DA/SA safety off

[Dr. Fresh]

I have a S&W Model 59 as my primary carry piece. It's equipped with a safety/decocker. I am pretty sure it has no firing pin safety. I want to start carrying it with the safety off since the switch is very hard to work in a hurry. How safe is this? I've never dropped the weapon and I don't plan on it, but how much force is necessary to cause the gun to fire?

 

[MICHAEL T]

I have always carried my S&W autos safety off. That the only way to carry for SD, I use as a decocker not a safety.

 

[A square 10]

i carry a S&W M39 wich is basicly a single stack version of your 59 , yes , i cary it "decocked" no safety - i could be wrong but i believe yours has a hammer block and mine as well , what good is it if you need it and you must waste time with that safety ?

 

[Dr. Fresh]

Good point. I figured it wouldn't be a problem, just wanted to check. Thanks.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The original Model 59 does not have an actual firing pin block. This was introduced with the "second generation" (4, 5 or 659). Therefore there is a chance of discharging if dropped or thrown. I think there would have to be a very improbable chain of events (e.g., landing directly on its muzzle with considerable force) to make it so. I would not let it bother me. I too carry S&W autos with the safety off, only using it as a decocker.

 

[Dr. Fresh]

Good to know. I'm not too worried as I'm very careful and it's always in its holster.

 

[NavyLCDR]

Place a piece of tape over the spent primer of an fired cartridge. Carefully load the spent cartridge in the chamber. With your thumb on the hammer, pull the trigger all the way back and let the hammer move forward just a little. Release the trigger, then release the hammer. Pop the fired case out, if there is a hole or firing pin mark on the tape, no internal safety, if the tape over the primer is intact - you do have an internal safety.

 

[isp2605]

The Lone Haranguer is correct. The 59 does not have a firing pin block. The firing pin block was not introduced until the 2nd generation of S&W autos which would be marked 459 on a similar gun. Dropping a 59 on the muzzle from just the right height could cause the firing pin to move with just enough momentum to fire a rd.
I carried a Model 39 as my issued duty gun for several years. The 39 is the single stack version of your 59. We trained to use the safety as a decocker and to carry with the safety lever in the off safe/ready to fire mode. Some Troops carried their 39s with the safety lever engaged and with practice they were as quick getting into action as those carrying off safe. It's all about practice.