M59 vs M459

[Andy Taylor]

I'm more of a revolver guy when it comes to S&W, but I recently discovered a M459 at a local shop and I was just wondering what the difference was between it and the M59. It seems to be the same gun, at least the way I recall the last M59 I looked at. Is it just the adjustable sights?

 

[Andy Taylor]

I'm more of a revolver guy when it comes to S&W, but I recently discovered a M459 at a local shop and I was just wondering what the difference was between it and the M59. It seems to be the same gun, at least the way I recall the last M59 I looked at. Is it just the adjustable sights?

 

[Jim H]

59 is a 'first generation' while 459 is 'second generation.

What stands out in my mind, or what's left of it, is the 459 is 'drop safe' with the decock/safety lever up or down, while the 59 may is able to discharge if dropped in a specific direction and the lever has been left in the up 'fire' position.

I think the 459 has rear sight shrouds to keep the blade from snagging.

Others will fill in more details, or correct my memory.

I have a 59, and may get a 459 someday to keep it company.

 

[Andy Taylor]

Thanks Jim. I was able to check SCSW this morning and from what I can tell you are correct. The drop safety and the optional adjustable rear sight. It also said that later 459's had a square trigger guard.

 

[88tc]

I'm just curious, how much are they asking for the 459?

 

[Andy Taylor]

$439 was on the tag. I don't really know if that is a good price or not. I need to pick up a 59 series pistol to go with the Marlin Camp Carbine that is on it's way. The Marlin uses S&W mags, so I figure I should have a companion pistol.

 

[banger]

Going STRICTLY from memory, The Barrels were hard chromed and the rifling twist was made somewhat faster on the second generation autos.

Also the machining of the frames allowed for material thickness to be increased FORWARD of the slide stop pin. This was the location where most of the frame cracking occurred in the model 59 pistols.

 

[Jim H]

Originally posted by Lucky Derby:
$439 was on the tag. I don't really know if that is a good price or not.

I'm now way out of touch. I bought mine at the local Gander Mountain two years ago for $289. It looked lonely, so I took it home. Maybe I stole it?

Gunbroker recently had two listed, $400-$550 range, so maybe $439 is realistic.

Good luck, and good hunting.