At a local Pawn shop and the guy threw me a great price out that I couldn't pass on so--. Factory adjustable rear sight in blue and a clean solid example. Has been in someones safe for many years as inside all the lube had completely dried up so was a little tough to disassemble. Got her cleaned up and lubed now but haven't got it to the range yet. My first non 3rd gen Smith auto so is there anything in particular about these that is different I need to know about? Also will the recoil and firing pin springs from a 5906 interchange with the 59? Have several new spring sets on hand for the 5900's is why I ask. Will get up photos in the next day or so and a range report soon.

Congratulations! I can't answer your question outright. However, when I have a issue about parts interchangeability, I go to gunpartscorp.com and look for the part between the two different guns to see if they're the same part number. If so, there's a good chance that it will work in both.

Guy

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

According to S&W parts list -
Same recoil spring - 060480000
Firing pin spring
59, 4/5/659 - 100300000
5903/4/6 - 106370000

Thanks have several spare 5900 recoil and firing pin springs on hand. Look to be the same diameter and length but wanted to verify it was the same spring. Would not dare fire this one seeing it has set up for years with out a fresh recoil spring at the least!

Glad you got a 59, and by your description a nice one. For what ever reason they seem to be coming out of there drawers in the last few years. Most have been shot a bit and then put away. Many have the boxes and papers too, but that's not a real big thing for me. I'd like to say I'm done buying them, but it's hard not to pick up an excellent example when they are a great price.

THis thread is useless without pictures.

Here's mine,

Attached Images

IMG_0281.jpg (138.1 KB, 83 views)

The mod 59 not to shabby for $275 OTD!

Finally got a chance to get the ol 59 out on the range yesterday. Ran 100 rounds flawlessly and shot pretty decently with it. Seemed a little smoother some how than my old reliable 5943 and may go into regular carry rotation with it as it's lighter than my 5906.

Attached Images

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Just a note for the sake of info, adding to the knowledge base to help make decisions, and NOT judging anyone's choices...
The 2nd Gen pistols brought firing pin locks to the guns that 1st Gen pistols did not have. There have been a scattered few reports also of the safety drum rupturing on the most worn older guns, which, without a firing pin lock of the 2nd & 3rd Gens would cause an AD if the pistol were de-cocked using the thumb lever.

I have a handful of 1st Gen pistols and I love them dearly and I shoot them casually on range days. They are a pride and joy to own and handle and shoot. However, I would not put them in to any carry, duty or defense service unless the situation was extreme and "ANYTHING" near by would do. The firing pin lock engineered in to the 2nd Gen pistols tend to make the triggers simply not as nice, clean and smooth but they are a genuine upgrade in safety for a working gun.

If it were me, I would enjoy the newly added Model 59 to your cache of fun guns, but no, I personally would not put it in to carry rotation. The 2nd Gen Model 459 and the 3rd Gen Models 5903/5904 are more modern versions of the 59 but have the alloy frame that will carry lighter than your 5906, and also have other upgrades that are worth chasing, for defense use. I would choose those over a Model 59.

Your SN dates the pistol to a likely 1973 ship date. It's a fine looking gun and great addition to any S&W collection!

Stevens my main carry pistol s a 5943 a alloy frame DAO 5900. I like the 59 a lot because of the weight and the trigger is crisper than the trigger on my 2006 production 5906. I will continue to carry my 5943 most of the time at work and continue my hunt for a nice pre rail TSW 5903.

The firing pin springs mostly seen these days are meant for the newer type firing pins that were shipped in 3rd generation guns.These pins and springs should not be used in the Model 59.

The firing pin spring should not extend more than 1/4" past the tip of the firing pin and not be shorter than 1/8" past the tip for good primer strikes.

The pin and spring on the right are from a Model 59 while the ones on the left are from a 3rd generation

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