S&W model 59 question

yardman4

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I recently acquired a model 59 S&W. After getting it home, I noticed it seems to be double action only. The hammer will not stay cocked when pulled back. I was wondering if all model 59's are like this, or maybe someone modified this one. Thanks.
 
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I recently acquired a model 59 S&W. After getting it home, I noticed it seems to be double action only. The hammer will not stay cocked when pulled back. I was wondering if all model 59's are like this, or maybe someone modified this one. Thanks.

Hi, yardman4!

Unless modified or broken, your hammer should stay cocked when pulled all the way to the rear.
 
Yep...if the safety is off the hammer should stay back.
Something's broken.
Our dept. went to Mod. 59's in 1976. I still have mine and it is still more accurate than I can be. :)
 
I have one that will do that about 50 percent of the time. A forum member told me it was likely the sear engagement spring. They run about five bucks at Brownells.
 
Like TexMex and PaulS 0706 stated the hammer should stay back if your safety is off. Safety off, empty magazine and an EMPTY chamber thumb the hammer back and see if it stays cocked. Second with out the magazine work the slide with the safety off and see if it stays cocked. If it does not it is not safe to shoot. When not fired the hammer will not stay cocked if you are only using the trigger.
We (the dept. I worked for) had a very worn 59 that went full auto because of a worn sear. It made for an exciting day at the range. When we examined it the hammer would not stay cocked. That one required a new hammer and trigger. Your handgun should be checked by a qualified gunsmith. I'm not saying that your problem will result in a full auto reaction I'm saying it needs to be addressed so you can enjoy one of S&W's hidden gems.
A well maintained Model 59 is accurate, reliable and fun to shoot once you master the trigger.
Let us know what you come up with.
 
As was mentioned before it could be the sear spring. This is a flat spring held in place by a pin. Many factory assemblers bent the pin towards the spring with a punch. If the pin rotates away from contact with the sear spring the sear spring will not function as it should. This can can cause the problem that you have. Paulj
 
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