Dating a 659

[stainlesssmiths]

Hey all, picked up a 659 yesterday to add to my ever-growing collection of stainless Smiths. Was wondering if someone could see what year it dates to, serial starts with TBU. Single-side decocker, no lanyard hole on the backstrap.

 

[snw19_357]

1988 and a very late M659. We'd love to see pictures of it and it should have a square trigger guard and the side plate already moved to the left side.

 

[stainlesssmiths]

1988 and a very late M659. We'd love to see pictures of it and it should have a square trigger guard and the side plate already moved to the left side.

Ask and ye shall receive! TBH, I was kind of hoping it was an '86...then we'd be the same age

Edit: insides have been thoroughly cleaned, next up is the outside

 

[ACEd]

Hey all, picked up a 659 yesterday to add to my ever-growing collection of stainless Smiths. Was wondering if someone could see what year it dates to, serial starts with TBU. Single-side decocker, no lanyard hole on the backstrap.

Agree most likely 1988 but check with SW for specific S/N.
This was posted for 3rd gens, but it should work for triple alphas
https://smith-wessonforum.com/smith...-how-get-them.html?highlight=manufacture+date

 

[stainlesssmiths]

Follow up: Smith officially said it's an 88!

I would date my other Smiths...except they're all new :-D

 

[Engine49guy]

My focus has been more on the Model 39 and early 59, Although my first brand new 9mm was a Model 459 around 1985 I've never really focused on the 2nd gen evolution or varients especially the 659.

When I look at the posted picture what catches my eye is the "Racetrack" grooves in the safety and the new slide stop tab that is a piece of bent steel instead of the older frame mounted lug.
While I favored the two piece stocks of the 1st and 2nd generations the 3rd gens had quite a few improvements.