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