The 659 that Wasn't

[Jon Payne]

I have acquired a 659 that for all intents and purposes is a 5906. I'm certain it has a 3rd Gen Frame even though it's marked 659. The stocks are one piece unlike the normal 659. The slide has no barrel bushing, the sights are dove tailed fixed front and rear. The safety/hammer drop on the right side of the slide is secured with a Philips head screw. It does have half-cock unlike the other 5906's I've handled. Is this a transitional model?

 

[robrossk]

Welcome to the forum. I am sure the experts will chime in shortly

 

[JohnHL]

Based upon the configuration, it very likely is a transitional model.

Sometimes the three letter prefix of the serial number can confirm this.

John

 

[Jon Payne]

Based upon the configuration, it very likely is a transitional model.

Sometimes the three letter prefix of the serial number can confirm this.

John

The prefix is TBVxxxx. Is there extra interest in these because of rarity etc?

 

[Jon Payne]

From the searches I've done here, I'm thinking "Pilot Model".

 

[JohnHL]

Yes, although usually, the premium paid for one over a regular production model in the same condition is relatively small.

Still cool to have!

John

 

[Sevens]

Totally agree with JohnHL — but want to add that for the select few folks that collect specifically these, the original box with end label to help identify them.

Without the original box, they don’t often tend to bring much of a premium unless they wear the “AIP” serial prefix.

However I also agree with others who have said that experts will be along shortly with more info.

 

[4T5GUY]

I’ve got another one that “wasn’t”.

When I called S&W C.S., (years ago,) I was told my 669 was shipped in 1992. I mentioned that 669’s had been superseded with 6906’s by then. The only info they had was a 1992 shipping date.

I don’t know how it worked but it might have been sent back with a cracked frame for repair. I don’t know why the 6906 frame would have had the original 669 model/serial number duplicated on it though. It seems that there should have been an earlier shipping date in the records.

Jim

 

[snw19_357]

When I called S&W C.S., (years ago,) I was told my 669 was shipped in 1992. I mentioned that 669’s had been superseded with 6906’s by then. The only info they had was a 1992 shipping date.

Depending on how long ago you called, I have had reps that just look it up in the SCS&W instead of checking their computers.
It does look to have a TCA (or TDA?) prefix which would put it into the 3rd gen range.

I don’t know how it worked but it might have been sent back with a cracked frame for repair. I don’t know why the 6906 frame would have had the original 669 model/serial number duplicated on it though.

That is what I first thought and they would have put the original serial number on the frame, they couldn’t send a ‘different gun/serial number’ back without going through an FFL. But, both a TCA and TDA should have a square guard.
Although they didn’t use serial numbers in order or to exhaustion, I have seen late 69 series pistols with the round guard in the TDx range but they were etched, not stamped.
Interesting pistol.

The prefix is TBVxxxx. Is there extra interest in these because of rarity etc?

From the searches I've done here, I'm thinking "Pilot Model".

Most of the pilot guns were in the TBY’s and were all 3rd gen parts but it’s not regular 3rd gen production.
It’s interesting to see the red ‘safe’ dot on the slide (2nd gen) but with the pressed in bushing and dovetailed sights.

Cool pistols!

 

[4T5GUY]

It does look to have a TCA (or TDA?) prefix which would put it into the 3rd gen range.

Nope, it’s TAH with two safety indentations, one being red on the frame.

I’m glad I’m not going to be accused of drifting/hijacking the original post since I’m responding to a Mod.

Jim

 

[snw19_357]

No, but I will be.

TAH is definitely a 2nd gen serial number so I'm really thinkin cracked frame now. (but the '92 ship date...)

Jon Payne, would you post a picture of the muzzle/barrel bushing? I guess they machine for the separate barrel bushing AFTER the dimple for the red safety dot.

 

[hammy5150]

When did 2nd Gen production really stop? I imagine it probably went like 3rd Gen production for a couple of years where it dragged on to fill straggler LE orders and warranty replacements even after they had stopped being offered commercially.

 

[Green Frog]

How about the difference in the slide forging between the forged in front sight on the 659 and the dovetail In thicker metal) on the 5906? Is there actually enough steel in the 659 to cut a dovetail??

Froggie

 

[xtrtsqrt11]

I’ve got another one that “wasn’t”.

When I called S&W C.S., (years ago,) I was told my 669 was shipped in 1992. I mentioned that 669’s had been superseded with 6906’s by then. The only info they had was a 1992 shipping date.

I don’t know how it worked but it might have been sent back with a cracked frame for repair. I don’t know why the 6906 frame would have had the original 669 model/serial number duplicated on it though. It seems that there should have been an earlier shipping date in the records.

Jim

You never know. One bit of info though, I had a 669 about 23 years ago that I traded in foolishly. It had had the frame crack at the the slide stop pin hole through to the rail. I bought it used, so I wasn't expecting much warranty wise. When I contacted them they told me to send it in cause it might be called a "Factory defect". They paid for the shipping both ways and when I got it back, it had the latest 6906 frame (blued trigger and hammer) on it-stamped 669, same serial number. I was very happy, thought that that was great customer service. I don't believe I have the serial number anywhere, but that might be my old 669. And since I'm in the neighborhood with you possibly...