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Old 10-26-2019, 01:59 PM
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Hi All,

I just picked up a Model 59 from a LGS. It's my first Smith and Wesson 9mm semiautomatic, and is in decent condition. It'll be a home defense firearm and range toy. If someone could tell me the approximate date of manufacture, it would be much appreciated. The SN is A408xxx.
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Old 10-26-2019, 03:15 PM
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I'd be surprised if it is your last.
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Old 10-26-2019, 03:23 PM
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Congrats. Nice find. As mentioned, once you fall in love with it it’s a matter of time before it gets lonely. :-)
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Old 10-27-2019, 12:03 AM
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The serial number dates it to 1977 or 1978. You can use modern 5906 magazines or the Mec-Gar equivalent in the 59, or stick to the original 14-round 1st Gen magazines.

I find that the 1st/2nd Gen 59 series pistol is vastly improved with the Uncle Mike’s/Butler Creek rubber grip panels. These are now out of production but can often be found on Ebay and Gunbroker.
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Old 10-27-2019, 09:45 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sevens View Post
The serial number dates it to 1977 or 1978. You can use modern 5906 magazines or the Mec-Gar equivalent in the 59, or stick to the original 14-round 1st Gen magazines.

I find that the 1st/2nd Gen 59 series pistol is vastly improved with the Uncle Mike’s/Butler Creek rubber grip panels. These are now out of production but can often be found on Ebay and Gunbroker.
Thanks very much for this information. Looking forward very much to the first range visit with this handgun.
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Old 10-27-2019, 10:53 AM
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As already mentioned, Mec-Gar or genuine S&W 59/X59/59XX magazines only. Do not fall into the cheap, Pro-Mag trap as they are usually junk.

The very first thing you want to do after a good cleaning and proper lubrication is to install a new recoil spring. The factory rating is 14 pounds and that is all you need to use. Genuine S&W springs are inexpensive and easy to find, if you want a higher quality spring, get a spring made by Wolff.

Make sure your Model 59 is reliable with your self-defense ammo. Early production Model 59's sometimes had reliability issues with hollow point ammo, but yours is probably late enough in the production run to be reliable, but you should still test to be sure.
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Old 10-27-2019, 04:48 PM
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Enjoy it in good health. the Model 59 my list (as is anything that uses a 59XX Mag).
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Old 10-28-2019, 07:09 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stansdds View Post
As already mentioned, Mec-Gar or genuine S&W 59/X59/59XX magazines only. Do not fall into the cheap, Pro-Mag trap as they are usually junk.

The very first thing you want to do after a good cleaning and proper lubrication is to install a new recoil spring. The factory rating is 14 pounds and that is all you need to use. Genuine S&W springs are inexpensive and easy to find, if you want a higher quality spring, get a spring made by Wolff.

Make sure your Model 59 is reliable with your self-defense ammo. Early production Model 59's sometimes had reliability issues with hollow point ammo, but yours is probably late enough in the production run to be reliable, but you should still test to be sure.
The pistol came with one Mecgar 15 round magazine. I fired 100 rounds at the range today and had zero issues, but I will obtain a new recoil spring, probably Wolff, asap.
The 59 reminds me of the Walther P5 I owned a few years ago and foolishly sold. The single action trigger on this 30+ year old pistol is amazing, and in my opinion equals the SIG Legion class pistols for short reset.
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Old 10-28-2019, 07:12 PM
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Never liked the Model 59,,,TOO bulky.
Loved my model 39 though!
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Old 10-28-2019, 09:34 PM
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Had one back around 78. Think the price was around $175 new. At least that is what I paid. Yeah bit bulkier than a 39 but still fit well in my hands. Another one I let get away looking for that "perfect handgun" Good luck with yours.
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Old 10-29-2019, 06:51 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Springfield52 View Post
The pistol came with one Mecgar 15 round magazine. I fired 100 rounds at the range today and had zero issues, but I will obtain a new recoil spring, probably Wolff, asap.
The 59 reminds me of the Walther P5 I owned a few years ago and foolishly sold. The single action trigger on this 30+ year old pistol is amazing, and in my opinion equals the SIG Legion class pistols for short reset.

If the S&W metal receiver pistol have only one saving grace, it is the single action trigger. They are typically very crisp and the reset is very short.
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Old 10-29-2019, 07:47 AM
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FYI......................

Hogue still makes wood and rubber (not sure) grips for the 59

Mec-gar makes 10,15,17 and 20round extended mags for the 59/5900 series
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Old 10-30-2019, 02:59 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrchuck View Post
Never liked the Model 59,,,TOO bulky.
Loved my model 39 though!
Me too 39 - 2

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Old 10-30-2019, 11:19 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stansdds View Post
As already mentioned, Mec-Gar or genuine S&W 59/X59/59XX magazines only. Do not fall into the cheap, Pro-Mag trap as they are usually junk.

The very first thing you want to do after a good cleaning and proper lubrication is to install a new recoil spring. The factory rating is 14 pounds and that is all you need to use. Genuine S&W springs are inexpensive and easy to find, if you want a higher quality spring, get a spring made by Wolff.

Make sure your Model 59 is reliable with your self-defense ammo. Early production Model 59's sometimes had reliability issues with hollow point ammo, but yours is probably late enough in the production run to be reliable, but you should still test to be sure.
I've ordered a Wolff factory rated recoil spring, and when able, will obtain some more Mec-Gar mags...Id like to try my hand at competing in a USPSA event at a local range with my M59.

Last edited by Springfield52; 10-30-2019 at 02:08 PM.
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Old 11-01-2019, 09:27 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Springfield52 View Post
I've ordered a Wolff factory rated recoil spring, and when able, will obtain some more Mec-Gar mags...Id like to try my hand at competing in a USPSA event at a local range with my M59.
Aside from the double action first shot, there is no reason why these pistols cannot compete well in USPSA matches.
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Old 11-01-2019, 08:08 PM
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I've owned a number of DA/SA handguns over the years, and the DA trigger on the Model 59 is better than some, not as good as others....and the SA trigger is better than almost all the other pistols I'm comparing it to. These include the Walther PP, P5, and PPK/S, CZ 75 D PCR, 75 BD, VZ70, and P01, and Sig P225 and P239.
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Old 11-02-2019, 10:57 AM
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There is no reason why a gunsmith who is skilled with the metal receiver S&W pistols cannot smooth and polish the fire control components and give it a double action revolver smooth DA trigger and a SA trigger that is close to a 1911 trigger in terms of weight and crispness. These can be truly wonderful pistols, it is sad that they are out of production and there is no aftermarket support other than a few options for stocks.
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Old 01-07-2020, 07:40 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrchuck View Post
Never liked the Model 59,,,TOO bulky.
Loved my model 39 though!
My 39-2 is for me the best choice, like commander 9mm but DA, peace of mind always

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Old 01-07-2020, 07:45 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Springfield52 View Post
Hi All,



I just picked up a Model 59 from a LGS. It's my first Smith and Wesson 9mm semiautomatic, and is in decent condition. It'll be a home defense firearm and range toy. If someone could tell me the approximate date of manufacture, it would be much appreciated. The SN is A408xxx.
That said, 59 is an excellent pistol appreciated by many undercover police officers in Latin America.

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Old 01-07-2020, 09:18 PM
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My personal experience with the model 59 was less than stellar. It would not be my choice for home defense. Just one opinion.
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