Model 59s

[6GUNSONLY]

I have two nice model 59s - one blue, one nickeled. I like them a lot and they have both been extremely reliable so far. I have a shop manual type publication for them. I plan to keep and use them long-term, and have a good supply of extra magazines. Are there any particular parts on these know for weakness or prone to breakage that I should get and extra or two of just in case?

 

[stansdds]

The tip of the ejector can break where the ejector tip meets the body of the ejector. That spot has a very sharp angle to it, third-generation ejectors had a radiused angle and are more durable. Sear release levers will eventually wear and that wear is caused by the use of the hammer drop safety. The bifurcated spring that tensions the trigger is prone to fracture, make sure any replacement springs come with a new rivet. The trigger tension spring is not required for function, it just stops the trigger from rattling and flopping when in single action mode. I'm sure that all of the coil springs will lose tension if used enough, so replacements should be kept on hand, but the recoil spring is probably the one spring that will wear out most often.

 

[Imissedagain]

We have a 59, bought new around '80.
Still gets carried when necessary.
Always ride the hammer drop safety down, with thumb,
as was advised it saves wear and tear.
Same with PPKs and similar pistols.

 

[robertrwalsh]

They had extractor issues when they first came along. The SO where I lived bought them when most agencies were still using round guns. They kept them less than one year. Kept blowing extractors off on the range. I expect that was fixed at some point along the line.

 

[6GUNSONLY]

Thanks, i appreciate the replies and info.

 

[cougar015]

I also have one each in blue and nickel. Great shooters so far. I found a real nice OWB holster for them from Craft Holsters at a reasonable price.

 

[dagub]

I bought mine in 1980 as well. In 44 years, it had a problem in the trigger where S&W repaired it for a nominal cost (they can take several months, however). Though I have not been a heavy shooter over those years, it has held up very well. It likes factory mags, if you can find them, and will sometimes choke on poor quality ammunition. I guess these are true of any auto pistol.