459

[88tc]

I just got my first S&W semiauto. I got it at a gun show for $330 OTD. It looks like a police trade in. It has some finish wear but doesn't look like it was fired much. I looked through the forum and found some good info on the 459 but not a lot. I would like to hear your opinions, and experiences of the 459. Also if you have pictures. Thanks.

 

[88tc]

I just got my first S&W semiauto. I got it at a gun show for $330 OTD. It looks like a police trade in. It has some finish wear but doesn't look like it was fired much. I looked through the forum and found some good info on the 459 but not a lot. I would like to hear your opinions, and experiences of the 459. Also if you have pictures. Thanks.

 

[ispcapt]

In the early 1980s my agency issued 439 to all the Troops. Those of us on SWAT could carry 459s if we bought our own. I carried the one pictured below from about 1982 until 1989 when we went to 3rd gen S&Ws.
Mine has been 100% reliable. I have replaced all the springs with Wolffs. Shot the heck out of it and it's still a great shooter. Don't have any idea how many thousands of rds I've run thru it. While on SWAT would be at least 100 rds per week on average and usually more. So total would be somewhere between 5000 and 10,000 rds a year.
I installed an arched backstrap on mine. After carrying a 39 and 439 for years the regular 459 grip was a bit too boxy for my liking. Installing the arched backstrap gives it almost a SIG type feel to it.

 

[88tc]

The ser# is TBU35XX. Can someone tell me what year it was made? Thanks.

 

[oldrip57]

Originally posted by 88tc:
The ser# is TBU35XX. Can someone tell me what year it was made? Thanks.

1988.

 

[88tc]

Thanks, oldrip57.

 

[tsa45]

ISPCAPT - do you know where one could pick up the arched backstrap? I have a 59 that is very reliable and accurate enough, but it has that boxy feel you refer to. . .

 

[mod29fan]

I'm also interested in the info on where to obtain an arched BS for my 459.

Thanks

 

[586L-Frame]

Did the arched backstrap come from a 39?
Was there any modifications required or
did it just dropped-in.

586L-Frame

 

[ispcapt]

Originally posted by tsa45:
ISPCAPT - do you know where one could pick up the arched backstrap? I have a 59 that is very reliable and accurate enough, but it has that boxy feel you refer to. . .

I got mine from Ray O'Herron, Danville, IL in the 1980s right after the 2nd gen S&Ws came out. S&W also had them available. Don't know if either still carries them.
It makes a really big difference in the feel. It gets rid of that 2X4 boxy feel. Makes it sort of like a SIG grip.

Originally posted by 586L-Frame:
Did the arched backstrap come from a 39?
Was there any modifications required or
did it just dropped-in.
586L-Frame

It was an option and wasn't a modified 39. It just dropped in place of the flat.

 

[88tc]

I have replaced all the springs with Wolffs.

ispcapt, is it difficult to replace those springs? My 459 doesn't look like it was fired very much, but the magazine release spring feels weak. I would atleast like to replace that spring, but maybe I should replace all the springs. Oh, by the way, nice looking pistol.

 

[ispcapt]

Most of the springs like in the mag, recoil, etc are simple to replace. To do a full spring replacement if a person hasn't done it before then they should get a service manual or take it to someone who has. It's no big deal to swap them out.

 

[88tc]

Thanks. I think I'll give it a shot.

 

[snw19_357]

Nice looking pistol.

The first hadgun I bought was a 459. I have owned many over the years and love them. I currently have two, both w/ round trigger guards. I am looking specifically for one w/ a square guard this weekend at the show.

 

[smith500]

Another one....

Dave

 

[FirebirdV8]

Those 459's sure are pretty.

 

[Sourmug]

Dug out my Dad's 459 last week to take with me to the range along with my new Sig P250. I luv the feel of the 459 and the decocker is nice. Trigger is not even close to the Sig and the sights "black on black" are a pain. Seems to be a good shooter but, takes some time to adjust to the site picture. Night Sites and a trigger job would put the 459 in my range bag for regular use.. Any suggestion where I can get sites and a trigger job? I am in Central Ohio. Thanks to all,,

 

[jun225]

I'm a bit late in posting but I guess it's better late than never.

Here is my 459 I inherited from my dad. It still shoots well ALL THE TIME. A bit bulky and heavy, but then most high capacity pistols are. Important thing for me is it goes bang when it needs to.

Jun