Model 59 No Dash & Model 39

[Fredo Batali]

I walked into my favorite LGS today and Bob pulled out of the case two Smith & Wesson Autos. One was a 100% Model 39-2 and the other was a 98 % Model 59 no dash. Both with original boxes but no tools and the Model 39 had the paperwork. After checking them both out I put the Model 59 on hold. What can you guys tell me regarding the Model 59? Opinions would be greatly appreciated. Also would you snag the model 39 as well?

De Oppresso Liber

 

[TNZ71]

Definitely if they weren’t priced out of my budget. What were they asking for them?

 

[Fredo Batali]

Both were priced a little north of $500.00

De Oppresso Liber

 

[Sevens]

Many things to tell!

The 59 never came with any variations whatsoever, so calling it a 59 no-dash may be extremely correct, it's not at all typical to do so. It would be akin to saying "just bought a 5906 no-dash!"

If you were able to poll EVERY fan, owner, and S&W 1st Gen enthusiast around... you might find (merely my guess) that in a direct "pick only one" contest between the 39-2 and the 59... the 39-2 will win 85% of the vote or better. YES, I totally grabbed that number out of thin air. Even still, I believe it. So to answer your question... yes, buy the 39-2. Most would consider a 59 only after securing a 39! Myself... got my 59 only after having three 39's, haha.

The top end of a 39-2 and 59 are the same exact thing and wholly interchangeable. Don't know if that matters to you, but there it is.

Original magazines for the 59 held 14rds. All magazines for the full size double-stack 9mm S&W Gens 1-2-3 all happily fit, function and work fine in any Model 59, but may be worth noting that newer magazines have a plastic base that looks a little "unoriginal" on a Model 59. Work great though!

 

[Jeppo]

Both were priced a little north of $500.00

De Oppresso Liber

I'd take the 39 in a heartbeat. In fact, if you're not going to grab it, I'd appreciate knowing how to contact the store.

 

[Fredo Batali]

I just called the store a few minutes ago and put the Model 39 on hold too. As I said in an earlier post when I purchased a nickle Model 559. I'm not a great fan of Smith & Wesson autos, therefore I don't know a lot about them but they are "interesting".

De Oppresso Liber

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Model 39 all the way!

 

[4T5GUY]

Sounds like you're on the way way to knowing more about S&W semi's.

Good decision on getting both the 59 and 39-2. You would have been disappointed leaving one of them there.

The only problem will be needing a nickel 39-2 and 59, just to complete the group. I never intended to do just that, but it seemed to happen.

Jim

 

[Jeppo]

Sounds like you're on the way way to knowing more about S&W semi's.

Good decision on getting both the 59 and 39-2. You would have been disappointed leaving one of them there.

The only problem will be needing a nickel 39-2 and 59, just to complete the group. I never intended to do just that, but it seemed to happen.

Jim

I agree. I'm searching for a purdy 39 nickel myself.

 

[PJO1425]

If you're also buying the 39, try to find a spare safety/decocker, they are two piece & will break sometimes.

 

[mike from st pete]

Offer $1000 OTD for both and see what LGS owner says.

 

[loeman]

You've been given a good opportunity at a fair price. And it sounds like you are wisely taking taking both. However, the 39s are my favorites. We will look forward to some pics when you get them.

 

[amazingflapjack]

m-59 for 30 years-no malfunction of any kind-with a variety of ammo from all over.

 

[cougar015]

Now you are in trouble. I bought my first 39 over 30 years ago and now have 22 of them in all variations of blue, nickel, stainless, alloy & steel. It's a curse.
P.S. I also have a blue 59 and looking to buy one in Nickel.

 

[Sevens]

Cougar, have you also got a 147-A?

 

[Fredo Batali]

Model 59 and Model 39-2 Update

I picked up both S&W autos I posted about yesterday, this morning, at my LGS. I offered $975.00 for both and my offer was accepted. I, of course, had to give the state their cut but I'm happy with the price. I was wrong about the M39 having the paperwork it has nothing but the gun and one mag. The M59 has the spare mag, parts list/instruction sheet only. No tools with either. SN on the M39-2 A160XXX puts it in 1972-1973. SN for the M59 A402XXX put it in 1977-1978. The M39 is virtually NIB. It still has the factory grease/preservative on the barrel and internals. The brown coloring on the barrel in the pics isn't rust it's the preservative. Here a a few pics.

De Oppresso Liber

 

[Fredo Batali]

A Couple of More Pics of The M39 and M59

Here are a couple of more pics.

De Oppresso Liber

 

[kennethg]

Well done, a very nice pair.

 

[stansdds]

Well done! Take good care of them, S&W has not made them in a long time, so prices will continue to climb.

 

[A10]

Them sure are purty! Great score Tony!