SW 59 9mm What can you tell me about this inherited gun
- Thread starter ducterjim
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Ah, the first of the da/sa so-called "wonder nine" pistols as they had the 14 round mag capacity, introduced in 1971. I believe that one is from the time frame of 1972-73.
Check to see if the front and backstraps have vertical serrations. Some of the early ones were known to fire if struck on the hammer even with the safety lever engaged. Also some had feeding issues with the hollow point ammo of the time.
In 1978 I bought one, added the same smooth grips. The original grips are black hard plastic. It felt like a 2x4 in my hand versus the very nice feel of the single stack Model 39.
The value of the 59 in general seems to be from $350 on up depending on condition/accessories in my part of the world. Parts can be hard to source in the event of needing to be replaced.
Hope that helps though I'm by no means an expert on these nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn last night, though it is a pistol I tend to follow.
Check to see if the front and backstraps have vertical serrations. Some of the early ones were known to fire if struck on the hammer even with the safety lever engaged. Also some had feeding issues with the hollow point ammo of the time.
In 1978 I bought one, added the same smooth grips. The original grips are black hard plastic. It felt like a 2x4 in my hand versus the very nice feel of the single stack Model 39.
The value of the 59 in general seems to be from $350 on up depending on condition/accessories in my part of the world. Parts can be hard to source in the event of needing to be replaced.
Hope that helps though I'm by no means an expert on these nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn last night, though it is a pistol I tend to follow.
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Hey jim, just charge the chamber from the mag. It will work flawlessly.
I own a couple S&W 39s and a S&W 59. I like the Model 39 as it feels great in the hand and is generally a pleasure to shoot. It's only downside is being big (by modern standards) for a single column 9mm handgun.
The Model 59 is an equally large frame pistol, but did result in a modern double action, double column magazine 9mm pistol.
It wasn't the first as the H&K VP70 beat it to market in 1970, compared to 1971 for the Model 59. It also clearly wasn't the best of the wondernines as the CZ-75 is still in production and is still highly regarded.
I don't mind shooting the Model 59, but as others have said the straight back on the grip frame gives it all the feel and charm of a 2x4, compared to the excellent feel and point-ability of the Model 39.
The Model 59 is an equally large frame pistol, but did result in a modern double action, double column magazine 9mm pistol.
It wasn't the first as the H&K VP70 beat it to market in 1970, compared to 1971 for the Model 59. It also clearly wasn't the best of the wondernines as the CZ-75 is still in production and is still highly regarded.
I don't mind shooting the Model 59, but as others have said the straight back on the grip frame gives it all the feel and charm of a 2x4, compared to the excellent feel and point-ability of the Model 39.
Engine49guy
Member
Welcome to the forum,
your model 59 is a fairly early serial number the earliest guns had very unique features that were short lived making the ones with unique fwatures collectible .. unfortunately condition is everything in a collectible gun.
Take some clear well lit pics with slide closed of both sides as well as the front and back of the grip frame if your interested to know if yours is a rare variant
your model 59 is a fairly early serial number the earliest guns had very unique features that were short lived making the ones with unique fwatures collectible .. unfortunately condition is everything in a collectible gun.
Take some clear well lit pics with slide closed of both sides as well as the front and back of the grip frame if your interested to know if yours is a rare variant
jimbo728
Member
Fine pistol. Dont let it slip away.
Jim
Jim
scooter123
Member
My BIL has one inherited from his father, a retired Police Officer and a member of his precincts shooting team. What I know is the take down is nearly the same as a 1911 if you do the takedown on the 1911 by pulling the slide back and remove the slide lock lever. I also know that it was good enough for my BIL's dad to have won a shoebox full of prize pins.
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