I found a model 59 today for $399, I am thinking that might be a bit high. Overall it was clean, any advice would be welcomed.

It seems a bit high, but if you are interested in the gun, try offering $300, $325, $350, or whatever your budget might be. The seller may say NO, but might say YES...

I paid $475 for a 639 and was tickled to get it. I don't know where you folks keep coming up with all these bargain basement prices. They certainly aren't any in my neck of the woods. Unless, you are buying less than perfect guns.

I'll guess that the smaller, Second Generation 639 is a bit more desirable than the larger, First Generation 59.

Some years ago I found a bargain 59 for $290 at my local Gander Mountain. They must have wanted it out of the display case, which I quickly arranged. Some months later, I handed them $375 for a 3954.

As has been said, selling and buying starts with negotiation, and does not become a sale until both parties agree on a price. It is always acceptable to make a polite offer, which can be equally politely declined!

Of course, your mileage may vary...

I recently purchased a 3906 for $325, I thought that was a fair price. Me not having alot of knowledge and guessing that the 59 is a 1st generation not sure if there were issues with that model, what the price range is and do I want to end up in the dog house (I know the dog house would be of my decision)

OK, so it was "clean."

How about wear?

A clean, and hardly-used, Model 59 at that price would be OK in my book.

There are a lot of Model 59's around that are worth less.
Not many that are worth more.

How many mags included?
Original steel baseplate mags?
Original, steel baseplate mags in good condition add a lot of value to older S&W semi-autos.

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WWSSD?
What would Skeeter do?

Of late, I've seen a bit of a bump in prices around here. All 59, and 5900 guns seem to be running at least from $350 to $400 (and sometimes more, depending on condition, extra mags, box, etc.)

I really like the 59. There is something about the 1st production model of a gun that appeals to me. I saw one today in my LGS with box, papers, 2 mags and in 95% condition.. hardly ever fired for $399. I may offer him $350 for it.
I bought a NIB Nickel Unfired with all the original "stuff" including the vapor barrier paper for mags. I bought it as an investment to keep in same unfired condition for $500. Now I know some think that is really high but I got it in a 3 gun deal with (2) unfired 29-2 .44 mags that I practically stole. So I look at the whole package as a good deal. Anyway I think the 59's will only keep going up as long as the unfired or barely fired ones get scarcer.

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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

It comes with two mags, no papers or box. It does show signs of wear, and they were not willing to deal, the best they would do is maybe around $380.

And mbliss that is a nice 59,

There are a few on Gunbroker for two and a half bills, thereabouts. Blued & worn marks but would make good candidates for refinishing. Just type '59' in the advanced search and showing reserve prices.

Anything below $400 is a good deal if it is in good shape and has a couple of mags with it. After all it's an all metal semi auto with virtually unlimited life if taken care of. Go buy a new all metal semi for that price... Oh wait those are $600+. Like a sig or Cz it beretta. So $400 for a good working 59 is a good price. Anything below that is just a bargain. So you have to decide if you will only buy the bargain priced guns. I will also say yiu usually get what you oay for. It will be a rare the the $250 gun will be in as good of condition as the $399 one. In a year or 2 you won't care what you paid. You care about what you have... A 1st gen "Wonder Nine" that aren't made anymore. That doesn't mean you should try to get a lower price if you can...

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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

Hello, new member here. So if I understand you Guys correctly, a Model 59, which is 1st generation, original box & manual, 2 clips, metal bottom, pistol in very good to fine shape, is in the $400+ price range??

Ive just read elsewhere that if its the rounded trigger guard it may be even higher than that?

I have that.... maybe 10 clips thru since I have owned it. Bought it in 82.

The previous posts were 2 years old. Prices are probably higher.

just paid 375 for mine and I love it .and it`s not made of plastic ,

Funny i found this forum, I have a 9mm Model 59 I don't want anymore. It is in excellent condition and looks as though it has never been fired. I would like 450 for it if someone is interested let me know

the model 59 is in NOLA

I have one similar to mbliss, and I have almost 700.00 in it. It is pristine. Condition is everything.

I have a 59 Bought new in 75 I think, just fired it last week for the firdt time. Had three and this one was just waiting to be called on. Been shooting others but thought I might fire this one to make sure it did. Being a Smith I knew it would. never let a smith go, love them.

That nickled 59 is the most beautiful 59 I've ever seen. Have 2 5906 and they are not that pretty.

I purchased this nickel 59 with bronze on it like a henry rifle. I have never seen one. The gun is in really good shape with the original magazine which also the bottom is plated in bronze as well. Has anyone else seen a model like this

I am interested in your gun phone number 9374176837 call me

I am interested in your gun

I own a 1970 vintage 10-5 in new condition with all the factory stuff that it came with. All serials match. Aguy wants to trade me a model 59 alloy blue and black in similiar condition to my gun. e says perfect condition with original box..What do you guys think

I would keep the 10-5, one of my most favorite revolvers ever. I'd try to buy the model 59.

Check the date on his last post..

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Eccentric old coot

I just found this site and registered. I see there are others that are fans of the Model 59.

I bought mine in the mid to late 70's. My original box says it was May of 1978. Oh my! It is now my conceal carry weapon. I love it. It fits nicely and well hidden in my crossbreed super-tuck holster. Most of the time I forget I am wearing it, even when I am sitting.

I have all the original parts. I must have run close to 800 rounds through it, but not more than that.

being old and not as good vision as I once had and my hands not as sure, I am extremely happy that I can center mass all my rounds at 30 feet on a 12x12 target so I feel very comfortable with my 59.

So the question was asked about what the 59 is worth. It's worth my life. I trust it. I have had 2 jams since I have had the 59 and all I had to do was pull the slide back and manually eject it. I carry my second mag concealed for a total of 29 rounds on me. So yes, it is worth my life. After almost 40 years I have just now replaced my mag springs with original but new S&W springs. The compression of my original 40 year old springs were about Half of the new springs. What a monster of a gun... I won't leave home without it.

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Jim Morton --- The Ancient 1