Model 59 vs. 5906

[Slyk54]

From the guy who keeps asking about different guns; yet another question-

I can buy a model 59 or a 5906; both about the same price.

For carry purposes- wouldn't the 59 be a better choice being alloy instead of all-steel?

Would it's age cause any concern about reliability/shootability?

Thanks!

 

[AzRedleg]

Both are good pistols. Have you held both models yet? I find the 59XX series to be more ergonomic than the 59 or X59 series. Sights are better on the 59XX as well. If you are worried about weight then find a 5903 or 5904. Both of these have alloy frames like the 59.

 

[snw19_357]

Both are good pistols...I find the 59XX series to be more ergonomic than the 59 or X59 series.

Especially for carry purposes, I like the added firing pin safety of the 3rd gen 59xx's too.

 

[squekydad]

I've got a 59, seriously want to get a 3rd gen, go for the 5906

 

[jdh]

Good 59s are getting hard to find. For "have to have it" gun I would go for the 59. For an EDC 5906.

I have a 5906, I WANT a 59.

 

[S&W5906]

Both are good pistols. Have you held both models yet? I find the 59XX series to be more ergonomic than the 59 or X59 series. Sights are better on the 59XX as well. If you are worried about weight then find a 5903 or 5904. Both of these have alloy frames like the 59.

I have all 3 generations, 59, 659, and 5906. I prefer the adjustable sights on the 59 and 659 over the fixed ones on the 5906.

 

[Badkarma 1]

The downside to the 59 is it isn't rated for +P, the trigger pull is typically rough, and the sights don't exactly jump out at you, and the lack of a firing pin safety. Plus being blued means daily wipe downs with an oily rag to keep from going brown.
The upside, they're getting harder to find, shoot fairly decently, you can get different grips for them, and theses are the archetype oh the "Wonder Nine" pistol development!
5906: All Stainless steel, heavy, better trigger, better sights, a bit better accuracy, grips can be changed but not as easily, and if you run out if ammo dies make a very efficient club!
Both eat from the same mags, the 59 being a 14 shooter and the 06 being either 14 or 15 rounds, and Mec-Gar makes replacement mags for them if Yiu can't find Smith OEMs.
Personally I'd get the 5906 due to its updated metallurgy and +P rating. BUT 59s are COOL! Dale