Model 59 Upgrades

[elwhastrummer]

Hey, I'm kinda new to this forum. I have a beautiful Model 59 and I love carrying it and shooting at the range on weekends. I used to own a 5904, and loved the ambidextrous safety, as I shoot with both hands. Is there a way to replace the right handed safety lever on my 59, with an ambidextrous lever off of a newer generation pistol?

 

[jsbethel]

A 2nd or 3rd gen ambi safety body should work on your 59 but you will probably need to modify or replace the right side grip panel for lever clearance.

 

[Green Frog]

IMHO, there are only two upgrades to even consider for the Gen 1 pistols (Mod 39 & 59.) It’s quite easy to replace the original decocker/safety with an ambi unit from a 2nd or 3rd Gen gun (I prefer 3rd because I hate trying to remember to retighten that screw!) and if you can find one, the factory optional sight that is adjustable for both windage and elevation. The grips may need changing in your case, but then again maybe not.

There was an extended slide stop available aftermarket, but I’ve only seen pictures since they haven’t been made for about 3 decades.

Froggie

 

[4T5GUY]

I have three 59’s and two I’ve left outwardly stock.

The third I’ve spent more time on and it’s proved to be perfect for what it is.

I got a few of the S&W 59 arched grip inserts years ago but I’m only using one on the third 59. For me the Uncle Mike’s thin “rubber” grip panels combined with the arched back strap is perfect. I’m sure many would not agree though.

59’s can be cleaned up internally and with a compliment of Wolf springs they can have really nice triggers.

Jim

 

[elwhastrummer]

Thank you for the replies. Looks like there is a cutout on my right side grip panel, to accommodate the ambi lever. I may just risk buying the 3rd gen lever and hope the internals, and the width for my slide are correct. I know the internal safety lever layout (among other things) is different between 1st and 3rd generation, otherwise I'd just change out the slides.
Anybody have ideas where to find a schematic for mod 59? I ordered parts from Numrich last month, however they use a modern(3rd gen) schematic with an amended parts list. When I asked them about a 1st gen schematic, they said nope, the modern one was all they had. I thought maybe when you bought a mod 59 NIB, there was a parts list included.?

 

[Green Frog]

The safety from a 2nd or 3rd Gen 39 or 59 series pistol will work in your 1st Gen 59 slide with little or no fitting. The same may not be true if you try to use your 1st Gen safety in a later slide due to the extra workings added in the 2nd Gen... I’m just not sure. I currently have a Model 439 ambidextrous safety in my Model 39 (same slide as your 59) and it was a drop in installation.

You may be able to find a Gen 1 schematic online or at auction, but the Gen 3 is probably close enough to figure things out.

Froggie

 

[elwhastrummer]

@froggy..I'm gonna find a safety lever from a 59xx, and try it. Hope I don't need the spring/detent for the right side as there is no hole in my slide to accommodate it. I'm guessing it rides okay on your pistol without one, or did you bore a hole in your slide?

 

[Green Frog]

IIRC, I just put the later safety in complete (spring, plunger and all) but the plunger doesn’t have a hole to click into so it stays retracted.

Froggie

 

[elwhastrummer]

Yeah I get it now... little slow on the uptake LOL. The spring/detent on the right side captures the lever to keep it in place..duh.. it's been too long. I took my 5904 apart when I had it (10 years ago..) to inspect it. I'm really liking my 59, but wish I'd never got rid of my 5904. It was great for shooting with my left hand.

 

[jsbethel]

Anybody have ideas where to find a schematic for mod 59? I thought maybe when you bought a mod 59 NIB, there was a parts list included.?

http://pdf.textfiles.com/manuals/FIREARMS/s&w_59.pdf

 

[shawn mccarver]

Thank you for the replies. Looks like there is a cutout on my right side grip panel, to accommodate the ambi lever. I may just risk buying the 3rd gen lever and hope the internals, and the width for my slide are correct. I know the internal safety lever layout (among other things) is different between 1st and 3rd generation, otherwise I'd just change out the slides.
Anybody have ideas where to find a schematic for mod 59? I ordered parts from Numrich last month, however they use a modern(3rd gen) schematic with an amended parts list. When I asked them about a 1st gen schematic, they said nope, the modern one was all they had. I thought maybe when you bought a mod 59 NIB, there was a parts list included.?

The original pamphlet of instructions that came with the Model 59 had a schematic. Try to find one of those.

S&W-Model 59 | Projectiles | Projectile Weapons

 

[Gunhacker]

I have three 59’s and two I’ve left outwardly stock.

The third I’ve spent more time on and it’s proved to be perfect for what it is.

I got a few of the S&W 59 arched grip inserts years ago but I’m only using one on the third 59. For me the Uncle Mike’s thin “rubber” grip panels combined with the arched back strap is perfect. I’m sure many would not agree though.

59’s can be cleaned up internally and with a compliment of Wolf springs they can have really nice triggers.

Jim

I'm in complete agreement with the Uncle Mike's grip panels and the arched back strap. Those arched back straps were sold by S&W as an accessory, and they about as difficult to find these days as an honest politician.

But the Uncle Mike's grip panels are routinely seen on "the bay".

 

[4T5GUY]

OK “Gunhacker” I’m hooked.

Intriguing pistol you pictured. I like, I want and of course need.

Guessing it’s a wonderful conversation with a 59 lower and 659 upper. (?) Regardless it’s a very cool looking, tastefully done, (and I’m sure great shooting,) pistol. Ultimate 59 upgrade.

I know, tho shalt not covet others pistols but I have to confess I’m guilty.

Jim