Frame thickness @ grip same for Model 39 vs. 59?

[kantuck]

My "real destination">>>Is there a difference in the overall grip area thickness of these two pistols? I realize the grips are sameo and that the Model 39's have the curved/checkered backstrap vs straight & smooth on 59's.

Related question-If I buy a 39/59 pistol with non-OE grips are the S&W OE walnut grips really hard to find-my quick search yields only various newly made versions. I have no idea if they are sold as a new part.
Thanks!

 

[paulj84003]

39's have single stack magazines 59's have double stack. 59 frames are thicker in the grip area. PaulJ

 

[jsbethel]

Maybe I'm reading your post wrong but are you working under the assumption that 39 and 59 grips interchange? They don't.
I saw a post once where someone adapted 39 walnut grips to work on a 59 but it took some work.
You can usually find correct walnut 39 grips as well as correct plastic 59 grips on Ebay or Gunbroker - you might luck into a NOS factory carded set but I wouldn't count on it.

 

[jimbo728]

Mike, As stated 39 and 59 grips are different.
59 grips are fatter all around. The stocks are different also.
Here is a comparison. The 59 stock grips are usually black plastic but mine is wearing Hogue wood. Model 39 stock panels are wood.The 39 grips are stock. This is actually a 539 and 559. Same size except for sights.
Jim

 

[kantuck]

I got lucky today in stopping at a pawn shop on the way home from PT and they had a nice model 59 FS. Cheaper than any in same condition I've watched on broker. I immediately saw the difference in grip thickness is that frame "rise" just above the trigger-the 59 has it, the 39 with single stack does not-silly boy me...
While I could make an easy but no a nice pistol right there, the 59 is not the hand fit I found with holding a Model 39!!! Honestly, were my hands larger, I'd have bought it right there-or the Beretta Model 84 FS here in forum.
I easily shot an "Expert" qualification score in Army with the M9 but doesn't mean i liked the fit as a personal choice.
Thanks!

 

[jimbo728]

No matter what the fit in your hand is like, getting hits is always the bottom line,as you have shown with the M9.
Good Luck
Jim

 

[Engine49guy]

Although the mounting screws are in the same place the 39/59 grip panels have different shapes and thickness ,
The Model 39 panel is thicker with a round heel and made of wood,
The thinner plastic Model 59 grip panels have a straight heel.

The Model 39 was introduced in the 50's with a single stack magazine,
The Model 59 was introduced in the 70's basically mating the (then current) Model 39-2 slide to a new double stack (14 shot) lower ,
The 59 lower is considerably wider to accommodate the double stack magazine.