Model 559 & 539

snw19_357 · #1 02-28-2024, 09:04 PM

You are probably familiar with the 'rare' matte fixed sight 559s that were made in 1985. There was a thread on one 'recently' but I can't seem to find it.
The SCS&W makes mention of them and states about 15 were made.

Model 559 & 539-scsw559-jpg

snw19_357 · #2 02-28-2024, 09:10 PM

Did you know there was also a twin Model 539?

I see no references to them in any of Standard Catalogs of Smith & Wesson. I cannot recall hearing of one or seeing a thread on one.

Model 559 & 539-539_a7740xx_rh-jpg

snw19_357 · #3 02-28-2024, 09:15 PM

I never thought of J&G Sales in Prescott, AZ as being anything like GT Dist, etc. but both of these shipped there.
It will be interesting to see how many of each model were shipped there but I bet they will show up on the same invoice and serial number list and could both go on one letter.

Model 559 & 539-539_a7740xx_rcpt-jpg

Engine49guy · #4 02-28-2024, 10:34 PM

Neat pair,
Iirc the top of the 59/39 series slides were always done in a matte finish, Wondering if they just did the whole gun that way at the same time?
If it eliminated the polishing step perhaps S&W should have offered that finish at a reduced price like the Model 28.

Ps, are the backstraps satin as well and are they aluminum or steel like the Model 52?

Sevens · #5 02-29-2024, 12:09 AM

Really interesting that the invoices show 1986 dates for guns who by serial number were probably made much earlier — or at least we should say that the frames were serialized much earlier than 1986.

These are very, very cool!

snw19_357 · #6 02-29-2024, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Engine49guy

Ps, are the backstraps satin as well and are they aluminum or steel like the Model 52?

They are satin too and are aluminum, I believe. I'm certainly not going to remove them for a thorough check.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sevens

Really interesting that the invoices show 1986 dates for guns who by serial number were probably made much earlier — or at least we should say that the frames were serialized much earlier than 1986.

Right, shipped in 1985, which is two years after the 5xx's were discontinued (1980-1983) and replaced by the 6xx's.
I'd sure like to know the 'rest of the story'.

cougar015 · #7 02-29-2024, 12:16 PM

[QUOTE=snw19_357;141941467]They are satin too and are aluminum, I believe. I'm certainly not going to remove them for a thorough check.

Chris,
If the backstraps have a lanyard hole they are aluminum. The steel backstraps are solid with no hole for the lanyard. I have only seen one gun in the 39 series with a steel backstrap and this gun was a special order. It is a steel frame (1 of 927) with a rare factory nickel finish. It's a lettered gun and belongs to me.

snw19_357 · #8 02-29-2024, 12:54 PM

They have the hole for the lanyard.

JohnHL · #9 02-29-2024, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sevens

Really interesting that the invoices show 1986 dates for guns who by serial number were probably made much earlier — or at least we should say that the frames were serialized much earlier than 1986.

These are very, very cool!

Quote:

Originally Posted by snw19_357

Right, shipped in 1985, which is two years after the 5xx's were discontinued (1980-1983) and replaced by the 6xx's.
I'd sure like to know the 'rest of the story'.

I have a model 439 (A705953).

Per Roy Jinks, "Shipped 12/90. It and some others in this range were shipped late in life."

No explanation.

John?