occasionally.
357larry is correct about whoever told you that info.

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Old 05-22-2011, 09:02 AM
spudwrench spudwrench is offline
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Default Thanks 357larry

yeah the trouble with gun opinions is that they are a lot of times from folks who have never shot the weapon. I may take a closer look and that lonely sample sitting in the gun case.
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Old 05-22-2011, 09:11 AM
spudwrench spudwrench is offline
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Default You people are evil

now I can't get that 459 out of my mind and the store is closed today
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Old 05-22-2011, 09:25 AM
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The 459 is an excellent weapon. The 459M came in third in the 1984 JSSAP trials that ended with the US Army's selection of the Beretta 92FS, now the M-9 (another great 9mm IMHO). Smith and Wesson disputed the results. IIRC the 459M was one of the last pistols standing. The Sig-Sauer P-226 and Beretta 92FS were judged to be equal but Beretta won because they were cheaper. Of course, the US Navy S.E.A.L.S. discovered a weakness in the 92F's slide and experienced some slide breakage. This resulted in the 92FS modification that involved a stop to keep the rear of the slide from striking you if it broke. The Navy decided they'd go a different route and went with the P-226.

None of this stopped the FBI from adopting the 459 as their SWAT pistol. It continued in this capacity until sometime after the 1986 FBI Miami shootout. The 459 was discontinued in 1988 in favor of the updated 3rd Generation 5900 series.

Once again, IMHO the 5900 series would have won if it had been the S&W selection for JSSAP but this is just an opinion.

I got a little off-track but the 459 is a great pistol and did beat out a great many better known 9mm's in head to head testing.
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Old 05-22-2011, 11:47 AM
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Default Thanks Everyone

I knew that the members of the S&W forum would be the ones to ask and I'm glad I joined. The information from everyone is excellent and much appreciated. The 459 I have has been a safe queen for quite some time and has maybe 100 rounds through it. So, I'm thinking to take her out to the range and put a couple of mags through her, clean it up and back in the safe. Thanks again.
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Old 05-27-2011, 04:21 PM
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Default 459 reliability.

I've had three of them over the years and they haven't been unreliable at all. Only problem I ever had was I loaned one to my brother and he fubarred the rear sight trying to adjust it. I still have two but am going to put my spare up for sale on here tonight. Never fired it, nickle just too shiny for me. Pretty to look at though. Anyone know if Model 59 mags work in these?
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Old 05-27-2011, 04:32 PM
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They sure will. and 3rd gen 59xx mags.
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Old 06-19-2011, 11:59 AM
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I actually use my 459 over my other handguns for home defense and to carry in the car. My 5906 is a little more accurate than the 459, but the 5906 has jammed several times. I think the extractor spring needs to be replaced. The 459 is an imported police trade in. I replaced all the springs in it, and it has never malfunctioned. I like the big front sight post, that I painted white. The big sights are good for fast target aquisition. Also the straight back strap with a slip on grip, is the best feel in my hand of any gun I've owned. I have a 39-2, 459, 5906, CS9, and until recently a 4506. I always seem to go to the 459 for duties of home defense and carry in the car.


Last edited by ace88; 06-19-2011 at 12:02 PM.
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Old 06-19-2011, 09:01 PM
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I've had a 59 which had some issues but which is now not a problem with some work and some tweaking. My standard 459 has never given me any problems.
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Old 08-02-2011, 09:53 PM
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I inherited my 459 from my dad, who acquired it I think 1988. I never heard him complain about malfunctions and I never experienced any when I take it to the range. I think the 459 is a solid performer. I still carry it.











459 & 49


Jun

Last edited by jun225; 08-02-2011 at 09:55 PM.
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Old 06-06-2013, 09:46 AM
J Danone J Danone is offline
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Default Fantastic weapon

Though a bit heavy and bulky by today's standards, this is an extremely accurate, controllable and reliable weapon. I inherited one from my dad, it has gone to the range often since its purchurce in 1988, has all its original parts, it has literally has never jammed on me, and always shoots tight accurate groups. It also has a rear sight that adjusts for elevation and windage. It probably doesn't conceal as well as some other 9mm pistols, but it makes up for that in spades. It's heavy, but very balanced and controllable especially when being fired rapidly. It's bulky, but draws well for an exposed hammer semi. And if you know how to shoot, boy is it accurate. The one thing I would change about mine would be adding glow in the dark dots to the sight, which is hard to see at night as is.
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Old 08-11-2014, 05:25 PM
cptmac70 cptmac70 is offline
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I have a 459 that was given to me about 13 years ago. In the first 11 years I probably shot it 20 times with about 1,000 total rounds through it. However, in the past 2 years my grandson and I have probably put another 1,500 rounds through it. Never a problem. Although it is a bit heavy, I really like it!
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Old 08-18-2016, 10:40 PM
Shadowland Shadowland is offline
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Default S & W 459

I have carried my 459 for 10 years. Got it from a long time friend who was moving to the mountains in my state and said he only needs a long rifle and his shotgun. He offered it , after having gotten for a wedding present 20 plus year before. When i took possession, i came in a carry case with three clips, and half a box of JHP. It did not have a mark on it. What he told me he wanted i did not argue. Been very happy, it has not jammed once. Quite a bit lighter and smaller than the Beretta i used to carry.
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Old 08-18-2016, 11:36 PM
Brian in Oregon Brian in Oregon is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ispcapt View Post
I carried this one for several years as my duty pistol and while I was on SWAT. It's been 100% reliable. Several thousand rds of Federal 115 BPLE and W-W 115 +P+. It will do sub 4" groups at 25 yds with either rd all day long. I still carry it occasionally.
357larry is correct about whoever told you that info.

I never knew the X59 series came with an arched mainspring housing. Never cared for the original 59 with its straight backstrap, and much preferred the 39.
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Old 08-19-2016, 03:41 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian in Oregon View Post
I never knew the X59 series came with an arched mainspring housing. Never cared for the original 59 with its straight backstrap, and much preferred the 39.
The arched back strap was sold as an accessory item by S&W... once in a great while one turns up on eBay or here in the classified section.

I was lucky enough to snag 2 for my 459 & 559.

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Old 08-19-2016, 08:23 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian in Oregon View Post
I never knew the X59 series came with an arched mainspring housing. Never cared for the original 59 with its straight backstrap, and much preferred the 39.
Makes a world of difference in the grip, at least for me.
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4506, 5906, 659, beretta, cs9, extractor, s&w, sauer, sig arms, smith and wesson

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