Model 59

[mrturtell]

I recently came across a Model 59. SN A3498XX. This gun has a lot of gold on it. Probably done for a keepsake or something. Where can I find the age and more info on this fine old ugly thing? Will post a pic when I have more time. Thanks!

 

[max]

76 to 77, but who knows when it was decorated.

 

[t-bird]

I recently came across a Model 59. SN A3498XX. This gun has a lot of gold on it. Probably done for a keepsake or something. Where can I find the age and more info on this fine old ugly thing? Will post a pic when I have more time. Thanks!

Welcome. To the forum, looking forward to the pics..

 

[mrturtell]

Gold model 59

Model 59 gold plating and all.

 

[t-bird]

Model 59 gold plating and all.

You've got one nice 9 mm there my friend. To me S&W made the best looking nickel guns in there day. Thanks for the pic and info.

 

[shouldazagged]

Welcome, from Louisville. Stick around, you'll like it here.

 

[Jaymo]

Color me disappointed. (Not really)

Here I was, expecting some gaudy, godawful pimp-gun.

That looks good, and I'm not a fan of gold on guns (or teeth).

Those wood grips look good, too.
Nice score.

Normally, I don't believe in safe queens, but gold plating is fragile.
That gun is damned near too pretty to shoot.

Smith and Colt had some gorgeous Nickel and blue back then.

You got me thinking I need some gold bits for my 52-1.

 

[mrturtell]

Thank you all for the nice positive comments.I thought it was a little gaudy but it feels good and shots great. One more question or opinion about this gun. It has a lot of dents around the take down pin on the side by the slide.Would you A. Spend the money and fix and make it a safe queen or B. wear it out? I have "A few" other 9's 45's 357's etc etc to shoot. Do you think this gun would have any historical value 30 or 40 years down the road? Thanks

 

[t-bird]

You can't wear a 59 out, shoot and enjoy.

 

[whraven]

Amen. I've had mine for 38 years. I can't count the rounds of all types that have been through it, and it's never given me any trouble. I have a few newer pistols, and some older (a 1911), but the 59 is still the pride of my collection.

I recently found a custom kydex hoster to fit it, and finally broke down and ordered some new magazines (to keep the originals in as good a condition as possible).

 

[14daMoney]

I recently came across a Model 59. SN A3498XX. This gun has a lot of gold on it. Probably done for a keepsake or something. Where can I find the age and more info on this fine old ugly thing? Will post a pic when I have more time. Thanks!

for what this is worth, on Oct '81 I bought my brand new model 59 with a sn A664xxx; so, I'd venture a guess that yours is very late '70's.....

 

[THE PILGRIM]

I love the wood grips-
Don't care that much for the gold.

 

[waffenmac]

Model 59 gold plating and all.

Wow I really like it not to gaudy and the double diamond grips look fantastic.

 

[Geno44]

You can't wear a 59 out IF you keep the slide and rails properly lubricated, as well as the rest of the gun and you correctly clean it.