S&W Model 59

[Darkemp]

Classic Model 59- 1977 vintage. My MIL recently inherited through the passing of her sister who lived with her, the pistol originally was owned by her father. Got the opportunity to take it into my collection thanks to the good folks at Cindy’s for the transfer and picked up this evening. Never owned one of these and a long time since I had a DA/SA pistol. Old school is cool too.

 

[hdatontodo]

Nice. I had one with the other finish that I bought from Montgomery Wards in Wheaton Plaza. I replaced the rear sight with an adjustable low profile (MMC ?) sight. I remember shooting Pepper Poppers indoors in Forestville around then.

Load on Friday. Shoot all weekend.

 

[dist1646]

Nice!

 

[Darkemp]

Love the way it feels in the hand, very substantial, a lot like a 1911. Can’t wait to take it out. This may be the one down the line I teach my kids to shoot a handgun with, one of their Great Grandfathers guns which is even cooler.

 

[XCheckR]

Nice looking find.

 

[Threeband]

I remember when those came out. One of the first "Wonder Nines." A foreshadowing of the 80s.

Later, S&W introduced a slew of variants with confusing model numbers I never could figure out.

 

[TopTechAgent]

So cool! Thanks for sharing. While purchasing a Beretta 92 from a friend who inherited some firearms from his father who passed I eyed his 659. As soon as I held it I wanted it ! So I brought that home too. Those old school Smiths are sexy


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[JohnnyE]

Oh, man, did I want one of those back when they came out. They were groundbreaking.

 

[python]

The Model 59 was S&W's first "Wonder Nine". I had one but never took to it. It's an OK gun, but its historical significance as probaly the first DA/SA, high capacity, American made pistol is even more significant. Mine was sold to a friend who still has it. The OP is right. Old school is cool too.

 

[Bob A]

I bought a M59 back in the day; ergonomically it just didn't work for me.

One of the few guns I've sold that I never regretted selling. (Like the S&W M61 "Escort" 22).

 

[dohc97]

The 5906 was the very first handgun I lusted for in the 90s. Just could not afford it. Nice find.

 

[Trigger Time]

. (Like the S&W M61 "Escort" 22).

I have one of these and it's no wonder they only made them for a short time.

 

[TheOriginalMexicanBob]

I bought a M59 back in the day; ergonomically it just didn't work for me.

One of the few guns I've sold that I never regretted selling. (Like the S&W M61 "Escort" 22).

I agree...the 59 I had felt terrible in the hand. On the other hand...the S&W Model 39 single-stack is about as comfortable and ergonomic a handgun as was ever produced.

 

[Threeband]

S&W M61 "Escort"

I have one of these and it's no wonder they only made them for a short time.

The M61 was a rimfire clone of the Bayard Model 1908. What did you not like about it? Was it a jammomatic? Poor quality? Bad ergonomics?

 

[Trigger Time]

The M61 was a rimfire clone of the Bayard Model 1908. What did you not like about it? Was it a jammomatic? Poor quality? Bad ergonomics?

Sorry to the OP to sidetrack from his beautiful new purchase, but the only real problem I have with 61 is that it's really easy to get bitten by the slide. I guess someone with smaller hands wouldn't have that problem
Only 5+1 capacity.
No de tent on the safety, it can very easily move from S-F accidentally

 

[Darkemp]

Did a full tear down on it today- got it all cleaned up and lubed internally as well as cleaned up the Bianchi #4 holster it was sitting in for probably 25+ years. When it was found by my MIL it was loaded, definitely older rounds and I’m not familiar with the head stamp. Took a few more pics.

 

[Threeband]

That Super-Vel ammo was the first "modern" high performance handgun ammo, 40 or more years ago. High velocity, with bullets designed to actually expand. It is very appropriate, historically, for your historic pistol.

The Legend of Super Vel Ammo - Handguns

Modern bullets work so marvelously well that, in an earlier age, they'd be considered magic. Until

www.handgunsmag.com

 

[Bullfrog]

I remember when those came out. One of the first "Wonder Nines." A foreshadowing of the 80s.

Later, S&W introduced a slew of variants with confusing model numbers I never could figure out.

Maybe this will help?
Someone linked or posted this here a while back. I have a friend who's a huge 3rd gen fan so I saved it.

 

[Threeband]

Not confusing at all!

 

[Bob A]

The M61 was a rimfire clone of the Bayard Model 1908. What did you not like about it? Was it a jammomatic? Poor quality? Bad ergonomics?

Just seemed cheesy, not approaching S&W quality standards. Also too small. Long time gone, but that's what I recall.