Sw Mod 59 New Old Stock?

[1sg]

S&W Model 59 in original box with papers & tools. Serial number A266xxx indicates 1973-ish. Sellers asking $850 which seems excessive to me. However it appears unfired with just the slightest handling marks and frankly I've haven't seen one in better condition in recent memory. So, does this high grade example command this kind of premium?

Thanks...

 

[VM]

A NIB 59 sat at Montgomery show all weekend for $650 (and never sold)

 

[stansdds]

The Model 59 does not get the collector attention that the Model 39 and 39-2 receive. I think $850 for a Model 59 NIB is at the top end of the price spectrum. For one that has the box, papers, tools, but shows some finish wear/defects, $850 is high.

 

[S-W4EVER]

I bought my Model 59 new in 1977 for $237.00 + tax. When you figure inflation into it, $250 in 1977 dollars is worth approximately $1,069 in 2020. (Just an observation.)

 

[growr]

Here in Montana it is a 350-400 dollar gun.......

Randy

 

[murphydog]

I think the seller is being...optimistic. Perhaps $500-600 to the right collector if truly new/unfired since leaving the factory.

 

[cherrypointmarine]

I bought one here a little over a year ago . It actually sat for a while until I made an offer of $500 . Just like yours mine is unfired . It actually had a business card in the box that had the old style phone# 5-1234 . Like it's always said here , depends on how bad you want it . You can always show him this thread on your phone and tell him these are guys that know a little about S&W's .

 

[1sg]

Thank you all for the reply's; much appreciated...

 

[JudgeColt]

The Model 59 was the world's first double-action, double-stack pistol. It started the Wonder 9 revolution, just like the Pre-Model 39 started the 9x19 switch for law enforcement.

To me, the Model 59 should be more valuable to collectors than it is. I have seen some on the auctions sites bring significant money. I do not recall that one ever reached $850, but some were close. A bird in the hand ....?

 

[wetdog1911]

I bought my Model 59 new in 1977 for $237.00 + tax. When you figure inflation into it, $250 in 1977 dollars is worth approximately $1,069 in 2020. (Just an observation.)

I also got one new in that time frame for just under that price (my cousin, a cop at that time ordered it for me & got the lower price), I fired ~1/2 a mag full and never fired it again.

The trigger was awful and the grips way too fat and never felt "right". I traded it to my landlord for 1 months rent, ~$250 then and we were both happy.

Rob

 

[stansdds]

Unfortunately, a good number of Model 59's were blessed with heavy, gritty triggers. The grip of the Model 59 has always been a gripe for a whole lot of users. The 5903/04/06 really fixed these issues and given a choice between a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gen pistol, I would take a 3rd gen pistol.

 

[Jimi 0071]

I must be lucky. I bought a 59 for 350 it has a sweet trigger ! It's 98% and fun to shoot! Made in late 78 I love it!

 

[Green Frog]

Where does the 459/559/659 Series fit into this evaluation, stansdds? I hear so much about the Gen 3 improvements, but for some reason I just can't warm up to the one piece wrap around grips they share. Is a Gen 2 double stacker with a good factory trigger a pipe dream? I'm assuming a sufficiently talented gunsmith could give one a good trigger(?)

Froggie

 

[JohnHL]

The same parts that cause roughness in a 2nd gen, double stack pistol are the same parts that cause roughness in ANY 1st, 2nd, or 3rd gen S&W pistol (single or double stack), and the remedy is the same.

The primary problems are roughness on the hammer where the sear drags and abrading of the mainspring coils on the cup.

Secondary issues are the drawbar rubbing the frame, the drawbar rubbing on the magazine, or the trigger return spring plunger dragging in its bore in the frame.

John

 

[flagman1776]

To me, the 59 has all the feel of a 2x4... unlike the wonderful feel of a 39 series. Personally, I'd go with a 39 or later 3rd gen double stack where the grip feel is more to my liking.

 

[stansdds]

Where does the 459/559/659 Series fit into this evaluation, stansdds? I hear so much about the Gen 3 improvements, but for some reason I just can't warm up to the one piece wrap around grips they share. Is a Gen 2 double stacker with a good factory trigger a pipe dream? I'm assuming a sufficiently talented gunsmith could give one a good trigger(?)

Froggie

Exactly what John said in post number 14. It's a matter of surface smoothness. For the most part, a rough 1st, 2nd or pre-MIM 3rd gen trigger pull can be improved with smoothing and polishing, but leave the hammer and sear engagement surfaces alone unless you have the proper tools and knowledge for stoning these surfaces. The late 3rd gen pistols went to MIM parts and plastic disconnector and mainspring cup which resulted in smoother and more uniform surfaces. Are there earlier pistols with really good triggers? Yes, there are.

To me, the 59 has all the feel of a 2x4... unlike the wonderful feel of a 39 series. Personally, I'd go with a 39 or later 3rd gen double stack where the grip feel is more to my liking.

I agree, the 59 and x59 do have a very blocky feel to the grip, whereas the 39 and x39 seem to fit the hand much more comfortably.

 

[stansdds]

How does an old M59 measure up against a current double stack Glock. Only have a G36 to compare?
Some time ago my Air America J frame buddy and other ancient friends found my Colt 1911s with 3.375" grips just right and the Colts with OEMs too thin.
They only know Js and Glocks.

My boy learned on our old M59 and at the range one day I handed him the old crisp but heavy triggered BHP and his groups size was cut in half.
Did the same with the Colt GM and the GC.
The M59 is always carried when fishing except when fishing in the Kayaks.

The S&W Model 59 does not compare at all with the Glock G36. Different sizes, different calibers, different triggers, different weights. In my opinion, the S&W pistols that can be compared to the Glock line would be the DAO S&W pistols.