When Smith and Wesson Ruled the World: The Model 59
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- A ground breaking concept at the time, for a time the S&W Model 59 seemed to rule the world with its magazine capacity and high quality construction. As discussed in the video I grew up on the gun and it was always on my list as a "must have" acquisition. It just took a few years for that to happen. For sure other excellent era 9mm GTW pistols like the Browning Hi Power, H&K P7 M13, CZ 75, and Beretta 92 also set the stage for the this new future (see my videos from 2008!: • Advent of the Reliable... ). But as far as US produced "high capacity" 9mm pistols were concerned, the Model 59 was it.
But have the years been kind to the Model 59 and 459? We'll take a look here at we take this very clean used example out on several TNP outings and shoot it lots. Surprises ensue...the good kind! In the end you just may end up wanting this now collectible and apparently still awesome Smith and Wesson 9mm; I predict values on these Model 59s will increase over time.
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I am so tired of the striker fired pistols all looking the same. I am going back to da/sa guns like this. I started with the Beretta 96fs. Love it
Agreed.
While every other Guntuber is rushing to get a review out on the new Glock 45, Nutn drops a vid on the Model 59. Say what you want, but Nutn is a breath of diversity in a group think heavy subculture.
Also, Nutn would not even touch a G45. To him (and many of us in the ccw community), the G45 and similar short slide-long grip configured pistols are not ideal for carry. The longer grip compromises the concealment factor.
Matthew Crump-Pollack What cracks me up most is that the Gen 3 Glock 19 already solved all of the issues people have. None of these new guns can touch it. And yes, even a long slide with a 19 grip will not be as good as the 19 for CCW. The 19 is the perfect size.
@@Libertarian_Neighbor that I can agree on. I cannot say much though because I run a 42 ounce S&W L Frame 4" in an IWB holster. I guess that makes me a little hypocritical.
You are correct as usual Matthew. I think the G45 is a marketing ploy and it offers no advantage to me over the perfectly sized Glock 19 already.
Matthew Crump-Pollack Hahaha. Nice 👍
You nailed the history and controversies! I had one of the originals with ILL SP I carried and loved it. It had black plastic handles and was NOT drop safe on hammer. 459, 5906 and later had drop safety! Wonderful line of pistols! I was also issued the SW 39 prior to 59. Saved my bacon more than once! Never failed to go bang
I basically agree with you on everything. I was pleasantly surprised when I got my model 59. Evident sign of use, but not abused. I just fell in love with its trigger and shooting it fist time felt like I had been shooting it for years. Another pistol that fitted perfectly in my hand and which I immediately shot well was the Walther P88 Compact. Worth reviewing if you haven't already. Cheers, I love your videos.
First gun I bought for my wife was a Beretta 84 and we later upgraded her to a 3rd gen S&W 3906. I don't remember how long ago that was but think about 30 years back. She still has it and it's still her favorite. My sons wife has tried to buy it several times but it's not for sale. She'll inherit it one day but until that day it will remain with my wife.
I currently have a Model 59 that is my everyday carry.I love it.
Love my old 915....never fails
The models, 59, 459, 915. 910, 5906 etc. are some of the best semi-auto pistols S&W ever made. S&W never should have abandoned DA/SA hammer-fired guns in favor of striker-fired only weapons. Don't get me wrong, the M&P and SD series guns are good, but S&W left the hammer-fired field open to the likes of SIG, CZ and Beretta when they should have been producing polymer framed versions of their hammer-fired wonder-nines!
@@easyfiveOsink Springfield proved that an exposed hammer poly gun will sell. I have one of the Xd-E 3.8 9mm models. SA/DA, decocker, and can carry cocked and locked. After 2K rounds, it's still begging for more. I also had a 915, and sold it like an idiot. Picked up an old 59 years later, and plan on keeping it for years to come.
@@LoneEagle89 I still have a 59, a 915 and a 5906 and I love em. As to hammer fire poly guns I have (just in 9mm) Beretta 9000s and PX4 Storm, FN FNP-9, an Israeli BUL Cherokee, a Taurus PT809 and a SIG SP2022. I own striker-fired guns too, but I always go back to hammer-fired guns as a preference. S&W never should have walked away from hammer-fired pistols (I don't count the 1911 as that isn't a S&W design). They should have extended the 39/59 designs into a polymer frame platform modifying it if or as required. Clearly they walked away from a section of the market that has endured long past the introduction of the Glock.
@@LoneEagle89 I see 915s and 910s come up on Gunbroker all the time and not always for stupid money. Maybe you should reacquaint yourself with an old friend!
I carry mine every day
My very first pistol was a nickel model 59. It had Hogue grips. When I built my house in 1994 with 100 degree heat and 90 percent humidity summer in Tennessee I used my model 59 loaded with CCI 9mm shot loads to kill horse flies that were so big they sounded like Huey helicopters and would draw blood. My 59 served me well in those hot summer days. ;)
I miss the old S&W autos. Good video. I own three S&W autos: 4586DAO, 4516 and 4513. All are 3rd generation 45 ACP, but they are very solid and reliable shooters. I didn't appreciate them when they were still in production (I'm 53) but I do now. Doing my level best to acquire as many as I can.
I was issued a 5906, as well. My off-duty was a 3913. Same gun but single stack mag and a shorter barrel. Had that gun before I went to the academy. Steve
I'm proud to own the 120th off the production line! DOM 1971.
Just got this specific gun last month. In great condition, bought 4 more 15 round mags for it and I’m absolutely in love. My first firearm I’ve ever owned. Got it for $500 used. Its beauty, reliability, and specifications meet up to my standards as far as taking it to the range. This is my open carry, conceal carry, and home defense.
Darn you NutnFancy.... You called it for the Model 59 price and being hard to find; I don't know where to find one lol. Just bought a 5903 though! Can't wait for it to come into my FFL.
Thanks for the video... I have a nickel plated 59. I take it the range and most people think it is a 1911 at first glance. I have always explained to people put a 1911/beretta 92/hi power together that is what you get.
For the longest time I was a usp 40 and S&W 59 fan.
Your channel has opened my mind up and I use a Glock 19 gen 3 with hd sights and the old 59 for pistol classes
Thank you for a awesome channel!!!
That gun was 40 years old then and will outlast us all! That is one reason while guns like that one are legendary.
I never gave these much thought but last year I purchased one of the CHP 4006TSW trade ins and I'm now sold! I bought a model 59 in great condition a few months ago and love it!
I’ve owned a Model 639 since 1985. It was my side arm in armed security for years up until 1992. I still own it. I love it.
This was the gun i learned to shoot on. My dad has the stainless model, still in great condition to this day!
I never appreciated the double stack Smiths that some old timers still hang on to. I always thought they were Sig or Beretta wannabes but it’s cool learning that they were innovative pistols in their day and they helped PDs transition from the old wheel gun mentality.
I was born in the 90s. this video was fun for me because although my family had it's problems back then we still had comman sence. When I was 12-16 years old I was not allowed to leave the house and walk without my dad's Smith and Wesson 10mm. You see in the black fork mountain wilderness in Oklahoma ware I grew up the government dropped off nuisance bares from Arkansas.
On gunbroker they are going from $250 to $2000 already, Anything Nutn says makes guns sell and go up increase lol 😂
Old school edc wonder 9
I bought a M59 S&W new in the box last year. I had a M39 no dash that had been used and a Federal Man Holsters for both. I love them.
Very refreshing . As a side advantage, the 59 series mags. work in the Kel-tec P11. Megar makes a good one.
Yes, They also work in the old Marlin Camp Carbine-9. Mec-Gar also makes 17-rnd Flush fit mags and 20rnd mags with a 1/2" baseplate. They aren't that expensive either and have been 100% in my two S&W 59's and Marlin Camp Carbine. I believe the Daewoo DP51 pistols also use model 59 mags.
I was a child of the 70's as well and to ne honest still live there with my music ect! But you're correct with this being the best times ever for a gul lover! Keep up the good work! I love your videos!
Review the Hi-Power
Hey I was at Langley in 78-82. We used to go up to Poquoson and shoot the crap out of woodcocks. Mossberg 500 with a adjustable choke. Had a blast.
I have a S&W 469. Cool video man.
way ahead of its time.
In the early 80s my 7th grade shop class teacher invited us to go out to a quarry a few miles from school and taught us gun safety and shooting. He brought a couple revolvers a .22 rifle and a shotgun. We shot them all, and this happened more than once. I can't remember how many times we all went but it was a ton of fun...got me into shooting.
Just bought a S&W M459 with a tan coating and black grip. Just found out only 803 of them were made and the FBI had them for awhile. Spent 450 on it. Hope it goes up.
More vids on this sw please love the old school pistol
I’ve always loved the Smith metal framed auto’s. I’ve owned several and still have one. I owned a blue 59 and a nickel 59 back int the day. Only thing I didn’t like but they improved in the 3rd generation guns was the blocky feeling grip and trigger action. They are beautiful also.
Judging by the law officers around here (western NC) it wasn't the weapon, or the amount of ammo that it could carry, it wasn't even it's size or weight, it was the crappy ammo available for the 9mm!!! Most officers around here were still carrying 357mag on up through out the 90's... When the ballistic genius's came out with hot ammo, the officers started trusting the 9mm. Great video sir as usual, I used to shoot in an old sand pit with my buddies back in the 70's ;-) Ah, the good old days ;-)
Added to bucket list with Hi-power, and Beretta 92.
Loved your story man
I bought a pristine 59 a couple weeks ago for $500 w/3 mags and a nifty two-slot mag holder from the circa 1979
LOVE IT
The seller wouldn’t take a penny less so yeah ... they are going up in value
I've noticed a lot are still sleeping on them. It's cool, grab 'em while they're unappreciated! I recall once upon a time laughing at the 'rubes' paying $600 for a P7M13. Once the SEAL provenance gains more notice then you'll see some more clone builds from the era, values soaring. -Doodle
Just picked a 59 for $200 at my local gun shop! Just to find a 39-2 parked right next to it for $250 both in really good condition!
5946 DA only is the current issue to the RCMP replacing the Model 10 Smith revolver. Beautiful pistol.
I like these. The 5906 being a recent purchase (always wanted one due to the camp 9). I have the Marlin Camp 9 and like that the mags interchange. Kinda fun. Seems like its going tot be a good gun for teaching kids on. And the price was awesome. Yes I know this is a fairly old video. But relevant to me getting a 5906
Thats why I'm in the market for one...the camp 9 carbine. Great combo
@@michaelpalm2210 Yep more than happy with mine. I have had it for years and now that I have had the 5906 a while I love it too. great matchup for me.
I bought a Model 59 in about 1976 and did not like how it felt in my hand and it had feed issues and I sold it. My PD did not go to an auto pistol until 1988. We ended up with SIG-P220's and that PD still uses them today.
I just picked up a 6904 at a local shop for $300. These guns if they're in great shape are going from $300 -$600. The prices are going up on them.
The ASP is a dream gun of mine. I just think they are ridiculously cool.
Smith and Wesson should built their old pistols backs on production
Oh man. Model 59 classic series line with updated parts? Those would sell like hotcakes.
They need to ditch the trigger locks.
@@scowler92 Taurus is the one with trigger locks. I have only seen the S&W revolvers with hammer locks, but no trigger locks.
Yup--they do such for their Classic Revolver Line...
422 for instance.
Great video nutn. I love your honest reviews. Long time subscriber since 2009 and now a patron subscriber keep up the good work bro
Had a 4506 with factory laser, had an off and on switch like a light switch on the wall. Good guns.
Got a S&W 915. Great gun…nice trigger.
I have a 5906 Tactical. It's amazing.
I still consider my two favorite innovators to handguns being Walther and Browning (with Walther being my fav).
Look at the features these guys invented.. and are still in use today. The actions, fire controls, and safety features.. just awesome! P-38 and PP vs 1911 and Highpower for design and innovations.
This literally is a combination of the P-38 and Hi-Power concepts all rolled into one package. P-38 safety and decocker, Browning locked breech, barrel, a 1911 holdover with the barrel bushing and magazine capacity. The Model 39 basically is an Americanized P-38. P-38 safety and magazine capacity and similar design with the Browning locked breech and barrel system with a 1911 holdover with a barrel bushing
This was the first true "wonder-nine" with all the boxes checked:
1. High capacity
2. 9x19mm Luger/Parabellum
3. Double-action/single-trigger
There were earlier guns like the Walther P38 which met two of the requirements, 9x19mm and Double-action/Single-Action or others who had caliber and capacity like the Browning Hi-Power. The Smith and Wesson Model 59 was the first to have all the requirements all rolled in one.
Love n carry mine. Reliable, balanced n accurate. Workhorse.
Don't forget the 5926! Maybe all steel but, Sig mixed with Smith gen 3! No slide safety!
I also may have one if you would like to review it nutnfancy!
The TSW was nice, at least the ones I used. Nice little tack driver.
Prices have gone up, local shop has 2 model 5906 for $589. Buying one this weekend so no one tell my mom
Id love to get one
The Star/Astra/Llama lines of 80s and 90s pistols (eg Astra 75, Astra Terminator, Star 30m, Firestars) might be worth going over too.
so I check your videos basically every morning to see what new thing you have posted, and this video "the model 59" which you apparently posted a month ago by the Published date is only now visible. judging by the view numbers, only 10k as I'm looking at it, this is probably the same for most people. just wanted to let you know in case youtube was messing with your vids
vschmidt08 I remember seeing it posted before and then going away, and now coming back like you said. Guessing it was supposed to be just for patreon at first..
I believe the 1st gen model 59 is best gun made I love everything about them.
I have a clone of one of these, imported by Kassnar in the 1970s or 80s, and manufactured by F E G in Hungary. It seems identical in most areas except the frame is steel rather than alloy. I shoot it only occasionally, as I have other interests (like Cowboy Action Shooting) and it runs (so far) to perfection. Have you experienced this one? The MBK9HP and no, it is *not* a Hi Power clone - it's identical to the Smith 59. Thanks for the video!
Hang onto it! The way the market goes I think history will be kind to the FEG's as their original patterns go up in value. Much like their HP is heading up in cost, you'll see some appreciation as people cotton to the developmental history of the 59. -Doodle
@@nutnfancy Thanks for the reply - I think I'll bring her out to the range today and give her a little exercise! Not *too* much, as 9mm is not as cheap as it once was! Take care!
That trigger reset!🙌🏽
Great informative video. Like very much your narration style with constant content rolling. Haven't seen anything like it. Great job. Subscribed P.S. I won't have a firearm piece that isn't an enjoyment piece.
Our local P.D. switched to these late 70s early 80s, could have had one for just a 100+ dollars? Maybe $139 if I remember correctly?
Bought mine new from ffl dealer for $190 with le discount. Looks like new, only about 200 rds fired, and never been in holster.
Great vid nutn! Looks like the Star Model bm got alot of inspiration from the model 39. Might need to get a 59 now if I see one at the pawn shop when I see one.
Pops used one as a cop in the 90s. He refused to carry Glock. Funny to think of that now.
I will never forgive S&W for discontinuing them.
Great video, I want to find one. Thanks for all you do!
I have a S&W Model 39-2 and a Model 5906 and I love them both. And yeah people are so Bland that they think another Glock video is amazing. Good Job nutnfancy.
Great video and firearm
This and a Red Gran Torino with A White Whip Stripe.
Starsky&Hutch great 70's cop show still on today on cable...... MeTV
Awesome review... And love that opinel too
The magazine safety is essential to making this a much safer handgun, especially as a home protection weapon.
At 1:00 "You don't need that many rounds"
Look up the video by Donut Operator, called "why one cop carries 145 rounds" It's an eye opening experience.
"need" and "want", maybe? But I didn't buy a three bedroom house as a single man because I "needed" them (now), but I like to keep my options open. :p Better to have some on reserve than not.
@@OutsideTheTargetDemographic Haha so true :-)
Nutn, what's the watch you were wearing when you were shooting? Its sick!
I read in some of the comments where people where opining about the Glock 45 being a marketing gimmick. If you carry a handgun for a living on a duty holster for hour after hour, getting in and out of a car, then the Glock 45 and similar handguns will make complete sense. The longer the barrel the more the holster pushes into the seat of the car. This translates to pressure transferring from the holster to the gun belt and onto your waist. Get in and out of a car with a duty holster constantly over an eight to sixteen hour period and you'll wish for a shorter gun barrel. Now if you have large hands and prefer to have a full grip on your handgun, then the full grip along with the shorter barrel are the perfect combination. One man's "marketing gimmick" is another's perfect solution.
Sorry but the time frame you spoke of... options were NOT as limited as you said, however methods of SOURCING them were. You had the MAB PA-15, CZ-75, Sig P226, Steyr GB, Beretta M92, S&W 59, H&K VP70z(Glock's grandfather), H&K P7, Browning Hi Power, Browning BDA, Ruger P series and etc... So yeah. You had options. But back then you had to find it at a gun shop or show. And methods of ordering guns wasnt the same. So like I said... sourcing issues not capacity issues.
Plenty of good double stack .380's were available at the time as were some double stack .32 ACP guns.
That's not a huge selection, just sayin.
Also... Bandos sucks.
+Rusted Beef Compared to the modern era no... It's probably not. But also considering that in the modern era people pretty much exclusively buy anywhere from 5 or 6 brands primarily, I dont think it's as small as you'd think. Like I said, more about sourcing than selection.
There are way more than 6 popular brands of handguns nowadays, not sure what you're talking about there. Just look at Nutn's playlists. It's just not true that the selection of handguns in the 70s/80s even comes close to resembling what's available today. You only think it's a matter of sourcing because the selection was so limited back then. Sourcing problems was a direct result of a very limited selection.
+RustedBeef No sourcing problem were a more due to an issue of not having things like the internet to stay up to date on the latest stuff out there, having to rely on monthly magazines or local shows in your area to see the new toys. Even in the early 90's it was this way but more options by that point. I never said there werent more than 6 popular brands but when people talk guns it's often the same 5 or 6 brands.
Glock, S&W, H&K, CZ, Ruger, or Sig and maybe Beretta typically.... Coincidentally those are pretty much the same brands I just listed above minus a few names like Browning. Sure, there ARE more brands out there now, but those are some of the most popular for a reason... they have been around a long time and made quality guns back then too. Sure things like Canik, Walther, Taurus, and others are popular and out there. But go to just about any TH-cam gun channel and pose the question which gun companies they think make the top notch pistols of the day, you'll get the same answer I just gave you.
You ask people that back then, you may get slightly different answers as revolvers were still quite popular and prominent back then. But bring up the subject of semi autos.... and the list I gave is still about the same. Facts are facts, that's ok. Like I said... sourcing was the issue. The public didnt have as much access to knowledge about the guns and a lot of gun stores didnt either as the internet wasnt really a thing back then. You had to rely on gun magazines, gun shows, and word of mouth. Some places in the US people didnt talk a lot about that stuff, and unlike today you had to call up a manufacturer, have them locate a distributor, and then try to source it. Now... you just go online, check a dealer's stock and either they got it or they dont. Not as long of a process to hear "No".
Kel-Tec, Hi-Point, Spring Field, the list goes on...but
Fair enough, though I say you're fixating on manufactures when it's really their collective offerings that really matter here. Sure, the most popular guns are going to belong to the brands who've been around for decades (for good reason, like you said), but what you can't deny is practically all of those very same manufactures now offer a drastically wider selection of guns to choose from compared to back in the 70's and 80's.
I mean what guns back then could you choose if you wanted a handgun that scored high on SAWC in a major caliber? Maybe a Sig 239? But Nutn has a video on that very gun which also ties into his "compact it ain't" video. The selection of guns to choose from with varying POUs was just lame back then when you compare it to what we have nowadays. Look how long it took Glock to release a truly compact gun like the G26. Didn't happen until the 90's if I'm not mistaken.
I saw the Sig P6 snuck in there! There’s no hiding it now.
FINALLY picked up a 5906 police trade-in and I couldn’t be happier with it from a collector standpoint paid $350 before tax.
Love my 5904 it's the aluminum version of the 5906 it never lets me down
Gunshow is tomorrow, Im gonna be looking for one now lol
I think the early magazines were the "reliability" issue.
They had bad followers and the springs had to be changed out every two years compared to the newer beretta or sig designs that lasted longer and were more durable.
firearms made by smith and wesson in the 70's are some of the best firearms ever made. change my mind.
Had 2 of them, I wish I hadn't sold them! At least I still have my 3rd gen 10mm.
My colt 1911 got rust spots, and I lube it before I put it away after shooting. Disappointed. I want 59 now
Mine doesn't group very well. Is there something I can look at to fix it? Original owner,
Most of the real gun experts "of the time" did not say we only needed revolvers. Some of us fought our police chiefs to let us carry semi autos... it took showing them at the range which guns would keep shooting after the gun was dropped in the dirt and mud.
They also made a steel frame version. Rare
The early S&W 59s were unreliable. Cross reference "Gun Tests Magazine" "Why a $49 Raven is better than a $200 S&W Model 59? " It works! Geoff Who was in the US Army 1972 - 82.
How many Gen of this gun
Cool gun Nutn!
Hang on to that baby(!)...and then do a SIDE BY SIDE with the KELTEC P-11(!)...which was DESIGNED(!) to be the BACKUP/CONCEALED companion piece to that BABY(!)...[I prefer my 5906 with SQUARED TRIGGER GUARD actually!!!]...purchased at BUDS when they were going about $375.00 or so... TAKES THE SAME MAGAZINES(!)...I still have a few if anybody is interested...
What about 6906 Nuten??
I swear I want one now just to throw in the glove box!
Best Smith and Wesson Pistol (series) ever made. I'm just not digging these new polymer pistols they are making these days.
Would love a mondernized M&P59....
39:41 RED STAR!!
One of my favorites. Is the elevation adjustable? There is a surface in front of the site and it looks like it may be adjustable. What's the scoop?
I bought my 5906 with adjustable sights in 1995 during the Clinton gun ban for 600 bucks. In 2010 had to sell it when the economy tanked. Still got 475 bucks.
Is this model better than the 1911
5906 all the way
Wow! 5,000 views on the date this video came out. Outstanding Nutn.
First pistol I carried as a Deputy Sheriff back in the 1990's was the S&W 5906, great gun, still own it
brotherskeepers111 first gun I bought when I turned 21. Love it.
My 1st duty gun back in the early 90s was the 4006 (40 cal). I loved it, I miss the days of the all steel handguns.
I have the 5903. Had a helluva time finding a holster.
Brotherskeepers miss your vids
Thank you, I appreciate it, it has been awhile for sure