What are the differences between a S&W 59 & 459?

policerevolvercollector · #1 03-13-2016, 10:17 PM

I found a S&W 59 for sale. What separates it from the later models in design? mystique?

I have several 9mm pistols including a 459 & two 3rd Generation guns (915 & 5906).

The 59 would be a little over $300 by the time I took delivery. Is this a decent price for one? Admittedly, I paid between $200-$250 each for the ones referenced above.

Best,
Charles

Sevens · #2 03-14-2016, 01:01 AM

The two big differences between 59 and 459 that I think of immediately are the firing pin lock and the rear sight. The 1st Gen pistols had no firing pin lock -- so the hammer block was the only device keeping the hammer from hitting the firing pin and the pistol is not "drop safe."

The simple but great 1st Gen "lollipop" rear sight was retired with the advent of the 2nd Gen pistols. For the 459 you either get a simple fixed rear sight (dovetailed and you need a hammer or sight pusher to adjust) or you got the huge, protected/winged adjustable rear sight.

I have heard where some early 59's had real feeding trouble with some JHP bullet profiles, I would imagine that was no longer an issue by the 2nd Gen pistols.

If there are other differences, I hope to learn more in subsequent posts.

As to the volume, it would be a safe assumption that far more Model 59's were produced than 459's.

mbliss57 · #3 03-14-2016, 06:56 AM

The 459 via 59 ^^^^^The 459 was produced from 1979-1987. Then in 1988 it transitioned to the 5904. I am not sure why the SCSW call it a double stack version of the 439 instead of an improved model 59. I find that language interesting. Does anyone know why that would be?

grcoffman104 · #4 03-14-2016, 01:08 PM

459 was an FBI issue for a while. Used in the Mami shootout. Agent across the street hammered at one of bad guys with 9mm Silvertip placed a fatal wound but per didn't bleed out before others added to his lead overdose.

Gunhacker · #5 03-14-2016, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbliss57

The 459 via 59 ^^^^^The 459 was produced from 1979-1987. Then in 1988 it transitioned to the 5904. I am not sure why the SCSW call it a double stack version of the 439 instead of an improved model 59. I find that language interesting. Does anyone know why that would be?

Technical that's both correct, all depends on how one want's to look at it. When you compare it to a 439, it's the double stack version. When compared to an older M59, it's an improved version.

One thing not mentioned yet about the difference between the M59 and M459 is that the frame on the second gen x59's were reinforced by extending the thicker stepped portion of the frame out forward to extend way past the slide stop latch frame hole. This was done to address an issue of frame cracking extending from the slide stop hole, and frame rail breakage.

Sevens · #6 03-14-2016, 05:04 PM

^Great info right there!