the books say 1971 but gun digest couldn`t get one to test until late 1973 .and when did s&w officially drop them from the catalog ?

"The Book" says 1971 to 1982.

1971 to 1982 but also says the last 59 shipped July 1982 serial A-747407

The Model 59 had an overlap of production with the next generation version the Model 459 which
according to SCSW the 459 was produced from 1979 to 1987 ,
I guess Im getting old as I remember seeing both in the gun store in 1983/84

Until the Model 39 was introduced if you went down to the local gunstore and said I want to look at all the 9mm handguns that also have a double action trigger they would have plopped the German Walther P-38 on the counter and said "Thats it".

The "Browning High Power" was the other impressive 9mm handgun of that era because of its 13 shot magazine capacity (interestingly used by both allied and Axis forces in WWII ).

S&W put the P-38 double action trigger with the high cap magazine of the High Power in one handgun naming it the Model 59 and the rest as they say is history.

thanks for the info guys ,love my 59 and was reading an 1974 gundigest that stated that the 59 was delayed because of manufacturing problems.also were they recalled?

I was told by a S&W official that the 39 was designed around the P38 magazine and the 59 around the BHP.

I wouldnt be surprised as the P38 mag will insert into the model 39 but wont stay because the P38 has a heel release and no slot cut for a thumb release.

Looks like the P38 mag might be able to be modded to work though.
Interestingly IIRC the Model 39 Mag would not fit into the P38.

I love the old Model 59 and back in the day it was alot of firepower but as others have noted the grip frame does feel like a 2 x 4 compared to the Model 39 and you need long fingers to hold it good.

thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got one in early 1972. blued finish.