I picked up a pair of these today, but they're not exactly alike. The one on the left has a black plastic follower (which is what I normally observe) while the right side one has a metal follower in the white. There are also subtle differences in the baseplates (although these are not so evident in the photo as in the hand) - the one on the left is the typical dull satin finish, while the other's is a bit more of a polished blue and rather more boldly stamped. I've not seen one like the right side one before. Is there any significance to these variances?
Question Regarding 59 Magazines
- Thread starter Goony
- Start date
stansdds
Member
Early production Model 59's had a reputation for feed reliability issues. S&W resolved the issue, but the means of resolution are not, to my knowledge, known. I'm wondering if the metal follower was the first production Model 59 that had issues and the plastic follower was the fix? I know S&W used metal followers with the first production run of Model 645's and they proved to have issues, the solution being a new follower made of plastic (the orange follower).
As a Colt guy, what do I know? I do know that my early Model 59 has magazines with aluminum followers, and I can squeeze 16 rounds into one! So much for the "14 round" capacity said to be standard with early Models 59. I suspect the pictured magazine with the plastic follower will only hold 14 rounds. Right?
Engine49guy
Member
The metal follower magazine is an early one and more desirable to collectors.
Brad, who in the heck collects mod-59s? A big clunk of a 2X4. The first run had a rib on the front grip strap? Wow!
OP
Goony
Member
No, there isn't much in the way of variations to recommend collecting 59's (although factory nickel finished ones are almost never encountered). But as an early "wonder nine" that in its day enjoyed considerable popularity as a law enforcement sidearm, an example holds an honored place in my overall S&W collection.
paulj84003
Member
Early 59 magazines had a problem with the lips. S&W made a gauge from
16 ga blued steel and a 3/8" square bar with a slot in the end to fit over a lip. you used the bar to adjust the lips and the gauge to check the proper spacing of the lips. these items were sent to me in 1974 because of mag problems. also needed to streach the mag spring a bit.
16 ga blued steel and a 3/8" square bar with a slot in the end to fit over a lip. you used the bar to adjust the lips and the gauge to check the proper spacing of the lips. these items were sent to me in 1974 because of mag problems. also needed to streach the mag spring a bit.
stansdds
Member
This is the first actual evidence of what was done that I have read about. I figured it had to be a magazine alteration.
Aussie Collector
Member
I collect S&W autos and that includes the 59.
The 59 was, from what I believe the gun or one of the original "wonder 9s" before other gun makers jumped on board making double stack 9mm's.
Under the 59 "umbrella" I see all the 59 series. 2nd and 3rd gen. There are some very desirable and rare guns in this mix. Most recent purchase for me was a 5906 "super 9" in original box with the three barrels.
A favourite is the compact 469. The books say these compact are variations of the single stack 39, I say they are double stack and variations/evaluation of the 59.
The 59 was, from what I believe the gun or one of the original "wonder 9s" before other gun makers jumped on board making double stack 9mm's.
Under the 59 "umbrella" I see all the 59 series. 2nd and 3rd gen. There are some very desirable and rare guns in this mix. Most recent purchase for me was a 5906 "super 9" in original box with the three barrels.
A favourite is the compact 469. The books say these compact are variations of the single stack 39, I say they are double stack and variations/evaluation of the 59.
stansdds
Member
The S&W Model 59 was the first wonder nine. The defining features of wonder nines are double column magazine and a double action first shot followed by single action shots. This design was at the behest of the U.S. Navy Seals, who wanted the action of the Model 39, but the magazine capacity of the Browning Hi-Power.
stansdds
Member
I am now labeling you as an enabler. Now I want a 59 or x59 even more just so I can dress one up like yours!
Engine49guy
Member
Yeah Mike what kinda kook collects Model 59 varients...Hey....wait a minute!
There are actually quite a few changes just within the Model 59 especially in the early years if you look at them closely,
The earliest version had smooth tangs and are very collectable.
saw one for sale over 10 years ago and backed out of the bidding well above $1k.
Another very unique feature of early production guns was the changes in frame relief cuts to clear the safety lever, initially both sides were relieved , (the right side was probably done in anticipation of a future ambi safety lever is my guess) at some point they changed the safety lever spacing making it stick out further to clear the 59's frame and the relief cuts ceased.
Lots of little things depending on how fine you set the microscope.
Barrel bushings, slide stop cuts, mag release buttons, magazine followers etc.
Great guns in their day, it's too bad they didn't put more attention into the grip frame contours and offer nicer stocks or they would be much more collectable.
They are kinda ugly and feel like a brick but it was my first 9mm and has a special place in my heart.
There are actually quite a few changes just within the Model 59 especially in the early years if you look at them closely,
The earliest version had smooth tangs and are very collectable.
saw one for sale over 10 years ago and backed out of the bidding well above $1k.
Another very unique feature of early production guns was the changes in frame relief cuts to clear the safety lever, initially both sides were relieved , (the right side was probably done in anticipation of a future ambi safety lever is my guess) at some point they changed the safety lever spacing making it stick out further to clear the 59's frame and the relief cuts ceased.
Lots of little things depending on how fine you set the microscope.
Barrel bushings, slide stop cuts, mag release buttons, magazine followers etc.
Great guns in their day, it's too bad they didn't put more attention into the grip frame contours and offer nicer stocks or they would be much more collectable.
They are kinda ugly and feel like a brick but it was my first 9mm and has a special place in my heart.
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Mr. Brad, did not say "kook" your word. Speaking of kookie, are you still driving that two tone pink Edsel station wagon? With Mod-59 vanity tags on the bumper?
OP
Goony
Member
raytc - First off, welcome. I'd like to see those photos.
Click on the "Go Advanced" box. On the new "Reply to Thread" page, click on the paper clip icon at the top. A new mini window will open. Browse your picture files and open the one(s) you want, and then click on "Upload". QED.
Click on the "Go Advanced" box. On the new "Reply to Thread" page, click on the paper clip icon at the top. A new mini window will open. Browse your picture files and open the one(s) you want, and then click on "Upload". QED.
Engine49guy
Member
I'd love to see a few good pics of that gun!
Each firearm has its own unique features, never thought about the Model 59 grip profile until I started shooting the Browning HP and CZ 75, Both are high cap 9mms with ergonomics that I prefer.
On the other hand the Model 39 is a sweet heart.
I have never seen that before, thanks for sharing! How did you happen upon it?
I fell in love with early Smith semi autos due to my uncle who was a CHPie. He carried a 39 (with long extractor) in his boot. It papered to where he bought all his uniforms. I few years ago I picked a never before shot 59 in the blue box from a fellow whose department made them unauthorized to carry right after his purchase. Fell in love with the 59 when the local PD issued them right after revolvers had fallen out of vogue. I never could get an ex PD gun and then years later fell into one. They are the only two real Smith's I own. Do have a Shield for pocket carry but I consider the 39 and 59 and all the other 2nd and 3rd gen the real Smith's.
Never say never. There was a time when nobody collected those ugly Army surplus .45s either.
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