Whats a fair price on a 70's Model 59 LNIB
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DocB
Member
"The Book" indicates they have gone up quite a bit. I paid $500 for a M39 LNIB two years ago. I guess it depends upon how bad you want it. My M59 is in box but not LNIB. I'm thinking $500 and maybe a little more.
MWater
Member
A localish gun shop had one that was pretty chewed up recently. Wanted $550 for it! It's the first 59 I've seen in the area (only been on the lookout for a couple years), but that wasn't going to work for me.
It's been my experience that 59's just don't have the draw that 39's and 39-2's do. They don't seem as attractive looking and most folks agree they sure don't please the shooting hand as nicely as a 39.
If it truly looks "new in box", $500-$600 is fair, but I would be skeptical. Of -all- the 1-2-3rd Gens, 59's just seem to generate less excitement.
If it truly looks "new in box", $500-$600 is fair, but I would be skeptical. Of -all- the 1-2-3rd Gens, 59's just seem to generate less excitement.
According to the 2016 version of the Smith & Wesson Standard Catalog - 4th Edition, a blued Model 59 ANIB is worth about $750. $600 in excellent condition, $500 in Very Good condition, and $350 in Good condition. I own the same model and absolutely love it. It was passed down to by my late uncle who was in the Navy. Great shooter, and a nice solid pistol. Unfortunately for me, the one I own has been used quite a bit and is pretty beat up (however still to this day performs flawlessly), so mine is most likely only worth between $200-$250, But doesn't matter, I'll never let this baby go! If you haven't already, you should get your hands on it if you can. You will not be disappointed.
TNZ71
Member
StakeOut
US Veteran
I've traded way 3 NIB Model 59 during the past few months placing a $550 value on them.
A LNIB is currently available locally with the box,papers,2 original mags and sealed tools kit with a $525 asking price.
There's quite a few really nice condition shooter grade 59s around between $350 and $450 if you have no need for the box/kit.
Ask sellers which mags are with the gun.They've been known to sell the originals on auction sites and put Mecgars in the box or with an unboxed gun
A LNIB is currently available locally with the box,papers,2 original mags and sealed tools kit with a $525 asking price.
There's quite a few really nice condition shooter grade 59s around between $350 and $450 if you have no need for the box/kit.
Ask sellers which mags are with the gun.They've been known to sell the originals on auction sites and put Mecgars in the box or with an unboxed gun
I doubt even a LNIB 59 would bring ........ anything over $400 in the "Burbs of the Burgh".
If you found a "collector " with a hole .......maybe...... otherwise ..... it would be a dusty dog in a LGS
If you found a "collector " with a hole .......maybe...... otherwise ..... it would be a dusty dog in a LGS
Engine49guy
Member
Not all 59's are created equal IMO.
IIRC the 59 had a fairly long run from around 1972 (ish?) to around 1982(ish), Early guns have different features than mid 70's guns and the late production ones are a bit different as well.
The one pictured above is a fairly early example as indicated by the fully enclosed barrel bushing , early slide stop notch cut and very early frame relief cut for the safety lever , (Later versions have a wider spaced lever which eliminated the need for a relief cut in the Model 59 frame).
The magazine is a replacement.
IIRC the 59 had a fairly long run from around 1972 (ish?) to around 1982(ish), Early guns have different features than mid 70's guns and the late production ones are a bit different as well.
The one pictured above is a fairly early example as indicated by the fully enclosed barrel bushing , early slide stop notch cut and very early frame relief cut for the safety lever , (Later versions have a wider spaced lever which eliminated the need for a relief cut in the Model 59 frame).
The magazine is a replacement.
The original model 59 is/was not S&W at its best. That my actual experience, not anecdotal evidence. Unless you are buying one to fill in a collection, there are better choices for a hi-cap 9mm. $400-450, tops for a high condition model, IMO. Good luck.
Ouch!!!
But then consider that all used guns in PA seem to go for half of what they go for elsewhere. 
Up here in the Eastern PRM, there are 3 Model 59's for sale in 3 different shops... all tagged at $599 (price fixing?
). I haven't seen them so I have no way of assessing condition or anything else about them... but I would assume they must be pretty darn nice at that price. 
Full Disclosure: I am prejudice since I have owned one NIB for approximately 35 years.
Engine49guy
Member
If I found a LNIB 59 with all the early features would have no problem ponying up $600.
LNIB Mid 70's to early 80's more like $500.
LNIB under $500 is a good deal , under $400 is a great deal IMO.
BTW the 39-2 and 59 share the same slide and trigger components so are mechanically equal, the rounded heel and slimmer grip with wood panels of the 39-2 gives it a cult following where the wide and square high cap 59 lower with nylon stocks turns many a S&W fans nose up.
LNIB Mid 70's to early 80's more like $500.
LNIB under $500 is a good deal , under $400 is a great deal IMO.
BTW the 39-2 and 59 share the same slide and trigger components so are mechanically equal, the rounded heel and slimmer grip with wood panels of the 39-2 gives it a cult following where the wide and square high cap 59 lower with nylon stocks turns many a S&W fans nose up.
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StakeOut
US Veteran
This is my only Model 59
In the 1st attached photo are factory 14 rd magazines plus a 15 rd 3rd Generation
Original Model 39 14rd Mag with metal follower
Original Stainless 14rd Mag with Blk Plastic follower
Original Matte Blk 14rd Mag with Blk Plastic Follower
Original SS 3rd Gen 15rd Mag with Orange Plastic Follower
Next Photo is an After Market 15rd Mecgar Mag
Photo #3 is my early A173xxx Model 59 with a optional curved backstrap and fully adjustable rear sight.
In the 1st attached photo are factory 14 rd magazines plus a 15 rd 3rd Generation
Original Model 39 14rd Mag with metal follower
Original Stainless 14rd Mag with Blk Plastic follower
Original Matte Blk 14rd Mag with Blk Plastic Follower
Original SS 3rd Gen 15rd Mag with Orange Plastic Follower
Next Photo is an After Market 15rd Mecgar Mag
Photo #3 is my early A173xxx Model 59 with a optional curved backstrap and fully adjustable rear sight.
