S&W Model 59

[Hunter_55]

I have had a S&W Model 59 for about 25 years now. It was my first Pistol and I had had no previous experience. I have since purchased a Glock 22, XD Sub-compact in both the 9mm and 40.

I have found I dislike the fact that the Model 59 will not shoot if the magazine falls out. I can imagine that it was thought to be a safety feature.

I have thought about selling it and getting a Glock 17, but have had many second thoughts as this is a piece of History that I have. Do any of you have any experience with this handgun and should I keep it?

 

[farmer17]

I had a S&W M-39 and really miss it, and it was one of the old ones with high polish blue and walnut grips. There are a lot of good defensive hanguns out there that work fine, the problem is, they all pretty much look the same to me.

 

[liliysdad]

I have found I dislike the fact that the Model 59 will not shoot if the magazine falls out. I can imagine that it was thought to be a safety feature.

Believe it or not, there are documented cases of this feature saving lives. I dont care for the idea, but it should be summarily dismissed.

 

[NikatKimber]

Believe it or not, there are documented cases of this feature saving lives. I dont care for the idea, but it should be summarily dismissed.

Did you mean this: "but it should NOT be summarily dismissed." ???

 

[_CY_]

any gun I've had that long... it'd take an awful good reason to sell

keep it...

 

[flatwins]

The S&W 59 rocks. I love those pistols.

 

[Comte DeLoach]

You can removed the magazine safety, I believe. Its been a long time since I read about it.

 

[nobuttbrian]

Does anyone know the difference between a model 59 and a model 459?

 

[NikatKimber]

The 459 has an alloy frame I believe. Someone correct me if wrong.

The original 59 had an alloy frame also, so the differences are minor. The 459 designation would have come about due to the 649, which is a stainless steel framed gun.

 

[flatwins]

I've been looking in the big S&W book and the 59 and 459 seem pretty similar. The 459 is considered the second generation and looks to have better sights.