Grips May Well Be Original to M659
Just joined the S&W Forum and I'm truly impressed with the invaluable insights provided in each post and each response. Got a question: Just acquired the S&W 659 reflected in the attached pics. All indications are this 659 is NIB/unfired. Would appreciate knowing more about the "bonded ivory" grips that I assume are factory installed.
Thanks.
Peter
For sure, Smith & Wesson offered a lot of grip options for its pistols (and yours is a nice-looking 659, Handgunner).
It's too bad a factory production label apparently isn't available. That little ol' piece of sticky paper would tell the tale and blowing my mind are the number of people who dispose of S&W boxes like so much trash-dump fodder.
Inasmuch as the grips aren't "standard" (in the sense of them being something for which an upcharge likely would occur in their acquisition) I'd find me a screwdriver that as near as possible fits the screws' slot and carefully dismount the grips to look for prospective clues on the underside.
Please be aware that properly torqued grip screws often are seated in such a manner that during the process of unscrewing long-seated screws they'll feel as though they won't break free.
Under that circumstance please don't hyperventilate and don't decide to exert near-limitless power. Doing so sets the stage for a run-amok screwdriver that renders screws butt ugly and/or leaves what will feel like a mile-long gouge on the grip itself.
Just keep applying the steady pressure and they'll come undone. But still, keep a grip on that screwdriver.
One does not wish to needlessly mar what could be factory installed bonded "ivory" for their presence on a pistol as ordered from the factory is rare enough to exert upward price points on the pistol package as a whole.
Lift the grips and look for identifying numbers that may correspond to that M659's serial number. Often used by the factory folks is a black grease pencil and it'll have the latter two or three numbers in the serial number.
For sure inscribing a serial number wasn't a common practice, but you may luck out. The only other problem at that point is that you'll have a pair of grips with some numbers on the inside because the mere presence of numbers doesn't validate anything; only a factory letter can do such.
Inasmuch as factory authentication is $75 per request nowadays, some contrary identification on the grips' inside likewise may save you the cost of learning your grips are aftermarket and not factory original.
Still, I'm glad you're now among us. Remember that the Smith & Wesson Forum is a wholly volunteer effort unassociated officially with the S&W mothership, even though it may appreciate this forum's efforts and participation in it of many of today's S&W experts from around the world.
Thus, please consider joining at the Copper level and/or monetarily contributing in some manner. This site's Webmaster must eat, too.
May you encounter good fortune with your M659, Handgunner!
Later.
