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  #1  
Old 02-11-2012, 02:14 PM
flinch flinch is offline
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Default Model 59 vs. Model 915 opinions

Any reason not to get one over the other? The 59 is a solid 90+% while the 915 is 95+ %. Neither have been shot much both have a hicap mag. Both blued. The 59 is $299. The 915 is $349.
I was wondering if one was any better than the other. Im planning on getting one of them if I move quickly. Thanks
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Old 02-11-2012, 02:25 PM
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Ive got the 915. Its a great gun, solid & very accurate.
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Old 02-11-2012, 02:30 PM
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The Model 59 is an older design and as I recall some Police depts banned it from carry because they reportedly could ignite a chambered round when dropped from a holster.

The second generation 459 addressed the issue,
The 915 is a thrid gen gun but not sure of the improvements.

I personally like the older guns styling.
At those prices I would buy both
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Old 02-11-2012, 04:52 PM
joseph whitney joseph whitney is offline
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I would take the Model 59 any day over the 915 but I like older models best.
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Old 02-11-2012, 05:22 PM
hs125 hs125 is offline
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I've been enjoying my Model 59 for almost 25 years and have only replaced the recoil spring. I've shot the 915 a couple of times and they're swell too. I also prefer the older models, just 'cause.
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Old 02-11-2012, 05:50 PM
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The 915 is a newer and improved model over the 59. I find the 59 to be bulky and the 915 fits me much better.
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Old 02-11-2012, 07:15 PM
heekma heekma is offline
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Hello,

Better is a bit subjective since both are fine, accurate, reliable, American-made sidearms. In those categories they are on equal footing.

The 915 is a 3rd Generation, the 59 is a 2nd Generation. There were some incremental refinements between the two generations, but it is by no means a night and day difference.

The 915 will have a slightly slimmer grip. Whether that's a positive is personal preference. The 915 will have more modern sights-a preference for me, but not a deal-breaker-and a smoother DA trigger pull. The 915 is also safer with regards to accidental discharge if dropped on its' muzzle.

The 915 is a very fine sidearm.

The 59 is a stone-cold classic American semi-auto and the first American-made "Wonder Nine." The grip is slightly chunkier, the DA trigger is a bit less smooth and the sights a little less easy to see. Beyond these differences, in terms of basic construction the guns are almost functionally identical.

If cost is the most important factor, get the 59.

If you appreciate classic firearms, get the 59.

If you want a gun that is marginally easiser to shoot-at best-get the 915.

Bearing in mind my blathering above, if you're still torn as to which one to purchase, flip a coin. You'll be a winner either way.

Best,

Heekma
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Old 02-11-2012, 09:11 PM
Big Lou Big Lou is offline
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Can't go wrong with either.

I have / shoot a 915 and my son has / shoots a 915.

Love'm!

If you can, get both of them. Same mags for both. Same DA/SA platform.

Good Luck!
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Old 02-11-2012, 09:31 PM
RGMoore RGMoore is offline
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According to Massad Ayoob in "Combat Handgunnery" the AD's on 59's are because some PD's required carry with the safety OFF. If the safety is on there is no issue with dropping the firearm. When the safety is ON with a 59, the firing pin is blocked.
At least that is my understanding, someone here that is more knowledgeable may be able to supply more info.
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Old 02-11-2012, 09:57 PM
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The 59 is a first generation semi-auto. The 659 would be the second generation.
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Old 02-12-2012, 08:15 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pinoy-Pirate View Post
Ive got the 915. Its a great gun, solid & very accurate.
+1 on that.

Best option is to buy both
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Old 02-12-2012, 10:00 AM
Jim H Jim H is offline
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Leaving a decock/safety lever in the OFF position makes it a ready-to-use, grab-and-go operation that does not require you to flip the lever OFF. This may be an advantage in higher-stress, self defense situations. It has been debated a lot, and there are endless discussions. This will not be one of them...

Get the Model 59 to own a piece of history. Be aware that it has no hammer block when the decocker/safety lever is OFF.

Get the Model 915 if you are not after collectible/historical significance, if you want to leave the lever OFF, or you want the additional reassurance provided by the hammer block.

If you really can't decide, get BOTH!

Last edited by Jim H; 02-12-2012 at 10:05 AM.
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Old 02-12-2012, 11:04 AM
martyj martyj is offline
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I like the 59 just for the simple reason it is a gun that I have wanted since the introduction of that model and just got one last year.
You guess it IM OLD
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Old 05-24-2012, 09:53 PM
flinch flinch is offline
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Just to up date I got the 59 and find it very accurate. The single action trigger is fine, the grip is a little fat but it is still a comfortable pleasure to shoot. Now Im looking at a 915 or even a 910. God help me!
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Old 05-24-2012, 10:02 PM
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How big are your hands? My brother has a 59, and the grip is just that little, tiny bit too big for comfort for me. He has gorilla hands with long fingers. I have a 910 (same size grip as the 915) and it fits me fine, even with the CT grip.

You can't really go wrong either way.
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