1st time S&W owner; have some questions

[jbohn28]

I was given a Model 59 as a gift and after browsing thru most of this forum, I've found I've still got a few questions.

1. What is the significance of a "dash" vs. "no dash"? I assume I have a no dash since it is stamped Model 59 vice Model-59, correct?

2. I also assume I have a 1st generation, as there is no 04 or 06 etc stamped?

3. I do not own the Standard Catalog, if someone is willing to share, I'd like to know the date of manufacture for A269XXX.

4. Is my model of the may go off when dropped I've read about?

5. What are the most likely suspects to wear out/need replacement first?

I'd appreciate any education you all can offer.

Thanks,
JB

 

[jbohn28]

I was given a Model 59 as a gift and after browsing thru most of this forum, I've found I've still got a few questions.

1. What is the significance of a "dash" vs. "no dash"? I assume I have a no dash since it is stamped Model 59 vice Model-59, correct?

2. I also assume I have a 1st generation, as there is no 04 or 06 etc stamped?

3. I do not own the Standard Catalog, if someone is willing to share, I'd like to know the date of manufacture for A269XXX.

4. Is my model of the may go off when dropped I've read about?

5. What are the most likely suspects to wear out/need replacement first?

I'd appreciate any education you all can offer.

Thanks,
JB

 

[Erich]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your purchase.

1. A "dash" model signifies a factory change. So, there's the Model 36, the Model 36-1, and Model 36-2, etc. The factory changes vary from model to model, of course (e.g., a 36-2 will not have had the same changes as a 39-2). The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson Firearms by Supica and Nahas is very handy at explaining what was done through the various factory changes to the various models.

2. A Model 59 is a First Generation S&W Pistol.

3. 1975-76.

4. Your model does not incorporate a firing pin safety. I've never heard of a Model 59 going off when dropped, however. You should contact S&W's engineers through their Customer Service Department in order to get the official answer on how you should carry your gun.

5. The recoil spring is the first thing that I would replace in a gun like yours. You might also consider replacing the magazine springs.

 

[jbohn28]

Erich,

Thanks for the info!

JB

 

[perpster]

Welcome to the Forum. Now please LEAVE. If you don't leave, you can't say you weren't warned when the Forum becomes an addiction and your Model 59 has asexually reproduced several offspring, some of which will bear no resemblence to your 59. Some offspring might even have roundy things with 5, 6, 7 (and sometimes even "8 times") holes in them! So, run, don't walk, to the nearest Exit.