Model 659 - SN Year help

[Ryan12589]

Ive been looking to see about when my 659 was produced, however not had to much luck. If any one can assist me, help is greatly appreciated.
I just purchased this 659 and just trying to learn as much as I can about it, serial number begins with TADXXXX. It has the squared trigger frame but doesn't have the ambidextrous decocker like I have seen on the much later models, so I am assuming... like 1985? But I have no idea. pic to follow.

 

[armorer951]

Catalog indicates 1984.

 

[Ryan12589]

 

[Ryan12589]

Catalog indicates 1984.

thank you so much! I figured it would be somewhere in that area.

 

[824tsv]

On the box end label, what are the 4 numbers under the SPC. ORD code?
That will give you the date your pistol was boxed and ready to be shipped.

 

[Ryan12589]

Tried looking there, I don't see where that would be at.

looks like a date was stamped on but is missing


edit... the 5038?

 

[armorer951]

"5038".......Feb 07, 1985. First number is the year, last three the Julian date.

 

[Ryan12589]

Nice, even more specific. Thank you greatly.

 

[jhnttrpp]

Is that Feb 7 1985 or March 8 1985

 

[824tsv]

My understanding is the last 3 digits are the amount of days from the start of the year.
But, there have been many examples of SPC. ORD. codes that have nothing to do with a Julian date.

 

[linde]

"5038".......Feb 07, 1985. First number is the year, last three the Julian date.

The special order code on my 659 s/n TAD8887 is 5070 . . . March 11, 1985 . . . and is confirmed to have shipped in April 1985.

Russ

 

[Ryan12589]

gotcha, well not to far off of mine. still a good idea of when it was made

 

[Sevens]

It has the squared trigger frame but doesn't have the ambidextrous decocker like I have seen on the much later models, so I am assuming... like 1985? But I have no idea. pic to follow.

Well, the hammer block/thimb decocker isn't all too hard to change out to taste (as a right handed shooter, I much prefer the single sided style you have) and some folks have been known to change them to make the configuration they want. I myself have swapped two ambis right through this forum with another member. My old beater 639 and my spiffy 659 both now wear the single sided look that I much prefer.

However, "ambi" would be denoted on your box end label, your pistol appears to have been shipped with just the single sided lever.

The pistols weren't actually made for a long time. 1983 to 1987 or 88.

 

[ucidad06]

I picked up a 659 with no box
Ambi safety
Ser # TABxxxx
Square trigger
No red dot for safety
Trigger pin on right side of frame
1885?

 

[Ryan12589]

yeah i actually prefer the look of the single sided over the ambi, just figured the ambi would worth a bit more as it is more versatile. But regardless, I have only had the gun for a few weeks but love it, been waiting years to purchase it. my dad was the original owner up till about 10 years ago when he was in a pinch and needed money, then it changed hands a few times until i could finally get it back. now she will sit in peace in her box for many years to go.