Modernized 459, a work in progress

[BigBoss3006]

Almost a year ago, i made a thread about modernizing a 2nd Gen gun. Since then, i’ve been working slowly with a number of custom shops to modify a 459, using my vision of what a modernized 4th Gen could look like.

Here’s where my gun is at now. The 459 i picked for this project had already been devalued by the previous owner, who polished the flats of the frame. Otherwise in good shape mechanically. I had a light rail contoured and installed for use with a Surefire X300 Turbo.

I picked up a few spare slides to work with, which have been milled for use with Dawson Precision 2011 pattern optics plates. Plates are available for virtually all current optics patterns, and Leupold DPP pattern optics will direct mount without needing a plate. Currently using a Holosun EPS Carry. The rear sight integrated in the plate is driftable for windage, and happens to be the perfect height for the existing front sight.

I had some G10 grips done up by a small custom shop, with a shallow dimpled texture. I find G10 and texture like this to be aggressive enough to maintain grip while not being overly sharp.

I sourced an older Ed Brown Extended slide release and a factory 745 mag button to make one handed manipulation far easier.

I had my barrel sent out to be extended and threaded, primarily for use with a compensator, but also suppressors. Threaded for 1/2x28, I’m using a Armory Craft Dan Wesson 9mm 1911 comp to work with. It is being timed and re-profiled to match the slide’s lines.

Once everything is wrapped up, its being sent to Guzzi for a whole host of work, including conversion to decock only, trigger job, PC Scallops, and refinishing. Its not gonna be everyone’s vibe, and thats fine. Its been an enjoyable process though, and i’ve met a lot of awesome collectors and custom shops along the way. There should be some close ups of the work attached

 

[vincep122]

I have an old Model 469 and wondering if the same could be done to it?

 

[BigBoss3006]

I have an old Model 469 and wondering if the same could be done to it?

If its not a gun that holds any significant historical or collectable value, something that is already in need of repair or restoration, i dont see why not.

The optics cut wouldnt be a problem, from my experience the mag disconnect and firing pin safety function fine without modification. A new front sight would be needed to match the height of the rear on the plate, as the fixed sight slides have a shorter front sight than the adjustable ones on the 459

The barrel isnt an issue, they can be extended and threaded for guns like the 469 and 59XX guns that have the fixed bushing/dished barrel at the end. You might have issues if you want to run a comp, but for suppressor use, it would likely be fine

The light rail would probably not cause any issues at least in the installation, however you may run into issues with light fitment and the squared trigger guard. One or both might need to have some material removed depending on the light

 

[BarryinIN]

Any updates?

 

[BigBoss3006]

Any updates?

Yes, its been slow but its getting there.

The comp has been machined down to match the slide. The original front sight will be milled off and a new dovetail put in. Just needs some finishing work soon

I am having some reproductions of the Performance Center magwell funnels made, which are getting close to finished

For now, here’s where its at. Quick and dirty edit to reflect the location of the new front sight on the Comp

 

[Yendor357]

Very cool, Boss! Keep at it.

I always wish LOK would make G-10 grips for the 4500 series guns.