Newbie Serial Lookup Question on Model 59 Found

[ccie6746]

New to S&W forums but long time fan since my first 686 purchased for the Police Academy in 1988. From the large revolver came the 5906 in 1991 for my department, but I had always coveted my Sgt's model 59 he carried after an on-duty injury when he couldn't wear his full duty belt for the 686 and speed loaders. It was the only semi-auto issued or permitted by my department until the 1991 refresh to 9mm. I finally found a Blue model 59, in original box appearing like new. The Serial # is A650xxx and I have been looking tirelessly to confirm an approx 1980 build date as rumored. Original owner swore to firing 2 full magazine thru the gun when initially purchased, cleaned and placed in the safe never to be fired again. Nearly 45 years later this beauty has been added to my collection with my original 686 Academy Revolver, 5906 in original box with factory inspection stickers still intact, never fired, as well as a few 2nd generation S&W 9mm and .45acp semi-automatics (669, 645) also appearing unfired and new in box. Any help on the date of manufacture would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Dave-

 

[toddimusnimski]

SCSW 4th edition shows 1979 - 1980 for A565001 to A655000 so 1980 seems right on. Great find! Post pics of the 2nd and 3rd gens too.
Added: Thanks for your service and Welcome to the Forum!

Todd

 

[Sevens]

I suspect it is the seriously bright light in the photo but that's as glossy and stunning a 59 as I have ever seen!

 

[ccie6746]

SCSW 4th edition shows 1979 - 1980 for A565001 to A655000 so 1980 seems right on. Great find! Post pics of the 2nd and 3rd gens too.
Added: Thanks for your service and Welcome to the Forum!

Todd

Thanks Todd, here's pics of my 1st gen Model 39 unfired in box, gen 2 669 and new in box 645, gen 3 3913 and New in box, Unfired, unused in any way late 1980's model 5906 with QA inspector stickers still intact! Prior I carried the S&W 686 .357 Magnum in the Police Academy, and for several years after graduation, on duty until the 9mm's were permitted in early 90's. All have serial matching original boxes with contents, same as my first few Glocks, Nov/1988 (G19) and March 1990 (G23) that I carried off duty, still in original boxes and like new shape.

 

[toddimusnimski]

Good taste! I have Dads 39-2 and my brother has the 686 he carried until retirement. He was able to purchase a 5906 when they transitioned to them shortly afterwards, sort of a retirement gift to himself (sorry no pic, that one's a bit buried. Same trigger guard as yours but no adjustable sight). My only 2nd gen is my 669 purchased from a member who had it machined for Novak night sights.

Todd