If I had an opportunity to buy a Model 559, I'd snap it up. I picked up a Model 659 (stainless version) at a pawnshop a couple of months ago and over the past two weeks have had an opportunity to take it to the gravel pit and shoot it a couple of times. I love Smith & Wessons and the 659 shoots like a dream. The guns in this 2nd gen are heavy beasts, but you'll never worry about recoil, especially since the 9mm is a relative pussycat anyway. I found the accuracy to be excellent, no failures to fire and I like the good looking design.

All things being equal, I would not hesitate to buy a 559.