LASD and the S&W M59

[Dobbs]

Does anyone know the approximate date that the LASD decertified the S&W M59?

Thanks

[SoCalDep]

My understanding is that it wasn't decertified. Any S&W semi auto in 9mm or .45ACP that functions in the same manner as a Beretta 92F (DA/SA with slide-mounted safety/decocker) is approved. If they got de-certified it's news to me.

[retired]

IIRC, the first class that had them issued had to turn them in due to some problem with them. I don't recall the date tho. Topgun7 might since he works at the crime lab. Also, Ron-Solo might too.

I read about the problem in the email system for retired personnel some time ago.

[jc0311]

OP are you referring to the S&W M&P?

[SVT-40]

When I went through the academy in 1978 LASD was still issuing the S&W .38 revolvers. The agency I worked for carried the 9mm S&W M-59. The D.I's always called them "auto jammers". But they were very curious about them. One or the other of them was always "borrowing" mine so they could "test" it themselves.

Although most of the deputies could shoot higher qualification scores on the range, when it came to "combat" shoots I blew them away. Usually they would make me load my mags with only six rounds just to be "fair"

[Ron-Solo]

The S&W M59 is still authorized for off duty carry, but was never authorized as an on-duty weapon.

The M&P 9 was authorized in late 2008 and removed from the aurhorized list at the end of April 2009 due to an unusualy high failure rate at the range during academy training with the first class to have them issued. The problem was identified as an issue with the angle cut on SOME of the extractors, which has been corrected by Smith & Wesson. They plan on issuing the M&P 9 to the next adacemy class (probably sometime after the first of the year) and if there are no problems, they will be re-authorized.

It is a really great gun. can't wait til they're back on the "nice" list.

[Ron-Solo]

When I went through the academy in 1978 (

What class number? I was in 190, which was all LASD, no outside agencies. August 4, 1978 to December 1, 1978.



I carried a M59 when I was a reserve with Glendora PD 1977-78. It was always jamming on me. Actually had a round stick in the barrel on the BC Range.

Ron

[retired]

I just realized I was thinking of the M&P 9; I apologize.

I actually had a Model 59 in 1977 or so. What a jamomatic. I took it to the company that did the warranty work (off the 210 at the Myrtle St. exit) 2 or 3 times to be fixed and then finally got rid of it. It is the only gun I owned that I ever sold.

[Jonathan Doe]

S&W model 59 was never disapproved as far as I know. I just never liked the quality of the S&W pistols. I have seen enough of less than satisfactory workmanship.

[BigDogatPlay]

The first generation M-59's could be a mixed bag. Lots of stories of jamming, broken frame rails and sometimes they'd crack at the hole for the slide stop.

Having said that... I bought one new in 1981, carried it on duty for several years. Never once had a FTF or FTE and the only ammo it has ever had a problem with was some cheapo round nose lead reloads that were sticking into the feed ramp. I figure I got a good one. Las Vegas issued them for a long time, as did Sunnyvale DPS in the Bay Area.

A lot of agencies won't allow first or second generation S& W autos because they are susceptible to discharging if dropped on the hammer.

[banzaijohn]

I just realized I was thinking of the M&P 9; I apologize.

I actually had a Model 59 in 1977 or so. What a jamomatic. I took it to the company that did the warranty work (off the 210 at the Myrtle St. exit) 2 or 3 times to be fixed and then finally got rid of it. It is the only gun I owned that I ever sold.

Wasn't that Cheshire and Perez at 210 and Myrtle? I started a few years after you, and the Department I worked for issued vouchers for equipment. They sent us to Cheshire and Perez and boy did they know they saw some fresh meat in 1986!! They issued (sold) us these crap breakfront holsters from some third rate company, other leather gear from the same. **** and Wesson hand cuffs, I had to cut the first pair off my arrestee because the lock stuck. Some crap flashlight because it was "Department mandated" (FUD &Total BS)... total price $1,100 (Uniforms, and vest in there too.) I remember we didn't want to spend anymore money out of our own pockets. I think some of the guys had already spend a few $ks because they were from out of town and it was taking so long to get started. Then the purchase of all of the equipment, which the store guy says is mandated and hoses us on, what a prick....It was still the Good 'ole Days though....

I had to buy a gun, speed loaders (could only use .38 in the academy) and other gear to make up for the crap we got from Cheshire ad Perez. Luckily we made it through class 235, then I bought my Department issued autoloader, a 459, and back-up, a 469. The 459 was a POS from the start, it jammed at least every 4th round. I took it to King's Gun Works and they replaced the extractor and ejector. It worked a little better for a couple of runs and then the ejector broke and then more jams. I had the ejector replaced again and after trying to break it in again the safety sheared in half and broke. I about had it.....I was ready to smash it with a sledge hammer, paint it yellow and send it back to S&W. Then a friend of a friend wanted it for and project, jamming issues and all. He thought he could get it to work. I sold it for the princely sum of $300. I carried my S&W 686 for another year and my 469, which incredibly ran perfectly.

Soon, after showing my Sig P226 and P220 and P225 around, I finaly was able to get the Sig Series authorized for Department us. No more jams and no more problems.

[retired]

I believe Cheshire and Perez was the name of the place. Good memory on your part.

My 59 was funny; it didn't jam on the reloads I used, but it did on the 1 mag of dept. factory ammo that I used at the end of the day. Go figure.

You were class #235, I was #180 (rookie)

[TenSeven]

...some fresh meat in 1986!!... ...class 235...

Was that LASD at STARS Center? If so, I was in Class #236 right behind you! Were you a PA?? I was directed to Long Beach Uniform for any LASD gear I had to buy on my own dime.

S&W Model 67 .38... ugh... 22 months later in Patrol School, the Beretta 92 was a nice improvement.

[TenSeven]

...I was #180 (rookie)...

Fossil!

[Jonathan Doe]

Was that LASD at STARS Center? If so, I was in Class #236 right behind you! Were you a PA?? I was directed to Long Beach Uniform for any LASD gear I had to buy on my own dime.

S&W Model 67 .38... ugh... 22 months later in Patrol School, the Beretta 92 was a nice improvement.

That is funny. I was in class 234.