I have a 459 and I was unhappy with the DA trigger pull. It had a lot of heavy stacking. It would stack and then get light through the pull. I described it as a "hump", if that makes sense. I was on a quest to improve the trigger. I thought about the common fix, that would be polishing internal parts and a lighter hammer spring. I figured the lighter spring would make for a lighter pull weight, but not do much for the weird stacking. I also didn't think polishing parts would give me the results I wanted. I wanted the trigger to feel like the trigger in my CS9.

Sevens had an idea that putting 3rd gen mim parts into the gun might give me the results I was looking for. I found a complete set of frame parts from a model 910 on ebay for $80. I also bought an 18 lb hammer spring from wolff. I installed the 3rd gen hammer, trigger, drawbar, drawbar plunger and spring, and sear. I did not use the 910 disconnector because I prefer the metal disconnector. I did not use the levers from the 910 because the safety timing was a no go. I did not use the 910 hammer spring plunger because I prefer the metal one. The only parts I polished was the foot on the disconnector, hammer stirrup, and the inside of the hammer spring plunger.

The results are amazing. The difference is like night and day. The DA pull is totally smooth and consistant. The SA pull is great too. I am very happy with the results. It feels like the trigger in my CS9, but a little bit heavier. I have a theory that the CS9 came from the factory with a 16 lb or 17 lb hammer spring. Wondering if anyone can confirm which hammer spring the CS9 came with from the factory. Some people warn that too light of a hammer spring can cause light primer strikes, and others have said they use 16 lb and 17 lb springs on all types of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gen and never had a light primer strike. I would be interested on opinions about this.

I also have installed a 3rd gen ambi safety/decocker on this 459. I call this gun "459 Generation 2.5". I know some might say, "why not just buy a 3rd gen gun, and not have to go through all this." I enjoy working on these guns to improve them. I also really like the model 459. I had one years ago, and it was one that I regret selling.

I've got a lot of great information from this forum. There are so many knowledgable and helpful members here. Thank you to Sevens for the great idea. Anyone else like the model 459? Show me yours.

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I picked this one up at an LGS in December. It's an early version of the 459 with the short, wide extractor and rounded trigger guard. Really fun to shoot.

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That's really cool. Nice work!

So, what's the story behind the short/wide extractor on some of the 2nd generations? It seems like it showed up for a years--on some 539s and apparently some 459s--then Smith went back to the thinner, somewhat longer profile for their extractors.

I believe S&W was going for a military contract with that design.

This 459 was my first Semi-auto pistol... great info to know that a 3rd gen parts transplant does the trick, now I need to be on the lookout for a parts kit.




As for the question "why not just buy a 3rd Gen?"

Availability of 3rd Gens has decreased substantially (at least where I'm at) and prices for those that do come up for sale are down right ridiculous, so tuning up a 2nd Gen is easier and cheaper.

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Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222

I am out of town right now. My wife just sent me this pic. Got my curved back strap in the mail. This will be the next upgrade to the 459.

Those are difficult to find! Are there anymore where you bought it?

You're going to love it.... this is my upgraded 559, the upper is a 659 slide with a barrel bushing comp that was sold years ago (and not longer available). It's wearing a curved back strap... does wonders for the ergonomics.

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Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222

I got it from Numrich. I think they only had a few. I can't find them on there now. I took a screen shot before I ordered it. Maybe you can find them on there.

All those trigger, sear, drawbar, hammer parts are interchangable. Be aware if you change the safety/decocker the safety timing might not be good. The sear release lever is a hand fitted part. Changing the saftey might require a new lever and fitting it. From what I've heard, fitting that lever is not something I want to ever do. I've got lucky 2 out of 3 times the timing was good. The time that the timing wasn't good, I had only changed the lever, so I just put the old lever back in.

Boy... you really lucked out on that.

I've been monitoring sources like ebay for a long time, but they haven't popped up. Never thought about Numrich...

Thanks for the reply.... enjoy.

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Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222

Slink’s Gun Parts has two, not sure if it’s the same. Looks to be metal.

Do you have a link or a screen shot? If it's curved and metal it's probably for a 39 series. If it's for a 59 series it's probably not curved.

I knew it was hard to find. A day or two after I ordered it, I thought I should post something here to let people know about it. Thats when I saw that it wasn't there anymore. I will message you if I see another one.

https://i0.wp.com/slinksgunparts.com...00%2C375&ssl=1

Thats not curved.

Ok, so the checkered black ones are curved and metal are straight?

The only curved ones for 59 series that I've seen have been plastic and checkered.

Here is the 459 with the new back strap installed. The grip feels much better with this curved back strap.

i have a model 459 and ive entered the serial number located on the slide on s&w website but it says its not a good serial number. im trying to identify the date and value of the firearm. can anyone point me in the right direction?