Posted: 9/22/2016 10:45:44 PM EDT
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Hi all,
I recently acquired a Model 59 that looks as though it's had a pretty tough life. I'd like to customize and modernize it some, since it's not a collector piece in it's current condition. I've been poking around the net lately, but haven't come up with much. It seems as though no one is really messing with these anymore. I've done some detailed 1911 work, and I have machining and welding experience and equipment. This pistol fell into my lap for so little that I couldn't let it go(likely due to it's condition). So here's some of what I'm thinking about: Are there any options for sights? I have a milling machine, and have milled 1911 dovetails, so having to machine them is not a problem. Something tritium would be nice if it's possible. What grips are out there? All I'm finding are Pachmayrs, and then smooth or checkered wood. Are there any other options? I'd like something pretty aggressive, like the G10 1911 grips and such if there is such an animal for these. Are there any options for barrels, preferably something threaded? Lastly, are there any other modifications that are worth while on these, beyond cleaning up the trigger a bit? If anyone has pictures of a custom model 59, or model 39, I'd love to see them to get some ideas. |
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Model 59 is kinda long in the tooth. Unknown on many currently produced accessories. Careful removing the rear sight, access to I believe the magazine safety spring is under there. More info and help here. http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/ Here's mine, fine pistol  |
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The first handgun I bought was a used model 59 when I became a police officer. I eventually upgraded to a .45 acp and foolishly sold my 59 not realizing at the time how much sentimental value it would have to me. I've even tried to find another like it but only found one and it sold an hour before I saw the advertisement. Still makes me want to puke to this day.
They aren't in the same class as today's high capacity wonder nines but they are originals, which holds it's own appeal. Plus they are tough guns. Just me but I'd leave it as is and enjoy it. |
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I don't know .
Seems to me it pretty much is what it is . Never going to be a super tactical competition gun without a crazy level of modification. As I remember the sights are pretty tiny . Swapping them out for something a bit bigger in a style that you like would make it a better shooter but would likely trash the resale value. Not sure what the magazine situation is , some of the older S&W guns have got pretty crazy in that area , something to consider. All in all you might want to consider using it as is ? |
| If it weren't so rough, I would likely leave it alone. But there again it is rough. So it's going to require a fair amount of work either way. It absolutely HAS to be refinished. And it looks as though it was dropped pretty hard, several times. The lanyard loop on the bottom is smashed down, though not completely. Among other things. I'm not planning on reselling it-not that resale would be much in it's current condition anyway. So since it's a project piece anyway, I'm trying to figure out what options I have. No it'll never be a racegun(which is not what I'm after anyway). But there were some pretty neat things done with these and the model 39s years ago. |
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Quoted:
If it weren't so rough, I would likely leave it alone. But there again it is rough. So it's going to require a fair amount of work either way. It absolutely HAS to be refinished. And it looks as though it was dropped pretty hard, several times. The lanyard loop on the bottom is smashed down, though not completely. Among other things. I'm not planning on reselling it-not that resale would be much in it's current condition anyway. So since it's a project piece anyway, I'm trying to figure out what options I have. No it'll never be a racegun(which is not what I'm after anyway). But there were some pretty neat things done with these and the model 39s years ago. Mine is the same way, I think it came from the factory that way. Maybe get it refinished, but better sights may not be an option. I like mine, it is outdated, but I got mine cheap, its reliable, and mags are easy to get and work with my 915 as well. |
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Quoted:
If it weren't so rough, I would likely leave it alone. But there again it is rough. So it's going to require a fair amount of work either way. It absolutely HAS to be refinished. And it looks as though it was dropped pretty hard, several times. The lanyard loop on the bottom is smashed down, though not completely. Among other things. I'm not planning on reselling it-not that resale would be much in it's current condition anyway. So since it's a project piece anyway, I'm trying to figure out what options I have. No it'll never be a racegun(which is not what I'm after anyway). But there were some pretty neat things done with these and the model 39s years ago. In that case I'd probably take it to the next level too. |
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I modified the heck out of my 659...
But the 39 and 59 have aluminum frames that I have seen brought to a bright shiny silver finish. Be careful removing that rear sight, springs and plungers live there. ( Smith did make a fully adjustable one long ago ) Really can't think of much other than trying to restore it |