Will the 59/659 ever get any respect?

[heekma]

Hello,

So what's the deal with the 59/659? I know, at a forum dedicated to S&W autos there will be plenty of us who really like them, but in the greater interest of collectors and shooters, these fine old Smiths really seem to go begging in terms of prices and interest.

Will the 59/659 always be the "Red-Headed-Step-Child" of S&W autos?

These are some seriously nice, old guns, made the old-fashioned way--take a bunch of steel and cut away everything that doesn't look like a gun. What's not to like?

I'll keep buying them at bargain prices, not because I expect prices to rocket into the stratosphere, but because I just appreciate owning and shooting them.

What's the forum's take? Why the low prices and interest in these neat old Smiths, even among a lot of Smith enthusiasts?

Best,

Heekma

 

[RufusG]

Why the low prices and interest in these neat old Smiths, even among a lot of Smith enthusiasts?

I would guess it's the assumption that the 3rd gen guns (which aren't exactly 'spensive themselves) are an improvement, especially in the area of ergonomics and sights. So it's their own progeny holding them down.

 

[Fastbolt]

Older, less refined and improved versions of the TDA model type that really came into its own in the 3rd gen production (especially the later 3rd gen production period, when better manufacturing and continuing revisions were giving us increasingly better examples).

Sure, there will always be folks who like older/earlier versions of virtually anything, especially from a collector or simple nostalgia perspective.

I always wanted a Chevy Bel Air of either '55 or '57 vintage, too, but I wouldn't want to use it for a daily driver or take any long trips in it. My 2008 & 2011 vehicles are so much better so many ways when it comes to safety, usefulness, practicality, reliability, power, efficiency, gas mileage, comfort, etc.

If nothing else, the aluminum alloy frames of 3rd gen models benefited when it came to improved durability and longevity (but that's probably because LE agency customers started to demand a longer service life and durability at the end of the 80's than was typical for alloy pistols being produced just to meet military specs for a frame service life at that time (which was only 5,000 rounds during the '87-88 period when the FBI was doing some testing related to service-type pistols with alloy frames). S&W wasn't the only company who ended up making better and stronger aluminum alloy frames as a result, either.

If nothing else, the firing pin safety feature built into the 2nd & 3rd gen guns was a good change. One of my former partners originally carried a M39 on-duty. It became dislodged from his holster when he was chasing someone one night. Naturally, it bounced and landed on its muzzle, discharging a round, which fortunately didn't hit anywhere important (and which also made the suspect stop, thinking the cop had fired at him ).

If I had to choose from among the older models (meaning not able to choose a 3rd gen), I'd opt for a 639, myself. (Naturally, I'd go through it and replace many of the applicable parts & assemblies with the appropriate 3rd gen parts & assemblies. )

 

[JudgeColt]

You lump the Model 59 in with the Second and Third generation pistols. Fastbolt states the reasons for changes in the Model 59, and those changes resulted in much better pistols.

However, the Model 59 remains a more significant pistol in the world of firearms than the Second and Third Generation Smith pistols because the Model 59 was the FIRST double-stack, high-capacity, double-action pistol made anywhere in the world.

The Model 59 started the "Wonder Nine" craze when it came out in 1971, and every high-capacity pistol now made owes its existence to the Model 59. I have one of the first 400 mint in its original box and consider it an historic firearm.

 

[x-ray]

I agree - the M-59 is underappreciated and I bought a wonderful clean example of a 59 for $300 with box. I've been buying a lot of under appreciated metal S&W guns lately as people trade them in for CCW guns.

I too have a CCW ( S&W Bofyguard 380 & a 457 when) but lots of folks like the glocks, and other plastic jobs out there which is fine. Some of us appreciate quality and history and namesake of these fine guns. While true, not as well made as some of the later versions, they certianly are reliable enough and made well enough to enjoy and appreciate - especially at bargain prices.

 

[Fastbolt]

However, the Model 59 remains a more significant pistol in the world of firearms than the Second and Third Generation Smith pistols because the Model 59 was the FIRST double-stack, high-capacity, double-action pistol made anywhere in the world.

The Model 59 started the "Wonder Nine" craze when it came out in 1971, and every high-capacity pistol now made owes its existence to the Model 59.

You're right about its significance.

I have one of the first 400 mint in its original box and consider it an historic firearm.

That's a nice find, as well as an interesting gun to reflect upon due to its place in history.

 

[roaddog28]

In California any of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation guns are hard to find. All the young guns want tupperware semi-autos. Old guys like me are the only ones out there that appreciate the older semi-autos.
Regards,
Howard

 

[Armyphotog]

I can't speak for small mined folks, but for small handed ones, it will always be the 39, not the 59.