S&W Model 59

[JediKnight]

Hey guys,

I saw a model 59 in the gun shop yesterday they're asking $300. I'm not really familiar with this model could you guys give me some info. It looks like stainless steel to at a glance the guy told me the frame was copper plated and the slide was brushed aluminum. It comes with 4 or 5 magazines, a leather shoulder rig, and a leather hip holster. How does this gun shoot? Reliability? Value? Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks

 

[Lawdawg45]

I had a model 39 in the mid 80's that was a trade in from the Illinois State Police, it was their first double action 9mm. Many were plagued with feeding problems, but mine with the right ammo was OK. Your deal sounds like a good price, especially with all the accessories.

LD

 

[Plan2Live]

My first pistol, purchased in 1986, was a S&W 459. I remember having a few stovepipe jams very early on but have had nothing but flawless performance over the past 15 years or so. I love having an exposed hammer and DA/SA. It's a bit large for conceal carry so I chose another option for that but it is still my primary home defense tool. At the moment the guide rod is ever so slighlty bent at the base where it contacts the barrel. It is hard getting it to catch the notch on the barrel so I have stopped running it at the range until I get a new guide rod.

 

[GBExpat]

I have a 659 (stainless steel version) that I purchased in ~1988.

Compared to many newer designs it is a bit heavy & large ... BUT ...

I have always found it to be reliable & accurate and, because of the weight, a very stable shooting platform.

 

[RickMD]

The S&W 59 has a steel slide and an alloy frame. It's a high capacity Model 39. Mine was fairly reliable when used with the proper cartridges and accuracy, although not stellar, was certainly acceptable. S&W recommends the use of standard pressure loads in these pistols. +P loads have been know to damage the alloy frames.

 

[jaysouth]

I would pass on this one. They were plagued with lots of problems. The 2d gen, Mods 459,559 and 659 are good guns. However you can but a third gen 5609 from CDNN for around $300.

Good solid heavy guns that you WILL NOT wear out. The guy describing the gun as having a copper plated frame and brushed aluminum slide is a total idiot. If he works behind the counter of a gun shop, I would find another shop.

 

[RickMD]

The guy describing the gun as having a copper plated frame and brushed aluminum slide is a total idiot.

I couldn't agree more.

 

[10X]

The S&W 59 was the first of the high capacity double action 9mms. It started the race for high cap 9mms in the 1970s.

The 59 was made in all blue or all nickel finishes. The slide is steel and the frame is aluminum. The blue finish wears easily.

I found the 59 to be very reliable with all types of ammo other than European
wwII ammo with very hard primers (had to double strike them). Accuracy is mediocre.

$300 with the extra mags and holster is a good price so long as the finish is original and in good shape.

 

[Onward Allusion]

JediKnight
S&W Model 59
Hey guys,

I saw a model 59 in the gun shop yesterday they're asking $300. I'm not really familiar with this model could you guys give me some info. It looks like stainless steel to at a glance the guy told me the frame was copper plated and the slide was brushed aluminum. It comes with 4 or 5 magazines, a leather shoulder rig, and a leather hip holster. How does this gun shoot? Reliability? Value? Let me know what you guys think.

The 59 is a 1st gen S&W semi-auto. It's a good gun. The only thing I can fault it on is the lack of a hammer block - ie. not drop safe.

Depending on condition, for $300 with extra mags and rigs, it is a very good deal. The slide is steel and the frame is alloy. Sounds like someone nickel plated the gun or got it that way. It's not brushed aluminum! It's a good shooter and the 1st gens are starting to become collectibles. The 3rd gens are currently flooding the market due to LE trades. Buy the 59 for the collectibility. If you want a good shooter/SD gun - get a 3rd gen. All over for $300 to $350.

 

[Thorgrim]

Mine was reliable but not nearly as accurate as the Model 39 it replaced. The alloy frame makes them nice to carry, if the width doesn't bother you.

 

[Ala Dan]

My favorite of the 9mm's is Smith & Wessons model 39 and 39-2; which
preceeded the "wonder nines" of this day and age. Having said that, I did
own 2x S&W model 59's; and one S&W model 459. Never, ever had a problem
with any of 'em. Today, I still own [and cherish] 2x Smith model 39-2's; one
of which is in UNFIRED condition, in the original blue hinged box w/all the
proper paperwork and tools~! Sorry, guy's and or gal's; neither one is
"FOR SALE"`!

 

[Red Cent]

Onward Allusion, if the decocker is left in the down or safe position, it is totally drop safe on the 39 and the 59.

I have a nickle 39 and a blue 59. They run well with Fed Hydra shoks. Great gun, good price. YMMV

 

[USAF_Vet]

I've got the 469, second gen and love it. Took my CCW class with it and it operated flawlessly.

I have read online (for what it's worth) that the first gen had some issues. I'd say it's a decent deal with the extra mags and shoulder rig.