How many nickel models of 1st-3rd gen S&W semi-autos?

[Say When!]

Howdy Smith & Wesson Forum members:

This week, I stumbled upon and purchased this dazzling 2nd generation, 9mm 14-shot nickel finish S&W model 559 (1 of 1,636). I’m a rookie S&W collector and had never before seen a nickel finish S&W semi-auto. It prompts me to wonder how many models of 1st-3rd generation S&W semi-autos were available with a nickel finish. Can y’all offer any insights? Thanks in advance for sharing your S&W expertise. Kind regards, David McNulty - Allen, Texas

 

[gmborkovic]

Hello David, I have a running list of nickel mod-39-2s. Scroll down for list.

 

[toddimusnimski]

Yep, the Model 39 is the first one to come to my mind. This one is shown with a later Model 639 9 round magazine. Nickel finished guns can be a challenge to photograph. This older pic of mine was best I could quickly do with cell camera.

Yours looks great! Did it come with Grey box or Blue box? Not uncommon to see Nickel guns shipped in Blue boxes - they used what was available to get the product out the door.

 

[jsbethel]

39, 439, 539, 459. 559, 469 Ashland are those that I know.
I like the Meprolight night sights on that pistol - probably dead, unfortunately.

 

[murphydog]

There are nickel model 59s.

 

[gmborkovic]

Alan, agree. dont seem to come up for sale as often as 39-2s.

 

[Sevens]

I don’t believe that S&W ever made any nickel finished 3rd Gen pistols. Just throwing that in there since it was mentioned in the original post as a question.

I believe there was a very scarce Model 2214 run that had a brushed nickel finish like that Ashland 469. Yes, the 2214 is not a 1-2-3rd Gen, but I wedged it in to the conversation.

 

[stansdds]

I don’t believe that S&W ever made any nickel finished 3rd Gen pistols. Just throwing that in there since it was mentioned in the original post as a question.

I believe there was a very scarce Model 2214 run that had a brushed nickel finish like that Ashland 469. Yes, the 2214 is not a 1-2-3rd Gen, but I wedged it in to the conversation.

Correct, third gens were blue/black or stainless, no nickel option.

 

[TNZ71]

469 for sure

 

[3S16]

I have a nickel Model 59 and a blue Model 59. Great guns.

 

[robvious]

my father had a nickel 39 before it was stolen when I was about 9 years old... I thought they were beautiful then and now.. he replaced it with a blue 59, not quite the same to a 9 YO

 

[Say When!]

Well Smith & Wesson Forum members:
- Based on your feedback (thank you!)
- Unless I’m mistaken
- And acknowledging that there’s always a rare exception:

I reckon the 2nd generation Smith & Wesson Model 559 is the ONLY:
- Standard production
- Full-size
- Steel frame
- Steel slide
- Double-stack magazine
- 14-round 9mm
- Gen 1-3
Semi-automatic pistol that Smith & Wesson EVER produced with a NICKEL finish.

And I'm prouder than a game rooster to own one of these:
- RARE (1 of 1,636)
- HEAVY WEIGHT (41-ounces)
- SPARKLING finish
- 40-42 year old (produced 1980-1982)
- Groundbreaking “WONDER NINE" pistols!

 

[22lrfan]

I've got a nickel 439.

 

[Tntcwg3]

very nice, congrats!

 

[Say When!]

I’m a novice collector, but:

Honestly, my just acquired 2nd generation, 9mm 14-shot NICKEL finish S&W model 559 (1 of 1,636) is THE most STRIKING pistol I have EVER seen!

 

[Dave from Pa]

David, nice 559, congratulations.I have never seen a front sight quite like the one on your pistol.Does your pistol match the box, serial #etc.If so does it mention anything about sights.

 

[stansdds]

David, nice 559, congratulations.I have never seen a front sight quite like the one on your pistol.Does your pistol match the box, serial #etc.If so does it mention anything about sights.

That does not look at all like a factory front sight and the rear sight's protective wings appear to be in a polished blue finish, again, not a S&W finish, all the adjustable rear sights I've seen have a matte or satin blue finish on the wings.

 

[Say When!]

David, nice 559, congratulations.I have never seen a front sight quite like the one on your pistol.Does your pistol match the box, serial #etc.If so does it mention anything about sights.

Hi Dave:
Thank you very much for your insightful observation!
No, unfortunately, I don't have the original serial# matching box.
Kind regards,
Say When!

 

[Say When!]

That does not look at all like a factory front sight and the rear sight's protective wings appear to be in a polished blue finish, again, not a S&W finish, all the adjustable rear sights I've seen have a matte or satin blue finish on the wings.

Hi StansDDS:
Thank you very much for your insightful observation!
Until you pointed it our, I did not notice the polished rear sight.
Kind regards,
Say When!

 

[Relic Hunter 451]

I currently own a high polish nickel 59. I call it my 80's Miami cartel gun....lol.