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Smith and Wesson Model 59

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Dr. Fresh

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I just replaced by Bersa Model 85 with this thing, and I had a few questions.

Is the 59 considered part of the 5900 series? Basically, will the Serpa designed to fit the 5900 fit the 59?

Also, the magazine appears to be a factory piece, but it will fit 15 rounds. Did S&W make any 15-round mags for this pistol, or were they all aftermarket? In that case, do I have a worn magazine spring?

Also, does anyone know how to disassemble/reassemble one of these?
 
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Legba

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The model 59 was a reworking of the model 39, with a staggered high(er) capacity magazine. I had thought that it was different from the later 5900 series in that the magazines are not substitutable. It was originally supposed to have magazines that were interchangeable with the Browning Hi-Power, so I'm pretty sure that won't work.

-ljp
 
deepdiver

deepdiver

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Now I am going to have to google because I am not familiar with that pistol and Legba, as usual, said just enough to get me interested. ;)
 
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Dr. Fresh

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Legba wrote:
The model 59 was a reworking of the model 39, with a staggered high(er) capacity magazine. I had thought that it was different from the later 5900 series in that the magazines are not substitutable. It was originally supposed to have magazines that were interchangeable with the Browning Hi-Power, so I'm pretty sure that won't work.

-ljp
Click to expand...

Pretty sure what won't work? The Serpa, or 5900 mags? 59-specific mags are easy enough to find, in both 14 and 15 round capacities, so I'm not to worried about that. Thanks for the info.
 
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Dr. Fresh

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Well, I took it to the range today, and answered my own question regarding the magazine. It will load and feed 15 rounds easily. I fired about 70 rounds, some of them Federal HST 147-gr JHP, and the rest various 115-gr FMJ target loads, with no malfunctions. It shoots like a dream, with a VERY light single action trigger (and a very heavy double action). It's steady and accurate and fun to shoot.

Still don't know if the Serpa will fit it, haha..
 
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Dr. Fresh

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Weak 9mm wrote:
Nice ammo choice btw.
Click to expand...


Thanks. I've read nothing but good things about that round, and since I love 9mm, it seemed the natural choice.
 
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Dr. Fresh

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BTW, here is a pic:

gundog022kp1.jpg
 
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Weak 9mm

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Man that S&W looks good. I've thought about snagging one of those myself. The capacity is even higher than I'd imagined and it seems like a nice substantial frame.

I've got some 124gr +P HST's at the moment and I love them, the expansion is unbelievable. I found some 147gr +P HST's for sale too, so I'm going to snag some of those if they're still available when I get some $.
 
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ute

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Dr. Fresh- the SW59 is a first gen of the high cap mag. I still CC and OC a SW659 which is the 2nd generation stainless version. They were carried by a lot of LE's. I have put thousands of rounds through these weapons and a dream is an understatement.
 
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Walleye

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Disclaimer: I am not an expert in any way, this is the procedure for disassembly according to my S&W manual.

The S&W metal frame automatic pistols (M39, M39-2, M59, etc) should all have the same basic disassembly steps:

1. Remove the magazine.
2. Clear the chamber.
3. Pull the slide back until the slide stop notch is aligned with the slide stop pin.
4. Push the slide stop pin out by pressing the right side of the pin through the frame.
5. Pull the slide forward and off the frame.
6. Proceed with this step with extreme caution - spring has a lot of force in it! Remove the recoil spring by pressing the spring forward and removing it from the radial notch.
7. Rotate the muzzle bushing until it can be pulled out.
8. Barrel can now be removed by pushing forward and then pulling back.
Weapon is now field stripped.

The manual for S&W metal framed auto pistols is available in .pdf format here:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/other/SW_Metal_Frame_Auto_Pistol_06_16_08.pdf
 
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Dr. Fresh

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Awesome. Thanks for the replies guys. I don't carry +Ps in it because it's 1970s vintage and I don't wanna risk it. Besides, the subsonic 147s have very little recoil, yet plenty of punch.

I got a Bianchi holster for it, but only because they were out of Serpas at the store. Eventually I'll get my Serpa.

Thanks for the instructions. :celebrate
 
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Legba

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Dr. Fresh wrote:
Legba wrote:
The model 59 was a reworking of the model 39, with a staggered high(er) capacity magazine. I had thought that it was different from the later 5900 series in that the magazines are not substitutable. It was originally supposed to have magazines that were interchangeable with the Browning Hi-Power, so I'm pretty sure that won't work.

-ljp
Click to expand...

Pretty sure what won't work? The Serpa, or 5900 mags? 59-specific mags are easy enough to find, in both 14 and 15 round capacities, so I'm not to worried about that. Thanks for the info.
Click to expand...

I meant the magazines - dunno about the Serpa, sorry. Also, most of the newer Smiths don't have the bushing, but the field stripping instructions are otherwise the same. I have a 5900 series and I broke the extractor at the range last time using out-of-spec ammo. Oops.

-ljp
 
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bassrocker4God04

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The Serpa for the 5900 Model does fit the model 59. I purchased one recently and have been extremely happy with this product. as to breaking down the firearm, simply send a request on the Smith and Wesson website and they will send a manual to you.
 
R

rictshaw

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Dr. Fresh,


I know this is an old thread, but I don't see much about the M59 anymore, so I couldn't resist :celebrate


I have a S&W M59 that I've owned since the 70's. I just saw the pix of your gun, so I thought I'd show you some pix of mine...

I made two different grips for it, so you're seeing two different pics of the same 59:

DSC06058.jpg



DSC06048.jpg
 
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