Smith & Wesson Model 59

Smith & Wesson Model 59
Type	Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin	United States
Service history
Used by	United States
Production history
Manufacturer	Smith & Wesson
Produced	1971[1][2]–1982
Specifications
Mass	30 oz / 1.84 lb (0.840 kg)
Length	7.55 in (192 mm)
Barrel length	4 in (102 mm)
Cartridge	9×19mm Parabellum, 7.65×21mm Parabellum
Action	DA/SA
Rate of fire	Semi-automatic
Feed system	14-round double column, detachable box magazine (20-round factory magazines were available)
Sights	fixed iron sights, optional adjustable

The Smith & Wesson Model 59 is a double-action pistol produced from 1971 to 1982. It was developed by Smith & Wesson from the earlier Smith & Wesson Model 39 by adapting a 14-round capacity stagger-stack magazine.

History and users

The Model 59 was designed for the U.S. Navy as a large-capacity version of the S&W Model 39, the basis of their Mark 22 "Mark 22 Hush Puppy" suppressed pistol. In 1965, the U.S. Navy commissioned a version of the S&W Model 39 that could take the 13-round magazine of the Browning Hi-Power. In early 1970, a dozen experimental all-stainless-steel prototypes were made and were issued to Navy SEAL commandos for evaluation in the field, but it was not adopted.

The Model 59 went on the market in 1971.^[1][2] It went out of production a decade later in 1982 when the improved second generation series was introduced (the Model 459). All total, approximately 231,841 M59s were produced.^[3]

Design

The Model 59 was manufactured in 9×19mm Parabellum caliber with a wider anodized aluminum frame, a straight backstrap, a magazine disconnect (the pistol will not fire unless a magazine is in place), and a blued carbon steel slide that carries the manual safety. The grip consists of three pieces made of two nylon plastic panels joined by a metal backstrap. It uses a magazine release located to the rear of the trigger guard, similar to the M1911A1.

Magazine

The magazine for the Model 59 is similar to that of the Browning Hi-Power. Initially introduced with a capacity of 14 rounds, this was later increased to 15 rounds for future variants. Smith & Wesson also made an extended 20-round version. Many firearms have been introduced to use this pattern of magazine including the Marlin Camp carbine as well as the Kel-Tec P11, and Sub2000.

Model 459

The Smith & Wesson Model 459 was an updated version of the Model 59 with adjustable sights and checkered nylon grips. This model was discontinued in 1988. 803 units were produced in a brush finish with special grips made to FBI specifications.

Users

•  United States
  • Salt Lake City Police Department^[4] Carried until switched to the Smith & Wesson Model 66 revolver.
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation About 800 Smith & Wesson 459s issued to Agents . ^[5]

Notes

1. Trzoniec, Stanley W. (1982). Modern American Centerfire Handguns. Tulsa, Okla.: Winchester Press. p. 49. ISBN 0876913419. OCLC 7572377.
2. Hartink, A. E. (2002). The Complete Encyclopedia of Pistols and Revolvers (first ed.). Edison, N.J.: Chartwell Books. p. 279. ISBN 9780785815198. OCLC 51024327.
3. "CLASSIC WONDER NINE: SMITH & WESSON MODEL 59".
4. "Lessons from the murder of trooper philip lamanaco". Revolverguy. 8 July 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
5. "Guns of the '86 Miami Shootout". Gun Mag Warehouse. 27 August 2024. Retrieved 27 August 2024.

External links

• Smith & Wesson Model 59 Pistol
• Meet the Smith & Wesson Model 39/59: The Navy SEALs Old Gun
• S&W Model 59 - Iraqveteran8888 on YouTube
• S&W Gen 1 Model 59 9mm Pistol Review - sootch00 on YouTube
• When Smith and Wesson Ruled the World: The Model 59 - nutnfancy on YouTube