Smith and Wesson 59, or 59xx Series

[MrDig]

I'm considering getting one of these handguns because I'm also considering a Marlin Camp 9.
Are there any pitfalls other than I'm buying firearms no longer produced by the Manufacturer?
Anyone have direct experience with the S&W's?

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

My first semiauto handgun was a 5904. I shot bushels of ammo through it and never had a single malfunction. I wasn't particularly accurate with it because it was a little large for my hand, something that is critical for control of a double-action trigger. My favorite of this series is the compact 3913. You needn't worry about the guns' reliability.

 

[W.E.G.]

I've got one that I bought second-hand.

Shoots just fine for a defensive weapon.
As noted, its not "match-grade" accurate.
About on par with a Ruger P95.

Some parts are still available.
Magazines interchange with a number of other S&W double-stack 9's.
The deadlined model 915 security-company 9's were the real one to get when they were $225 in V.G. condition.
Too bad they're all gone.

Unless the 59 is mint-condition, don't pay more than $250 for it.

You can get a NEW Ruger P95 for about $300.

I'm not much impressed with the rifles-that-take-pistol-magazines.
If I'm going to lug-around a rifle, I'd rather have a rifle that lets me take quality shots at REAL rifle distances.
What does the Camp-9 offer you beyond an extra 30 yards of accuracy?
A 9mm bullet at 800 fps at 50 yards is still just a 9mm bullet at 800 fps.

 

[Sauer Grapes]

I own several of the 3rd gen S&Ws. Sad they no longer produce them. They are stellar handguns!

 

[rcmodel]

The early 59's were rattle traps with mediocre accuracy.
Then there were the ones with rear sight protector wings that looked like it came off a Chinese RPG.

They then went through several improvements & changes through the years, with the last of the 59xx series being the best of the breed.

rc

 

[Jed Carter]

My first handgun was a S&W model 39, later in life I bought a used model 59 that looked brand new. Model 59 not in the same league as the 39, I miss my old Model 39-2, can't say the same about its high capacity brother. I assume the carbine uses the same magazines as a 59 series pistol, if not there may be better choices. Nothing wrong with my 59, I just never shot it as well as other 9mm pistols

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I carried a 5906 as a duty weapon for years. It was a well built gun. I don't miss it a bit, though.

 

[rondog]

Back in the late 70's or so, I bought a 59 brand new. Never did like that gun, it was too fat, had an awful trigger (lots of slop), and I couldn't hit a bus with it. Sold it with no regrets. If I'd bought a 39, I'd probably still have it.

 

[hAkron]

Look at the 39 series as well, unless you have giant mutant hands, you may prefer the thinner grip of the 39. A nice stainless steel 5906 would be your best bet if you have to have a 59 series.

 

[hAkron]

Here's a few related pictures

Model 59





Model 39-2



Nickel plated 39-2



My latest (and most needing TLC) 439


Model 3904



1006, 4506, 5906



4513 TSW



4014

 

[bannockburn]

The Third Generation series of the Model 59 were the best in terms of reliability, function, and overall fit and finish. Triggers on earlier models weren't the best in DA, compared to other comparable DA/SA designs and accuracy was nothing to get excited about either. Later versions were more ergonomic in terms of their grip frame designs and had better sights available on them.

 

[Grunt]

Yeah, actually, I am still looking for a good S&W auto to add to the collection. I like the Model 39 since it can lay claim to being the first successful 9mm DA auto built in America but the old Model 59 can also lay claim to being the first of the "Wonder nine" pistols.

 

[golden]

59 is a mistake

The model 59 was a disaster for S&W. They were so inconsistant that eventually police departments abandoned them.

Some came out of the factory 100% reliable, while others could not get through a box of ammo without a jam.

The second (three digit) and third generation (four digit) models changed things, for the most part. The 439 and 459 were reliable, but in my experience, miserable to field strip. The stripping was easy, the reassembly was the hard part. I gave up on them for that reason alone.

The third generation introduced a much better action and were generally good pistols. They just were outclassed by the competition by the time S&W got it right.

Jim

 

[defjon]

I have a model 659, the stainless version of the 59.

I haven't shot it yet. Hope to remedy that today, actually.

However, the field strip is very simple. Certainly easier than a 1911 styled pistol, which is also pretty easy. Like any firearm there is a trick to disassembly and reassembly. Mine came with a manual, so perhaps that helps, but I certainly could have figured it out.

So far just from handling, the grip is rather unique. It is very wide from backstrap to the front of the grip. I bought 17 round mec gars for mine, nickel to match the gun, on the cheap. Hopefully it shoots well.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Magazines all interchange between the "generations" of 59-series pistols.

 

[Magnuumpwr]

A guy that works at the same place as myself had a 5906 for sale. Said he would take $300 for it, met with him and looked at it. Told him that the shiny holster spots by the rear sight and ammo shortage would not allow me to pay that much and that his price was too high. The agreed selling price was $225.

You can't see it in this pic, but at the rear sight, there is a shiny holster wear spot. MrDig, if you look around, I'm sure you can find a better deal. If I didn't know him, wouldn't have paid that much for it. Haven't shot it yet, so am unable to post to that part of your question.

 

[berettaprofessor]

The '59 is fine. It's the Marlin Camp 9 idea you should rethink. One of the only guns I've ever sold and I never regretted it.

 

[hAkron]

$225 is an EXCEEDINGLY good price for a 5906. The gun is stainless, so you can scuff the shiny spot back to look like the rest of the finish.

 

[Arp32]

Sounds like some of the earlier posters traded for the same exact 5906 I had... I loved it out of the box, it felt solid and substantial.

Then I shot it...

Wasted 3 or 4 boxes of ammo before deciding to sell it. No malfunctions, but had a terrible problem finding bullet holes on my target.

Something about the long trigger pull and oversized circumference of the grip just was not conducive to keeping the front sight on target. Should have kept it long enough to measure it compared to a Glock or other polymer double stack - I'd bet the 5906 is substantially wider. At least it felt that way with Hogue's.

Try it before you buy it would be my advice.

 

[tuj]

have a 5906TSW variant. Love it, great gun. Pretty accurate, smooth DA pull, nice SA break. I did IDPA with mine, very good gun. S&W will still service these guns if you contact them.

 

[orionengnr]

I've had three M469s, which were a lightweight alloy framed, "blued" (actually black) compact/near subcompact second generation S&W double-stack 9mms.
Damned good pistol.

Currently looking for another--was never smart enough to hang onto the ones I've had...alas, I have a lifelong history of having that same problem with wimmen, motorcycles, cars or trucks...

Don't tell the wife.

 

[GRIZ22]

I carried a 59, 659, 469 and 6906 between 1982 and 1998. I also was the firearms instructor for about 125 LEOs carrying the same guns. I saw no serious problems as long as they were cleaned properly and you replaced the recoil spring every 4-5k rounds.