How rare is Winchester 1959?

[igotta40]

Is the Winchester semi auto model 1959 considered to be rare, collectible or otherwise have any particular value?

 

[Pete D.]

The model 59 is my favorite semi-auto.....maybe my favorite overall. I have not seen many on the used gun racks.....when i bought mine some years ago, it was not particularly expensive though other guns could have been had for less.
Rare? Maybe. Collectible? Definitely.

 

[PabloJ]

It's not rare because more than 5,000 units were made (over 80,000). Not collectible value for one in excellent condition is about $400. Good one will come with slotted muzzle break/choke not bad idea for light weight 12ga gun.

 

[Armored farmer]

Smooth, light, pointable.
My grandpa took 8 Quail with seven shots with his one day.
It' s in my safe now,

 

[SwampWolf]

The model 59 is my favorite semi-auto.....maybe my favorite overall.

Ranks right up there with a Browning Double Auto when it comes to fine handling auto-shotguns.

 

[Gordon]

first gun with an available fiberglass wrapped barrel

 

[Ru4real]

Through another THR thread, I learned Carbine Williams designed part of the action in the 59.

 

[PapaG]

First gun available with what became Winchokes.

 

[SwampWolf]

First gun available with what became Winchokes.

The Model 59 indeed was the first shotgun to come with interchangeable chokes that were initially called "Versalites" (same concept as the "Winchokes", which came along a few years later with the Models 1200 and 1300 Winchester shotguns).

 

[Virginian]

The model 59 employed a floating chamber or short recoil action. They were somewhat problematic with the shells of the day, and needed rather frequent cleaning to keep them running. The .30 caliber carbines using this action did not suffer from the same problem with the rifle rounds. They got a lot of unfavorable press because they balanced butt heavy, but found favor with a lot of grouse hunters who appreciated the light weight and fast handling in thick cover.
They are not in high demand and do not command premium prices.

 

[SwampWolf]

One thing to look for when considering the purchase of a Winchester Model 59 is its apparent propensity for developing a cracked receiver over time in the area of the bolt handle cutout. I've seen a couple exhibiting same and have heard of other owners reporting their experience with the same malady.

 

[expat_alaska]

One thing to look for when considering the purchase of a Winchester Model 59 is its apparent propensity for developing a cracked receiver over time in the area of the bolt handle cutout. I've seen a couple exhibiting same and have heard of other owners reporting their experience with the same malady.

I believe that is why the 1100 has a long, very narrow slot to the rear of the bolt handle cutout. The crack was a problem with the 58 Sportsman also