Ode to the Model 59 S&W

[TTT]

Here's a historical 459.

Jerry-dove-pistol-958x638.jpg

[TheFlashG]

^ 1986 Miami FBI Shootout!!!

[Sailormilan2]

I have a S&W model 39 and a S&W 3913, nice gunzzz 🙂

A 3913 used to be my EDC gun. I really liked it. I gave it to my daughter when Covid happened and the riots started in the PNW. I really miss it.

[socal m1 shooter]

Hate to cop to shopping at a certain chain, but at their Orange CA store they have a used 2nd Gen S&W-- I didn't have my readers on, guy said no photos-- for $400. Not a 659. Maybe a 459? Looked well-used. I was looking for something else.

[ar15barrels]

Hate to cop to shopping at a certain chain, but at their Orange CA store they have a used 2nd Gen S&W-- I didn't have my readers on, guy said no photos-- for $400. Not a 659. Maybe a 459? Looked well-used. I was looking for something else.

459 is aluminum frame.
659 is stainless steel frame.

$400 is on the high end of pricing for a 459.

[splithoof]

About 2 years ago I took out my 1914 Springfield 1911, that is over 100 years old, grand father had one when I was growing up in the 60's 70's, it shot great and it did not jam and was accurate. I have a hard time seeing those tiny sights, but in bright light I can still shoot it well. I would not feel under gunned or unprepared if I had to defend myself with this gun. Sure I wish that I had something with better sights, but a 230 grain hardball at 775 FPS is nothing to sneeze at. I do keep a Sig P220 in my bedstand with a rail light and a laser, but that old 1911 is still a great gun, and I doubt that any other 110 year old handgun model would even be half as good as that one.

A true, classic family heirloom with history. THAT is what I call a KEEPER.

[DanGunner]

Dan, I actually had a 669/6906 hybrid. The factory listed it as 669, but it had 6906 grip and rounded trigger guard, though it was marked 669..

You have exactly what I have and I'm happy with it because I prefer 6906 features. I saw a YouTube video recently that featured what it called a 6906, but was actually on a 669 frame with characteristic squared off trigger guard, another example of how S&W mixed and matched during generational changeovers.

[socal m1 shooter]

[...]

$400 is on the high end of pricing for a 459.

They're known for that, no?

[ar15barrels]

They're known for that, no?

I paid $305 landed (all-in with tax and shipping) for one 2 years ago.

[socal m1 shooter]

Great value. Back in the late 1980s I dropped around $400 for my 659... adjusted for inflation, it would be equivalent to a little over $1000 today.

[imarangemaster]

Here's my girl.... Its what I am armed with when I work the gun shop. With 16 rounds on board (I still have my mags from when I carried it as my LE duty weapon for 12 years) of Federal 9BLE 115 grain +P+ (Illinois State Police load), makes me feel "well heeled" and not a bit under-gunned.

[TTT]

9BPLE is a good load.

[MasterChief]

Gave it to my son awhile back. Now I miss it...

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[Grendel Guy]

Had to check my safe. Yep, it's still there looks like mine with the Pachmeyers replacing the factory Delrin grips.

[imarangemaster]

When I carried it as a duty gun in the Seattle area, I used Pachmayr grips. The Derlin was really slippery in the rain, of which we had no shortage of in Seattle!. The 9PBLE +P+ gives over 400 ft lbs ME from full size autos. It gives 1675 fps from a Roger PC Carbine