Model 59

[Doriangray6]

Anybody else have a S&W model 59?
I wanted a 9mm pistol to complete my range of handgun calibers and came across this 1971 model several years ago. Once I got the rear sight dial in it's been a great shooter.
It came with Pachmayr wrap around grips but they were too chunky for me so I replaced them with thinner S&W panels.

 

[larryofcc]

I have one mint in its original box with papers and tools. Very low serial number. A170217. Big Larry

 

[Dave Baird]

Always liked the looks of the 59. Later ones looked chunkier to me anyhow. Nice pistol!

 

[Engine49guy]

Welcome to the forum,
I was a big fan of the model 59 back in the 1980's.
What makes you suspect yours is a 1971?
The picture is very grainy like it's a picture of a computer screen so can't zoom in to see it's features or serial but has hints of details that would make it a later made gun.

 

[demkofour]

Welcome to the Smith-Wesson Forum and in particular the Semi-Automatic Pistols thread.
My original 59, S/N A349289 was purchased brand new in June of 1977. Unfortunately, something “newer or better” came along and it was sold off. About a year ago I was able to find a replacement, ANIB, for that original pistol. Very cool, historic guns. It’s S/N is A251435 and Roy says it shipped in April 1975.

 

[petepeterson]

I have one in pretty nice shape. Box, goodies, etc.

It was shipped to a local police chief, still had his card and info in the box. Pretty cutting edge for 1973!

I don't shoot it much, though. When I'm feeling nostalgic, the 39-2 usually gets the nod. Better feel for me.

 

[4T5GUY]

What makes you suspect yours is a 1971?

S&W started producing the 59 in 1971 with serial number A170001.

It’s easy to see the difference between the earlier and later ones right away. Pictured is an earlier, (and obviously “customized”,) A170457 with later ones.

Yes it would be nice to have better images.

Jim

 

[StephenWhoDat]

I have two of these models and really love them. The Model 59 is the firearm that got me hooked on the older S&W semi-autos. All these years later and I have dozens of them. Mostly 3rd Gens in my collection though.

 

[Imissedagain]

Rarely hear complaints that a 59 feels like holding a
2x4, since double stack Glocks were born.

 

[Sevens]

It came with Pachmayr wrap around grips but they were too chunky for me so I replaced them with thinner S&W panels.

If you look at the picture of three 59’s (top blued, the others nickel) that 4T5GUY posted, you can see the bottom pistol appears to be wearing the rubber Uncle Mike’s grip panels.

These are definitely my choice and I have them on my 59 and my 659. They are thinner than the Pachmayr grips but have tacky rubber that’s far better than the OEM panels.

My 59 is A177xxx range so it sounds like my pistol is pretty early production for a Model 59. It is high condition but not mint, and I don’t have its original box.

 

[Doriangray6]

Welcome to the forum,
I was a big fan of the model 59 back in the 1980's.
What makes you suspect yours is a 1971?
The picture is very grainy like it's a picture of a computer screen so can't zoom in to see it's features or serial but has hints of details that would make it a later made gun.

That's the date that S&W gave me when I called them with the serial #.

 

[Doriangray6]

S&W started producing the 59 in 1971 with serial number A170001.

It’s easy to see the difference between the earlier and later ones right away. Pictured is an earlier, (and obviously “customized”,) A170457 with later ones.

Yes it would be nice to have better images.

Jim

That's as good as my little digital camera can do.

 

[Doriangray6]

I have two of these models and really love them. The Model 59 is the firearm that got me hooked on the older S&W semi-autos. All these years later and I have dozens of them. Mostly 3rd Gens in my collection though.

I also have two 3rd gen pistols, a 4566 and a 4006. Great shooters.

 

[Doriangray6]

Rarely hear complaints that a 59 feels like holding a
2x4, since double stack Glocks were born.

It does slightly feel chunkier than my 3rd gen 4006, though way lighter, but not as chunky at the Ruger P89DC I had then passed on to my SIL. Another very underrated pistol IMO.

 

[Aguila1938]

I have A267529(1975) that I picked up back in '16 for 315 and a clean A335828(1979) with box and docs acquired in '17 for 450. Triggers are heavy but both are accurate and always fun to shoot.
I dressed up the '79 with faux ivory panels to get the Vasquez pistol look from "Aliens." I know a Model 39 was used in the movie but close is good enough for me.

 

[sodacan]

Just to be a contrarian, I have a very low opinion of the model 59. I know why it was called the first S&W "Wonder Nine" because I wondered why I bought one (new, circa 1975). Bad trigger, mediocre accuracy, questionable reliability. If I had to choose a pistol in the same genre, it would be a Sig P228, hands down.

 

[Engine49guy]

Sodacan sounds like you got a lemon,
Had to look up the Sig P228 as I dont know their lineup, says introduced in 1988 so not exactly the same "Genre" as the Model 59 which is a 1971 double stack updated version of the Model 39 which was introduced in 1955ish.
To compare a SW 9mm of same genre you should compare it to a 3rd gen like the Model 6906 which has quite a few improvements.

 

[sodacan]

Sodacan sounds like you got a lemon,
Had to look up the Sig P228 as I dont know their lineup, says introduced in 1988 so not exactly the same "Genre" as the Model 59 which is a 1971 double stack updated version of the Model 39 which was introduced in 1955ish.
To compare a SW 9mm of same genre you should compare it to a 3rd gen like the Model 6906 which has quite a few improvements.

My experience is not one-off nor anecdotal. It's just not a very good gun. I never understood why the attributes of the 39 did not transition well to the 59. The 59 was made to compete with the Browning Hi Power, an apples to oranges comparison for the most part. Not that the HP is perfect, but the design has withstood the passage of time. With the exception of the models 41 and 52, S&W always seems to be playing catch-up with their semi-auto pistols.

The reason I compared the the 59 to the P228 is because they're similar in size,
magazine capacity are are both DA/SA pistols with alloy frames. Someone looking to buy a vintage gun might want to do a comparison.

 

[Arm]

I don't have the 59 but I do have it's later 559 which is nice but heavy. Good shooter though.

 

[Ameshawki]

Had one eons ago. Traded it for a 39-2. I've had the itch to get another one, or really a 559 or maybe a 459.

 

[Engine49guy]

S&W's entry into the 9mm automatic market begins in 1955, they basicly took the best ideas of the time from the Walther P38 of a double action trigger and a slide mounted safety decocker and mated it to a Browning type tilting barrel enclosed slide, the first batch were steel frames which quickly changed to aluminum ( like the Walther P1, btw the model 39 magazine is a close copy as well) .
The Browning High Power or P35 had its own issues such as non double action trigger and short beavertail ,but it did introduce the idea of a hi capacity double stack magazine.
While the Model 39 is usually praised by 9mm fans the Model 59 is often criticized but since the 39 and 59 have the exact same complete upper, trigger and hammer it really comes down to the frame, namely its ergonomics, I agree it isn't great especially when compared to the BHP which is IMO similar in feel to the CZ75 which is curved with a rounded heel not unlike the Model 39 where the 59 is straight and square,
This was kinda addressed in the 3rd generation with the 1 piece delrin grip which came in both rounded heel as well as straight heel shapes.
For someone with a bigger hand the Model 59 is tolerable with thin factory panels or the thin Pachmayer replacements but if fit with thicker aftermarket wood panels it does feel like holding a 2x4.
Imo you really can't compare the Model 59 /459 to modern designs, they set a marker in the opening round of what became a movement in American law enforcement away from 6 shot revolvers to high capacity double action 9mm automatics, this led to the refinement of 9mm design which led the civilian market for CCW use to more compact lightweight high capacity 9mms with safer trigger hammer/ striker designs.
Bottom line IMO the 59 earned its place in history but is very outdated like the Luger and P38, Interestingly the old P35 and 1911 have seen a resurgence amongst enthusiasts and shooters but neither are viable for CCW use when lighter more modern designs are available usually for much less money.

 

[4T5GUY]

While the Model 39 is usually praised by 9mm fans the Model 59 is often criticized but since the 39 and 59 have the exact same complete upper, trigger and hammer it really comes down to the frame, namely its ergonomics, I agree it isn't great especially when compared to the BHP which is IMO similar in feel to the CZ75 which is curved with a rounded heel not unlike the Model 39 where the 59 is straight and square.
This was kinda addressed in the 3rd generation with the 1 piece delrin grip which came in both rounded heel as well as straight heel.

Actually S&W realized this issue and offered arched grip inserts. Coupled with thinner grip panels like Uncle Mike’s improved the feel.

I don’t have a 59 to use for target practice or CCW. As mentioned they are historically important and fit in with not only my other S&W’s but my overall accumulation.

Jim

 

[Engine49guy]

I remember those arched heel replacements but those didn't appear until sometime after the 59's introduction, IIRC they came out during the 2nd generation, but weren't they all made of plastic?
The arched heels were not very commonly encountered back in the days before the internet, they were an attempt to address the issue but unfortunately made a large grip even larger.
The 3rd gen took a new approach and basicly changed everything but the front gripframe but at the time were a pretty big change from the old side panels held in place with two screws kinda like the 1911, many including myself loved the look of the checkered wood on a blue gun vs the black nylon of the 59 or mono block greyish black plastic 3rd gens.

 

[DR505]

Dang it...you guys reminded me that I have a ANIB Model 559 and an ANIB Model 539 I need to go shoot. I took them out of their respective boxes for a quick photo:

 

[Goony]

...It came with Pachmayr wrap around grips but they were too chunky for me so I replaced them with thinner S&W panels.

I'd remark that the grips shown aren't, of course, the style that the gun would've come with. The magazine also isn't the original type.

 

[Goony]

If you look at the picture of three 59’s (top blued, the others nickel) that 4T5GUY posted, you can see the bottom pistol appears to be wearing the rubber Uncle Mike’s grip panels.

These are definitely my choice and I have them on my 59 and my 659. They are thinner than the Pachmayr grips but have tacky rubber that’s far better than the OEM panels....

I opted for wood. These were Thai sourced, and are very nicely made. They have the virtue of being thin enough that they don't make the gun feel too bulky in the hand.

 

[cougar015]

While I mostly collect Model 39's I've picked up a few 59's over the years . Top to bottom 59, 59, 459, 559, 659. They aren't as comfortable to hold and shoot as the M39's but They fit my hand ok, shoot well and I think they look better than most other guns.

 

[Gary_H]

59 was my first pistol purchase...

I bought my 59 in 1976 or 1977 and still have it.
S/N A3351--

At the time they were only available new to Police and Military.
My Dad was a cop, bought one and sold it immediately for double the price. That sounded like a good investment to me, so I asked him to buy another and sell it to me.

Once I got it, he took me to the range and I was hooked.

Back then 9mm ammo was expensive (about $20 a box 50).

I was complaining about how much I was spending on ammo, so he talked me into buying a Mod 67 so he could bring home police target rounds to help reduce how much I was spending at the range. Those wadcutters used some kind of cheap powder and created a cloud of smoke at the indoor range. I finally got tired of listening to everyone complain, I got into reloading.

I still have the 59 and will always run a clip or two when I go to the range. I still love that gun!

 

[Taj]

My first issue auto-stuffer was a nickel model 59. I hated that gun because it shot very poorly compared to the model 28 and later model 19 I was accustomed to carrying. I was a PPC Grand Master at that time and was spoiled with my wheelgun accuracy. I was grandfathered in, so I continued to carry my model 19 until I went to the SGT's oral and it was suggested I needed to comply and set an example. Now, of course, I wish I had one of those old nickel 59s. If anyone ever sees one with SAPD on it( for sale) reach out.

 

[Reloader Fred]

The Model 39 was made for the U.S. Air Force, but they didn't adopt the gun because it wasn't 100% reliable with flat nose bullets, which is what they wanted to shoot. The first ones were steel framed, which are very rare. After the USAF turned down the guns, they were released to the civilian market.

Joe Foster was the primary designer of the Model 39, 52 and 59. He designed the double stack Model 59 at the request of law enforcement. He spent two days with me when we updated our Model 59's in 1979 with the parts he designed to improve feeding and reliability. Mr. Foster was asked by S&W to come back from retirement to fix the issues, and he was touring the country helping departments with large numbers of Model 59's by instructing Rangemasters and armorers on the fixes. S&W supplied the 5 parts needed for the upgrades free of charge. You can tell an upgraded Model 59 (and 39) by the small "tick" mark on the front of the extractor and the one piece barrel bushing.

The parts included in the upgrade were the barrel bushing, extractor, recoil spring, spring guide and magazine followers. Overall, I upgraded over 600 Model 59's before being promoted to Sgt. and leaving the Rangemaster position for our dept. Our 59's were furnished with three magazines each, and each magazine had to be fired with at least 5 rounds of duty ammunition. I got real good at "fingering" the trigger and making them shoot like a full auto pistol before I was done....

Hope this helps.

Fred