S&W's Lost Second Gen

[Confederate]

Every time someone praises the classic S&W autos, it's the third generation of pistols they're referring to. But it was the second generation that ironed out the technical kinks, made the guns reliable and added the safety features the third generation sports.

And though I have both second and third generation guns, I actually prefer many of the second generation. For example, the 645 appeals to me far more than the 4506. And though many prefer the ergonomics of the third generation, I'm equally as comfortable with both, and I have a special preference for my 659 (though I slightly prefer the ergonomics of the 5906). But I actually like the look and feel of the 639 far more than the 3906.

For those of you with second gen pistols, get out of the closet and post some photos! Especially if you have the old 559 models. Those with third gen pistols are free to post photos too, especially if you have second gen pistols too.

And finally, how many of you have removed your magazine safeties? And how many would rather have a Beretta or a Sig than your S&W 9mm?



S&W 645 (top) and 659. Both are stainless steel autos
that appeared at a time when stainless steel guns were
a hot commodity.




S&W 659 w/20-round magazine.

 

[JDR]

I had a 659, it was a really good shooter, reliable & accurate. But when you're used to a 1911 thumb safety, the blasted S&W safety in the middle of the slide that flipped the wrong way was just something I just never liked too much. I traded it for a S&W Model 15 K-Frame revolver and never looked back.

 

[Sergei Mosin]

I have one S&W auto, a 1006. It's also my only 10mm. It's an absolute tank of a pistol.

I'd like to get a 5906 as part of my collection of 1980s-era (if not necessarily all 1980s-vintage examples) "wonder nines." But I think that the S&W autos of that time, like their other discontinued contemporaries, are destined to be little-remembered except by a small number of devotées. Their disappearance from the market, along with the commercial success of the Beretta 92, Glock 17, and SIG P226 (and all their many derivatives) assures that. Still, I'm glad to own one.

 

[.455_Hunter]

I would carry a 2nd gen S&W without hesitation over a typical modern poly-striker with a Glock style "unintended extra orifice generation" trigger.

A FBI 459 (actual or same features) would be cool. Think 1986 Miami.

 

[bannockburn]

I had several S&W semi-autos, most notably the 469, 669, and 6906. All were well built and reliable but accuracy was never their strong suit; possibly because the trigger pull even in single action was not all that great. The sights were adequate enough but like others I found the slide mounted safety to be the biggest detriment to the gun's design, being a rather awkward maneuver while putting it on or taking it off. I think I usually traded them in on something I was more familiar and comfortable with, like a Colt Combat Commander or an Officers Model.

 

[Devonai]

I've always preferred the more streamlined appearance of the 3rd-Gen Smiths; I am not opposed to getting a 2nd-Gen 439 or 639 but around my parts I have never seen a price advantage over the 3rd-Gens. I would also jump on a 39-2 but for the same problem.

Currently I have a 4006 TSW and it's a sweet shooter. As a Beretta 92 fan I am okay with the safety setup.

 

[lowercase]

TI have a few Second Gen Smith autos. All were gun store rescues and bargain buys.

I have two 469s I rescued in pretty sad shape.

For the first 469, the slide was rust pitted, so I made it a two-tone gun by putting on a 669 slide. I also fixed a mag release issue and replaced the plastic backstrap because it was kaput.

Another 469 just needed a good cleaning, a new recoil spring, and yes, a new plastic backstrap. Won't win any beauty contests, but shoots great.

My nicest 2nd gen is a 659 that was apparently a former L.E. gun that was extremely dirty, but otherwise in good shape when I got it. It cleaned up so well that it looks almost new.

Model 469 with 669 slide:



Second 469:



Here is my 659:

 

[lowercase]

Forgot to mention that I would REALLY like a 645!!!

 

[huntsman]

I'm a lefty so my choice was a 3rd gen 4566 without MIM.

 

[ThomasT]

I am not sure what generation my two Smiths are but I have a 39-2 that was given to me with the last 18 rounds from the only box of ammo ever shot through it. It is in like new condition.

I also have a 915 with an Uncle Mikes duty holster and two extra factory mags in a leather mag holder that I have less than $40 in. The holster unfortunately is for a lefty. The 915 was a cops duty gun and has a little wear but not much. They don't seem to bring much on GB. I guess nobody likes metal guns anymore.

 

[Rock185]

I'm a fan of the S&W autos in general and have owned my share of 1st., 2nd. and 3rd. Gen guns. Down to a few 3rd. Gen. regular production and PC guns now. Wish I still had my 539s and 639s. Tough to find clean examples now.....

 

[jdh]

I am not sure what generation my two Smiths are but I have a 39-2 that was given to me with the last 18 rounds from the only box of ammo ever shot through it. It is in like new condition.

First gen. They are fantastic guns.

I also have a 915 ...They don't seem to bring much on GB. I guess nobody likes metal guns anymore.

Third gen member of the value line. They were not as highly finished as the four digit model number third gens which is one of the reasons they are under valued in the resale market. They are good buys for those on a budget.

 

[bainter1212]

I have a first gen 59 and two third gen guns.....can't seem to hit on a 2nd gen yet.

I have a feeling that these series of S&W autos will be collectors items one of these decades, so I look for good deals when I can find them.
It also helps that they tend to be really good shooters......I keep reading internet stories about spotty reliability, but have yet to shoot one that failed on me.

 

[Confederate]

Forgot to mention that I would REALLY like a 645!!!

Oh, yeah. The 645 is a great .45 auto, and I like it better than any 1911 I've ever handled. It's also more reliable. The bloody thing will feed empty (sized) .45 cases from the magazine. It's accurate and ultra-reliable!



.

 

[Confederate]

I am not sure what generation my two Smiths are but I have a 39-2 that was given to me with the last 18 rounds from the only box of ammo ever shot through it. It is in like new condition.

Well, you best check out those remaining eighteen rounds as the Model 39s and 59s were jokingly referred to as "jammamatics." Smith finally worked out the kinks and got the gun working, but it took awhile.

About two years or so ago I came across a 3906 in a trade. I really wanted the other gun in the trade, so I went ahead and made it. But the 3906 grew on me until it became one of my valued pistols. I'd still prefer the Model 639 with wood grips, but the 3906 is a superb pistol.

 

[ThomasT]

Well, you best check out those remaining eighteen rounds as the Model 39s and 59s were jokingly referred to as "jammamatics." Smith finally worked out the kinks and got the gun working, but it took awhile.

Don't worry. Those last 18 rounds are long gone along with close to a thousand more. I shot this gun quite a bit after it was given to me. And not only is it super reliable it is extremely accurate. The only jam it ever had was when I let a guy about six foot five inches shoot it and he held it like a little girl. Once I explained to him that he needs to hold on to it he did fine. I have shot it with lead reloads using a Lee 124gr bullet I cast and never had a single misfeed with those either.

When took my CHL class we fired 50 rounds. I put all 50 rounds in one ragged hole except for two shots that landed just outside the group. My group was better than the sample group he had on his wall showing what a good group looks like.

I have also owned a couple of 59s and neither one of them was a jammomatic.

 

[PCFlorida]

Wow, blast from the past. In the mid 1980's a 659 was my first centerfire pistol. Extremely reliable and a bit heavy. Was never overly accurate but it wasn't designed for that either. I sold it for about what I paid for it in the mid 90's.

 

[Hamfisted]

The first semi auto I ever bought, long time ago ( 1980 ? ) .... still got it but it's my truck gun now. Took a bit of work to get the trigger right. But it's always a fun gun to shoot, and tough as nails.

-Mike