Model 59

Doriangray6 · Feb 2, 2025

Anybody else have a S&W model 59?
I wanted a 9mm pistol to complete my range of handgun calibers and came across this 1971 model several years ago. Once I got the rear sight dial in it's been a great shooter.
It came with Pachmayr wrap around grips but they were too chunky for me so I replaced them with thinner S&W panels.

larryofcc · Feb 3, 2025

I have one mint in its original box with papers and tools. Very low serial number. A170217. Big Larry

Dave Baird · Feb 4, 2025

Always liked the looks of the 59. Later ones looked chunkier to me anyhow. Nice pistol!

Engine49guy · Feb 4, 2025

Welcome to the forum,
I was a big fan of the model 59 back in the 1980's.
What makes you suspect yours is a 1971?
The picture is very grainy like it's a picture of a computer screen so can't zoom in to see it's features or serial but has hints of details that would make it a later made gun.

demkofour · Feb 4, 2025

Welcome to the Smith-Wesson Forum and in particular the Semi-Automatic Pistols thread.
My original 59, S/N A349289 was purchased brand new in June of 1977. Unfortunately, something “newer or better” came along and it was sold off. About a year ago I was able to find a replacement, ANIB, for that original pistol. Very cool, historic guns. It’s S/N is A251435 and Roy says it shipped in April 1975.

petepeterson · Feb 4, 2025

I have one in pretty nice shape. Box, goodies, etc.

It was shipped to a local police chief, still had his card and info in the box. Pretty cutting edge for 1973!

I don't shoot it much, though. When I'm feeling nostalgic, the 39-2 usually gets the nod. Better feel for me.

4T5GUY · Feb 4, 2025

Engine49guy said:
What makes you suspect yours is a 1971?

S&W started producing the 59 in 1971 with serial number A170001.

It’s easy to see the difference between the earlier and later ones right away. Pictured is an earlier, (and obviously “customized”,) A170457 with later ones.

Yes it would be nice to have better images.

Jim

StephenWhoDat · Feb 4, 2025

I have two of these models and really love them. The Model 59 is the firearm that got me hooked on the older S&W semi-autos. All these years later and I have dozens of them. Mostly 3rd Gens in my collection though.

Imissedagain · Feb 4, 2025

Rarely hear complaints that a 59 feels like holding a
2x4, since double stack Glocks were born.

Sevens · Feb 4, 2025

Doriangray6 said:
It came with Pachmayr wrap around grips but they were too chunky for me so I replaced them with thinner S&W panels.

If you look at the picture of three 59’s (top blued, the others nickel) that 4T5GUY posted, you can see the bottom pistol appears to be wearing the rubber Uncle Mike’s grip panels.

These are definitely my choice and I have them on my 59 and my 659. They are thinner than the Pachmayr grips but have tacky rubber that’s far better than the OEM panels.

My 59 is A177xxx range so it sounds like my pistol is pretty early production for a Model 59. It is high condition but not mint, and I don’t have its original box.

Doriangray6 · Feb 5, 2025

Engine49guy said:
Welcome to the forum,
I was a big fan of the model 59 back in the 1980's.
What makes you suspect yours is a 1971?
The picture is very grainy like it's a picture of a computer screen so can't zoom in to see it's features or serial but has hints of details that would make it a later made gun.

That's the date that S&W gave me when I called them with the serial #.

Doriangray6 · Feb 5, 2025

4T5GUY said:
S&W started producing the 59 in 1971 with serial number A170001.

It’s easy to see the difference between the earlier and later ones right away. Pictured is an earlier, (and obviously “customized”,) A170457 with later ones.

Yes it would be nice to have better images.

Jim

That's as good as my little digital camera can do.

Doriangray6 · Feb 5, 2025

StephenWhoDat said:
I have two of these models and really love them. The Model 59 is the firearm that got me hooked on the older S&W semi-autos. All these years later and I have dozens of them. Mostly 3rd Gens in my collection though.

I also have two 3rd gen pistols, a 4566 and a 4006. Great shooters.

Doriangray6 · Feb 5, 2025

Imissedagain said:
Rarely hear complaints that a 59 feels like holding a
2x4, since double stack Glocks were born.

It does slightly feel chunkier than my 3rd gen 4006, though way lighter, but not as chunky at the Ruger P89DC I had then passed on to my SIL. Another very underrated pistol IMO.

Aguila1938 · Feb 5, 2025

I have A267529(1975) that I picked up back in '16 for 315 and a clean A335828(1979) with box and docs acquired in '17 for 450. Triggers are heavy but both are accurate and always fun to shoot.
I dressed up the '79 with faux ivory panels to get the Vasquez pistol look from "Aliens." I know a Model 39 was used in the movie but close is good enough for me.

sodacan · Feb 5, 2025

Just to be a contrarian, I have a very low opinion of the model 59. I know why it was called the first S&W "Wonder Nine" because I wondered why I bought one (new, circa 1975). Bad trigger, mediocre accuracy, questionable reliability. If I had to choose a pistol in the same genre, it would be a Sig P228, hands down.

Engine49guy · Feb 6, 2025

Sodacan sounds like you got a lemon,
Had to look up the Sig P228 as I dont know their lineup, says introduced in 1988 so not exactly the same "Genre" as the Model 59 which is a 1971 double stack updated version of the Model 39 which was introduced in 1955ish.
To compare a SW 9mm of same genre you should compare it to a 3rd gen like the Model 6906 which has quite a few improvements.

sodacan · Feb 6, 2025

Engine49guy said:
Sodacan sounds like you got a lemon,
Had to look up the Sig P228 as I dont know their lineup, says introduced in 1988 so not exactly the same "Genre" as the Model 59 which is a 1971 double stack updated version of the Model 39 which was introduced in 1955ish.
To compare a SW 9mm of same genre you should compare it to a 3rd gen like the Model 6906 which has quite a few improvements.

My experience is not one-off nor anecdotal. It's just not a very good gun. I never understood why the attributes of the 39 did not transition well to the 59. The 59 was made to compete with the Browning Hi Power, an apples to oranges comparison for the most part. Not that the HP is perfect, but the design has withstood the passage of time. With the exception of the models 41 and 52, S&W always seems to be playing catch-up with their semi-auto pistols.

The reason I compared the the 59 to the P228 is because they're similar in size,
magazine capacity are are both DA/SA pistols with alloy frames. Someone looking to buy a vintage gun might want to do a comparison.

Arm · Feb 6, 2025

I don't have the 59 but I do have it's later 559 which is nice but heavy. Good shooter though.

Ameshawki · Feb 6, 2025

Had one eons ago. Traded it for a 39-2. I've had the itch to get another one, or really a 559 or maybe a 459.

Model 59

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