S&W Model 559 - about the barrel

[tburtal]

What would be the proper description of the original barrel in a Model 559? I know it isn't blued. Is it stainless steel? Does it have any coating on the barrel. My Dad bought it NIB in the 80s from the local hardware store. It's a heavy one after you've lifted the 3913 and 3914. He passed away a few years ago so I am cataloging his pistols that he's bought over the years. I just want to properly describe exposed parts and can't find the description of an original barrel for a Model 559. Regarding the original grips would you describe them as black checkered nylon or is it "composite"? Serial is A7685xx.

Thanks,
Tommy Burt

 

[oldman10mm]

Stainless steel barrel in a carbon steel frame.

459- alloy frame
659- stainless steel frame

I'm going to guess that 459 559 & 659 had stainless steel slides, someone will post up to correct if that's wrong.

 

[GaryS]

Stainless frame guns had a stainless slides, others had carbon steel slides.

 

[stansdds]

The Model 559 has a carbon steel slide and receiver, finish would be either blued or nickel plated. The barrels in the second generation pistols were stainless, regardless of slide or receiver metal. The factory stocks on the 459/559/659 would have been made of a black colored nylon material, same as the Model 59.

459 = carbon steel slide, aluminum alloy receiver, blued or nickel plated.
559 = carbon steel slide, carbon steel receiver, blued or nickel plated.
659 = stainless steel slide, stainless steel receiver.