Model 59 mag release

[papascull]

I am just curious. I picked up my model 59 and noticed the mag release leaves a bit to be desired. I don't mind it all that muck, but if it was a carry pistol, it would be a pain to change mags in a hurry. Is this a typical situation for the 59? Was a fix for this or do most you folks not sweating it? Thanks . JS. Papascull

 

[jimbo728]

Hi Chief,
What is your concern about the Model 59`s mag release? Is it sloppy, loose, not reliably locking the magazine or just seated too low for you to easily operate? Knowing more can help.
Jim

 

[papascull]

Jim, sorry about not being too specific. The mag release is just too low for quick release, everything else with it is fine...locks up tight,not loose at all and reliably locks the mags in place. Thanks for your response. John

 

[jimbo728]

Chief,
Both of my 1st and 2nd gen 59`s have a very low profile mag release button. Presumably to prevent accidental release from a tight holster or carry. The pistol has a magazine disconnect making the pistol inoperative if the magazine is even partially "out of lock up". My 3rd gen pistols seem to have a taller button.
You might get a little more height by turning out the 59`s mag button, but I don`t recommend it. The threads are very fine and easily damaged, then have to be replaced. I have just replaced a release on one of mine. Just try to adapt to it if it works.
Hope this helps.
Jim

 

[GoodMornin]

Papascull, a lot of the mag releases are the same through the S&W auto generations. What you could do for some more surface area is get the extended mag release. They come as a standard part on the 745

 

[jimbo728]

The mag releases are not the same on S&W throughout all generations. Even between 1st and second gen pistols and 3rd gen pistols.
Jim

 

[papascull]

jimbo728,
Thanks a bunch. I may just leave it as it is. I had considered adjusting it outward a tad, but now I am not so sure. JS. Papascull

 

[jimbo728]

Good luck with your 59 John.Enjoy the pistol.
Jim

 

[papascull]

59 mag release

Well, I have some good news to report. First I want to thank you guys a ton, if it weren't for you, I may not have attempted to do what I did. Anyway, whenever I get a new piece be it new or used, it matters not, I take it apart nd clean/oil it. I went ahead and took the mag release out of the frame to clean it etc. I got the whole 59 cleaned and oiled, even the little mag release detent. Thank the Lord for Gunscrubber. When I got to reassembling the mag release I put a drop of Locktite on the threads and put it together. I set the button down to the oint where the stem and hole in the button were level with the slots in the button. I figure I got about .020-.025 increase in button height. It is so much improved I could not believe it. So, thank you guys ever so much again!!?

 

[jimbo728]

Great job John. I hope it shoots good for you!
Jim