Posted: 12/11/2008 6:50:43 AM EDT
| Looking at a model 59 S&W and was needing a little info.Is this pistol DAO, and would like any other info on reliability or any other problems. Thanks |
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Model 59 was one of the original "Wonder Nine" hi- cap pistols with the 15 round magazine.
They are DA - SA with a safety. I hade one and found it very reliable. I consider them a classic where others might consider them a "dated", i.e. old design. If you can get it for around $300 give or take, I'd consider that a good deal. |
| I'm almost positive the original 59 was only available in DA/SA. I have the 5906 and absolutely love it, points very naturally, recoils very lightly being all stainless and in 9mm. 15rd factory mags and you can get 18rd flush fit from Mec-Gar (who makes the S&W factory mags), they also have slightly extended 20-rounders. If the price feels right and it looks well taken care of I say go for it, wonderful gun that was great in its day and remains so even though it is now heavily overshadowed. |
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I think the model 59 came out in 1959...???? First was the Browning 9mm (1935) then S&W 59. It's a first generation Smith.
I bought one brand new in 1982 for $300 the 459 (second generation) was just coming out. I have shot thousands of lead reloads in my M59 and it never missed a beat. If you have small hands like me, it's not a comfortable gun to shoot. It feels like a 2" X 4" in my hands, but I could never part with this firearm because it is so dependable. It's one of my SHTF guns. |
| I believe the Model 39 was first introduced in the late 40's or early 50's and the 59 a few years later. The Illinois State Police started issuing the model 39 in 1968 I think. The first sheriff's dept I worked with in the mid 70's permitted deputies to carry the 39 or 59. There were a few problems with some of the 59's but S &W could usually get them working if they were sent in for repair. A friend has a nickel plated 59 that I'd love to have. I sold my original 39-2 to my brother and wish I had it back. I also wish I kept my issued 439. If you can master the DA\SA trigger pull they are great personal defense guns with JHP's. The 9 MM is a very flat shooting accurate cartridge with the right bullet. The ISP started out issuing 123 grain ball ammo then 100 grain full metal thin jacket ammo trying to improve stopping power. The Democrat Administration would not permit hollow points so the ISP carried a 95 grain Federal Jacketed soft point with a velocity of 1300 FPS in the mid to late 70's. When Gov. Thompson was elected he authorized the JHP and they first carried the FEDERAL 9BP then eventually transitioned to Fed and WW +P+ which they carried till transitioning to 40 cal Glocks in early 99 or 2000. The Smith's have a filled a real niche in the transition of revolvers to auto in the LE community! |
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Quoted:
I believe the Model 39 was first introduced in the late 40's or early 50's and the 59 a few years later. The Illinois State Police started issuing the model 39 in 1968 I think. The first sheriff's dept I worked with in the mid 70's permitted deputies to carry the 39 or 59. There were a few problems with some of the 59's but S &W could usually get them working if they were sent in for repair. A friend has a nickel plated 59 that I'd love to have. I sold my original 39-2 to my brother and wish I had it back. I also wish I kept my issued 439. If you can master the DA\SA trigger pull they are great personal defense guns with JHP's. The 9 MM is a very flat shooting accurate cartridge with the right bullet. The ISP started out issuing 123 grain ball ammo then 100 grain full metal thin jacket ammo trying to improve stopping power. The Democrat Administration would not permit hollow points so the ISP carried a 95 grain Federal Jacketed soft point with a velocity of 1300 FPS in the mid to late 70's. When Gov. Thompson was elected he authorized the JHP and they first carried the FEDERAL 9BP then eventually transitioned to Fed and WW +P+ which they carried till transitioning to 40 cal Glocks in early 99 or 2000. The Smith's have a filled a real niche in the transition of revolvers to auto in the LE community! According to "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson," The Model 39 was manufactured from 1954-1982. The Model 59 was made from 1971-1982. |