My daddy's model 39 was the first pistol i was old enough to remember him owning. He grew up in Brooklyn NY. After the Air Force, he took a job and moved to NC where he met my mother and stayed put. He wholeheartedly embraced southern gun culture and his collection grew exponentially over the years, but his model 39 from the late 70's was the first I remember. I wouldnt take any amount of money for that pistol
If they did bring them back, I could see them going for at least $900 (probably more), unfortunately. Anything with a metal or non plastic frame is considered higher end now in 2024.
Even being from Brazil, and knowing that i will never have these guns for me, it would be amazing if Smith & Wesson could start making these guns again.
Sootch you’re the man ! You switched the lowers on Gen 2 & Gen 3 when reassembling them lol you had me rewind to make sure i wasn’t losing it !!!! Great video 🤙🏽
The model 39 is from a time when style, beauty, elegance were part of the firearms industry. Now all we get are flat black, polymer, striker fired, chunky, blocky guns that are all about efficiency and ease of manufacturing. Efficiency has killed beauty.
Exactly. For the sake of mass production and competition, craftsmanship and creativity is a thing of the past. Even handguns that are different from what you mentioned, all follow an already invented design. These old S&W auto-loaders were there own design and were absolutely beautiful unique pieces of American handgun history. Only the real folks appreciate the quality and craftsman ship of old firearms like this.
What type of guns they manufacture is just a reflection of what the market wants. You can still find elegance, but the majority of gun owners want simplicity, a tool that functions and is reliable at an affordable price. Aesthetics takes a back seat to all that.
Of all the Smith and Wesson semi-auto’s I wish could return, I wish most for the 52-2 midrange chambered in .38 special (wadcutter only). These were competition pistols, assembled by expert craftsmen, and by far, the finest production handguns I’ve ever seen. Amazingly accurate with a PERFECT single action trigger. I own 2, one that is new, in the box with all paperwork, the other I shoot (but is 99%). Except for my Colt Commander customized by Ted Yost (.38 Super), these would be the last guns I would lose in my frequent boating mishaps. Old school S&W pistols are seriously underrated except by those who know.
I own many of these S&W. When I am not carrying my 1911 I carry a 4516, 4513 TSW, 4006 TSW. I have several more and several on the same model. I have trained professionally with the 4516 for many years with member of law enforcement Old does not mean useless On the contrary these are superior to many of current firearms on the market today You’re speaking of only the 9mm, there are 10mm, .40, and .45ACP models This is a terrific presentation Ricky from IBM
they are built so well you can interchange slides between same models. My 457 and my 645 are completely interchangeable and they are even different generations. these are the pistols I learned to shoot semi autos on.
I carried as an off duty gun...and still carry as my primary concealed carry handgun as a retired police officer...a S&W Model 3914 DAO. These were offered in special runs to multiple large police departments as handguns for detectives and/or off duty officers. It is 8+1 capacity, DAO with no manual safety. Each shot is a DA trigger pull and the hammer follows the slide down after each shot. The hammer is "bobbed" and flush with the rear of the slide. It is the PERFECT personal self defense handgun. There is -0- possibility of accidental discharge, the long, heavy trigger pull eliminates that. There is -0- chance of forgetting to take the safety off, or the safety being inadvertently "on". There is no manual safety. It function exactly as a DA revolver works...which I carried for 15 years before we went to semi-autos. FWIW, my primary duty handgun as a plainclothes officer for 19 years before I retired, was a SIG P228. DA/SA with no manual safety. The added capacity was preferable for police duty. 8 + 1 is fine for off duty/concealed carry (even if you imagine you need more than 9 rounds with you for personal self defense). It is lightweight, slim and easy to conceal. My backup duty pistols were a S&W Model 6904 (blued version of the 6906 shown in the video) and a Beretta 92F, which I had also carried as my duty pistol in my last 2 years in uniform duty. I still own all four and still carry the 3914 DAO as my primary "EDC".
The Beretta 92's safety lever can be modified to act as a decocker only also. I don't know if the 80 series can be modified in the same way... that'd be real neat.
When you were reassembling them, you put the Gen 2 slide on the Gen 3 frame and the Gen 3 slide on the Gen 2 frame. You have my OCD going through the roof!!!!
Carried an issued 6946 while employed by US Customs. It served its purpose but was replaced by an Customs issued Glock model 17. Across the board qualification scores improved after being issued the Glock model 17. All this happened a long time ago
DA/SA pistols are harder to shoot than striker-fired; you have to master two different trigger pulls. Takes a lot more hours at the range. For a dedicated hobbyist shooter, that's fine - but for LEOs and G-men, that's a big downside.
@@usc37820 Oh I see. I was mistaking it for a different model. DAO semi-autos are rare nowadays. All I can think of is the S&W Bodyguard, although I'm sure there are many I don't know about.
In my first years of gun buying, the models 39 and 59 were the first centerfire pistols to run flawlessly. Before that I experienced horrible jamming from Colt's Series 70 Government Model and Browning Hipower.
Next to my HK's these are some of the softest shooting pistols out there and are still relevant today. I had a 5906, 5943 (DAO), 6906 and 59....smooth and very accurate. They are all very handsome classics.
I just traded a PX4 for a 5906 that looks to be super low round count. Has an aftermarket 17 round magazine that has been working flawlessly. Loving it so far
My dad had a model 59 that he got in 78 I think. It was a great gun and I shot a lot of rounds through it. I will say have I don't recall it ever having a failure to feed or eject. It was pure stock! I shot it a few years ago after it sat for 15 years with in inserted mag of some type of JHP - I just racked the slide and mag dumped it and it might as well have been brand new, because it operated flawlessly. My only complaint about the gun were the sights - whoever designed them must have never imagined shooting it beyond ten yards or so. Great review! Thanks for stepping back in time.
My grandfather gave me a 659 when I was a kid. I still have it and will pass it down when the time is right. I bring it out sometimes when I sleep on the couch. Incredibly smooth action and the weight makes recoil almost nothing. Thanks for the video!
These were great guns, built for a lifetime. This was my first DA/SA. My 4013TWS was derived from the Performance Center Shorty Forty, only for standard production. I trained through several courses with this and after 2500rnds gained a great proficiency. I deleted the decocking lever on the right side as it projected too much on my right hip (shirt catch). The frame actually developed a hairline crack in the alloy frame, so sent it back to SW and they replace the frame with the same serial numbers. No questions asked. Still got it and the muscle memory as well.
5906 was my first duty weapon. We were taught to remove the magazine and put it in your pocket if you had to go hands on with a prisoner. If you were disarmed the magazine disconnect would keep it from firing.
I have a 5906 which seems to be a 2.5 model. Squared trigger guard, machined trigger and hammer. It’s my father’s old service weapon. Definitely staying in my collection. Thank you for the info on these firearms.
Best gun review videos on YT... & by the time S&W brought out their Gen 3 they had worked all the bugs out & I'd happily carry one today for self defense...heck, I could probably pass it down to my grandkids & it'd still be going strong.
Two days after watching your video I found an unfired 5906 square trigger guard, stainless hammer & trigger at my LGS. Snagged it for $500 OTD. Very cool piece, I couldn’t be happier. Good video as always!
I’ve long been a fan of 3rd gen Smiths. I’m always on the lookout for a Shorty 40 and a 5903 SSV. Kinda wish i had bought a 10mm before they got expensive
I have a 659 that I got new from a bank promotion back in the early 80's (along with a S&W 645). A couple of notes. The safety screw was originally an Allen head screw S&W had a recall and sent me the Phillips head screw, with a little packet of “locktite” to replace original. My 659 does not have a lanyard loop, and it does not have the “ears” on the rear sight. (drift adjustable fixed sight) Also a “cut down” light weight version of the 659 was also made. (669) It is a great carry gun. (I think there was a blued model of this also). Nice video good info about different gens.
Sorry. I wanted to include that I love your site and all your videos. I own the 5906, 4006 and 915. Shot the 5906 and 4006 today. Great shooters. Feel like a real gun in your hands. It's great that you love the old shooter. Keep up the great work.
Excellent video as always. Over the years I have owned many of these older all metal hammer fired models and given the choice I will always carry a hammer fired double action pistol.
I have the 659. It is a simply awesome handgun. All metal and works like a champ. Field dripping and reassembly is unnecessarily complicated though. But it is simply a very reliable fire armed. Old school quality. Not high-tech, but built like a tank.
I came across a model 39 around 2020 that was on consignment at a shop in SW Oregon. It had a bit of finish wear and scratches, but they were asking around $700. That was more than I was willing to spend on a used pistol, but it did feel nice.
Was lucky to find one at my LGS and it was a Police Trade In, No holster wear but the Wrap around Grip was worn out, found a NOS Grip on Evil pay and its like a Brand new Gun, love the heft and its a great shooter...highly reccmmend one , I CCW this Often, have shot and owned several S&W Revolvers, quality was never a Question...Great Video....
I found one last year at a Tucson gun show with Pachmyr grips on it; which made it too bulky for my hands. Found a stock grip and pin at Midway USA a few months ago.
I still use my 659 duty weapon as a home defense option. I purchased it in 1987 and it was the only pistol I used over my 25 year career. Believe it or not, I never had one issue with it. By the way, my original magazines were 14 rounders, but Mecgar makes a 17 round mag for it. I've got several and they function beautifully!
Sootch....one thing I'd add to your excellent review is that when S&W introduced what was probably the original mini double stack 9mm, the Model 469, it was noticably more accurate than it's bigger brothers...they quickly incorporated the slightly different barrel bushing design in the next generations.
I purchased a new S&W Model 59 and a S&W Model 5906 back in the 1980s and still have both. I carried each for several years. Both are very good guns and never had any problems with them. My 59 came with plastic grips. My 5906 has a machined hammer and does have the squared trigger guard. The sights are also shrouded like the ones on your 659. The 5906 had a recall back in the 90s, IIRC, to replace the wrap around grip. If I am remembering correctly, there was a problem with the grip where if the gun was dropped, the grip could crack and render the gun unable to fire. Of course being the 1980s, I carried mine in a Galco “Miami Vice” shoulder holster. I was very surprised how heavy both guns were once I started carrying a Glock 17 in the late 1980s.
Whenever I was at an IPSC match, if someone repeatedly experienced malfunctions, it was with a S&W m39. That said I had a .38spl m52, based on the m39, that was the most superbly accurate, stock, centerfire pistol I've ever owned. I'm considering purchasing another.
The second generation also saw the incorporation of a firing pin block making the pistol drop safe. This feature was also in all third generation hammer fired Smith and Wessons.
Own a Model 39-2 from 1978, got it in trade for a Chinese SKS. Took some maintenance to get it back to ready condition, but it is a nice shooting gun. Plan to keep it.
The RCMP was out of luck when Smith and Wesson discontinued the Third Gen 5946 9mm pistol. It was a very popular pistol for new cops who entered service in 1994. The popularity of New York Undercover helped with sales. The RCMP is going to the polymer M&P pistol.
my first semi auto was the M39. still have it. even got a M909 that they made for one year. the 9 round magazines work in the M39 , so I bought alot of them for both pistols .if they brought these back they would use MIM parts which would keep the cost down to like that of the M19/66 revolvers so they could do it. these are really good guns and I do like them better then the plastic boring looking guns we have now. these guns had class. something that is missing from our world now in alot of things.
I have owned 2 of the Second Generation S&Ws. A Model 469 compact 9mm and a full sized 45 ACP Model 645. The 469 shot great and was light for a compact of the day, but the grip was HUGE (thick) for a compact pistol, so I sold it off. If it had been offered as a single stack with thin grip, I'd still own it. As for the 645, I bought that new back in 1987 I believe. Really nice looking and reliable. Built like a tank. Don't really like the DA trigger pull, but otherwise the 645 is a good gun.
My first centerfire auto was a Brand New Model 39. I went through the academy with a 3904 and traded up to a 3906 (I was in Florida at the time). I miss the 3804 and 3906.
Thank you for the video, it helped me identify which model I had. Absolutely love my S&W model 59. Very accurate and dependable, bought it off my sister in law, if I ever get rid of it, she wanted first chance to buy it back. Sadly for her, I will never part ways with it! I am finding it hard to find a decent holster for it though, any recommendations you or anyone in the chat section could offer would be appreciated, thanks again! One more thing, I would also like to find the date of manufacturing, havent found a place to reference the serial number.
I picked up a LE trade-in 5903 from AIM. It was beat to shit. Kind of a pig-in-a-poke. I almost sent it back. Figured I’d try to clean it up. I Cerakoted the frame & put all new internal parts from Numrich. I found a new/old stock factory grip even. The 03 is the alloy frame. It’s a few ounces lighter. It is one of my favorite guns. I always loved S&W, but this project started my affair with their older autos.
@ 7:05 There is an error, 659 designates stainless steel. 559 designates blued steel, and 459 designates blued steel slide with aluminum frame. Great video, I enjoyed watching it. They can be addictive. Love my 5906, but I think my 559 is my favorite.
My daddy's model 39 was the first pistol i was old enough to remember him owning. He grew up in Brooklyn NY. After the Air Force, he took a job and moved to NC where he met my mother and stayed put. He wholeheartedly embraced southern gun culture and his collection grew exponentially over the years, but his model 39 from the late 70's was the first I remember. I wouldnt take any amount of money for that pistol
I wish S&W would reintroduce these again
Same.
Pick up a surplus one on gunbroker or similar. They are definitely out there
Tooling is gone.
Had em Back 8n the Mid 80's! Im SOOOO SORRY I've Traded em over those yrs! YOUNG & FOOLISH! 😊
If they did bring them back, I could see them going for at least $900 (probably more), unfortunately. Anything with a metal or non plastic frame is considered higher end now in 2024.
Even being from Brazil, and knowing that i will never have these guns for me, it would be amazing if Smith & Wesson could start making these guns again.
Maybe Taurus will make a copy. We can only hope
Sootch, you have me missing my 4516 really bad. 😢 .45, compact, steel frame and slide
I love these guns and they’ll always remind me of 90s action movies specifically Reservoir dogs
The out of uniform cop from point break had one too
Sootch you’re the man ! You switched the lowers on Gen 2 & Gen 3 when reassembling them lol you had me rewind to make sure i wasn’t losing it !!!! Great video 🤙🏽
I noticed that too!
First auto I ever owned S n W 59. Great weapon for its time.
Yes, KEY word "For its time" I agree. I could not see myself carrying one.
Great weapon today 2024. Do you have a phaser Captain Kirk. lol 😂
@@ShawnShipstad Why do you say that?
Still love my 659
5906 is the GOAT... i dont know why S&W doesn't make a few more for us to indulge
I wish they'd remove the mag disconnect and make it decocker only though
659 looks better in my opinion
The model 39 is from a time when style, beauty, elegance were part of the firearms industry. Now all we get are flat black, polymer, striker fired, chunky, blocky guns that are all about efficiency and ease of manufacturing. Efficiency has killed beauty.
Exactly. For the sake of mass production and competition, craftsmanship and creativity is a thing of the past. Even handguns that are different from what you mentioned, all follow an already invented design. These old S&W auto-loaders were there own design and were absolutely beautiful unique pieces of American handgun history. Only the real folks appreciate the quality and craftsman ship of old firearms like this.
What type of guns they manufacture is just a reflection of what the market wants. You can still find elegance, but the majority of gun owners want simplicity, a tool that functions and is reliable at an affordable price. Aesthetics takes a back seat to all that.
Of all the Smith and Wesson semi-auto’s I wish could return, I wish most for the 52-2 midrange chambered in .38 special (wadcutter only). These were competition pistols, assembled by expert craftsmen, and by far, the finest production handguns I’ve ever seen. Amazingly accurate with a PERFECT single action trigger. I own 2, one that is new, in the box with all paperwork, the other I shoot (but is 99%). Except for my Colt Commander customized by Ted Yost (.38 Super), these would be the last guns I would lose in my frequent boating mishaps. Old school S&W pistols are seriously underrated except by those who know.
I own many of these S&W. When I am not carrying my 1911 I carry a 4516, 4513 TSW, 4006 TSW. I have several more and several on the same model. I have trained professionally with the 4516 for many years with member of law enforcement
Old does not mean useless
On the contrary these are superior to many of current firearms on the market today
You’re speaking of only the 9mm, there are 10mm, .40, and .45ACP models
This is a terrific presentation
Ricky from IBM
they are built so well you can interchange slides between same models. My 457 and my 645 are completely interchangeable and they are even different generations. these are the pistols I learned to shoot semi autos on.
I carried as an off duty gun...and still carry as my primary concealed carry handgun as a retired police officer...a S&W Model 3914 DAO. These were offered in special runs to multiple large police departments as handguns for detectives and/or off duty officers.
It is 8+1 capacity, DAO with no manual safety. Each shot is a DA trigger pull and the hammer follows the slide down after each shot. The hammer is "bobbed" and flush with the rear of the slide. It is the PERFECT personal self defense handgun.
There is -0- possibility of accidental discharge, the long, heavy trigger pull eliminates that. There is -0- chance of forgetting to take the safety off, or the safety being inadvertently "on". There is no manual safety.
It function exactly as a DA revolver works...which I carried for 15 years before we went to semi-autos.
FWIW, my primary duty handgun as a plainclothes officer for 19 years before I retired, was a SIG P228. DA/SA with no manual safety. The added capacity was preferable for police duty. 8 + 1 is fine for off duty/concealed carry (even if you imagine you need more than 9 rounds with you for personal self defense). It is lightweight, slim and easy to conceal.
My backup duty pistols were a S&W Model 6904 (blued version of the 6906 shown in the video) and a Beretta 92F, which I had also carried as my duty pistol in my last 2 years in uniform duty. I still own all four and still carry the 3914 DAO as my primary "EDC".
The Beretta 92's safety lever can be modified to act as a decocker only also. I don't know if the 80 series can be modified in the same way... that'd be real neat.
When you were reassembling them, you put the Gen 2 slide on the Gen 3 frame and the Gen 3 slide on the Gen 2 frame. You have my OCD going through the roof!!!!
Oh Man! You're right! Thanks for the heads up! Lol!
Great catch! 😂😂😂 I can confirm as well. I’m a very small channel, but coincidentally posted a similar video featuring my Gen 2 659 and Gen 3 4006.
@@sootch00 Love my Gen 3 Smiths. I have one of those CHP 4006s like you showed briefly. It’s the softest shooting .40 caliber I’ve ever shot.
Carried an issued 6946 while employed by US Customs. It served its purpose but was replaced by an Customs issued Glock model 17. Across the board qualification scores improved after being issued the Glock model 17. All this happened a long time ago
DA/SA pistols are harder to shoot than striker-fired; you have to master two different trigger pulls. Takes a lot more hours at the range.
For a dedicated hobbyist shooter, that's fine - but for LEOs and G-men, that's a big downside.
@@rdrrr The 6946 was double action only. I also had one with US Customs.
Then came the HK P2000
@@usc37820 Oh I see. I was mistaking it for a different model. DAO semi-autos are rare nowadays. All I can think of is the S&W Bodyguard, although I'm sure there are many I don't know about.
@@usc37820 Out of all the full-sized pistols you've ever had real experience with, which worked best for you?
Bring back a modern 6906 please S&W!
They were the shit in the 80's and 90's. Best looking gun of all time too. It's like a sexier sister to an already sexy Browning Hi-Power.
Great review. I carried the 59 in a shoulder holster when I was a LEO in the winter. This brought back a lot of memories
It would be neat if they brought back an updated unit in steel
along with a version with the ASP treatment. 😏👌
Love them and am so glad I still have them in my safe.
In my first years of gun buying, the models 39 and 59 were the first centerfire pistols to run flawlessly. Before that I experienced horrible jamming from Colt's Series 70 Government Model and Browning Hipower.
Next to my HK's these are some of the softest shooting pistols out there and are still relevant today. I had a 5906, 5943 (DAO), 6906 and 59....smooth and very accurate. They are all very handsome classics.
I just traded a PX4 for a 5906 that looks to be super low round count. Has an aftermarket 17 round magazine that has been working flawlessly. Loving it so far
I have a 4006 (.40 Cal) and absolutely love this gun. A bit heavy to carry but great shooting weapon.
I bought a 3906 used at least 30+ years ago and I still own it.
Love my old S&W pistol and revolvers.
I have the gen 1 and it shoots like a dream made in 1976. Plus it came with a second mag. Great review of all 3 gens thanks for sharing your videos 👍
My dad had a model 59 that he got in 78 I think. It was a great gun and I shot a lot of rounds through it. I will say have I don't recall it ever having a failure to feed or eject. It was pure stock! I shot it a few years ago after it sat for 15 years with in inserted mag of some type of JHP - I just racked the slide and mag dumped it and it might as well have been brand new, because it operated flawlessly. My only complaint about the gun were the sights - whoever designed them must have never imagined shooting it beyond ten yards or so. Great review! Thanks for stepping back in time.
My grandfather gave me a 659 when I was a kid. I still have it and will pass it down when the time is right. I bring it out sometimes when I sleep on the couch. Incredibly smooth action and the weight makes recoil almost nothing. Thanks for the video!
My first handgun purchase was a Gen 3 6906. I still have it.
I have a 5906 I love it! Awesome gun!!! 💪💪💪
I got a smith 915 a few years back and love it.
My S&W5904 is my daily carry. (I really carry daily) Bought in 1988. I love this handgun. Utterly reliable. Good shooter.
These were great guns, built for a lifetime. This was my first DA/SA. My 4013TWS was derived from the Performance Center Shorty Forty, only for standard production. I trained through several courses with this and after 2500rnds gained a great proficiency. I deleted the decocking lever on the right side as it projected too much on my right hip (shirt catch). The frame actually developed a hairline crack in the alloy frame, so sent it back to SW and they replace the frame with the same serial numbers. No questions asked. Still got it and the muscle memory as well.
5906 was my first duty weapon. We were taught to remove the magazine and put it in your pocket if you had to go hands on with a prisoner. If you were disarmed the magazine disconnect would keep it from firing.
I have a 5906 which seems to be a 2.5 model. Squared trigger guard, machined trigger and hammer. It’s my father’s old service weapon. Definitely staying in my collection. Thank you for the info on these firearms.
I almost have a 5903 paid off little over 200 left can’t wait to own it haha
What beautiful guns. Something about metal autoloaders!
I have em all...love em. 5906 carry everyday
Best gun review videos on YT...
& by the time S&W brought out their Gen 3 they had worked all the bugs out & I'd happily carry one today for self defense...heck, I could probably pass it down to my grandkids & it'd still be going strong.
Two days after watching your video I found an unfired 5906 square trigger guard, stainless hammer & trigger at my LGS. Snagged it for $500 OTD. Very cool piece, I couldn’t be happier. Good video as always!
I’ve long been a fan of 3rd gen Smiths. I’m always on the lookout for a Shorty 40 and a 5903 SSV. Kinda wish i had bought a 10mm before they got expensive
Had a 3rd gen 4506, loved it. Was stolen by a gun store going out of business.
I would get the ATF involved and hope u can get the gun back.
I have a 659 that I got new from a bank promotion back in the early 80's (along with a S&W 645). A couple of notes. The safety screw was originally an Allen head screw S&W had a recall and sent me the Phillips head screw, with a little packet of “locktite” to replace original. My 659 does not have a lanyard loop, and it does not have the “ears” on the rear sight. (drift adjustable fixed sight) Also a “cut down” light weight version of the 659 was also made. (669) It is a great carry gun. (I think there was a blued model of this also). Nice video good info about different gens.
Sorry. I wanted to include that I love your site and all your videos. I own the 5906, 4006 and 915. Shot the 5906 and 4006 today. Great shooters. Feel like a real gun in your hands. It's great that you love the old shooter. Keep up the great work.
I have the 5946 and love that bugger!❤
Excellent video as always. Over the years I have owned many of these older all metal hammer fired models and given the choice I will always carry a hammer fired double action pistol.
I have the 659. It is a simply awesome handgun. All metal and works like a champ. Field dripping and reassembly is unnecessarily complicated though. But it is simply a very reliable fire armed. Old school quality. Not high-tech, but built like a tank.
Excellent video. These type are my favorite.
Thanks for watching Audie!
Smith wesson PLEASE BRING BACK RETRO MODELS specifically 5906
I came across a model 39 around 2020 that was on consignment at a shop in SW Oregon. It had a bit of finish wear and scratches, but they were asking around $700. That was more than I was willing to spend on a used pistol, but it did feel nice.
wow good timing. i was just considering getting one of these!
Wish they still made these tbh. Ive only since one in the last 4 years for sale at the local gunshops . It's was 40 cal. Though.
4o cal is the better self defense cartridge
Great review and explanation of the three generations Sootch!
Was lucky to find one at my LGS and it was a Police Trade In, No holster wear but the Wrap around Grip was worn out, found a NOS Grip on Evil pay and its like a Brand new Gun, love the heft and its a great shooter...highly reccmmend one , I CCW this Often, have shot and owned several S&W Revolvers, quality was never a Question...Great Video....
I found one last year at a Tucson gun show with Pachmyr grips on it; which made it too bulky for my hands. Found a stock grip and pin at Midway USA a few months ago.
I have a 5906 acquired from my older brother. Great gun.
I still use my 659 duty weapon as a home defense option. I purchased it in 1987 and it was the only pistol I used over my 25 year career. Believe it or not, I never had one issue with it. By the way, my original magazines were 14 rounders, but Mecgar makes a 17 round mag for it. I've got several and they function beautifully!
Sootch....one thing I'd add to your excellent review is that when S&W introduced what was probably the original mini double stack 9mm, the Model 469, it was noticably more accurate than it's bigger brothers...they quickly incorporated the slightly different barrel bushing design in the next generations.
I purchased a new S&W Model 59 and a S&W Model 5906 back in the 1980s and still have both. I carried each for several years. Both are very good guns and never had any problems with them. My 59 came with plastic grips. My 5906 has a machined hammer and does have the squared trigger guard. The sights are also shrouded like the ones on your 659.
The 5906 had a recall back in the 90s, IIRC, to replace the wrap around grip. If I am remembering correctly, there was a problem with the grip where if the gun was dropped, the grip could crack and render the gun unable to fire.
Of course being the 1980s, I carried mine in a Galco “Miami Vice” shoulder holster.
I was very surprised how heavy both guns were once I started carrying a Glock 17 in the late 1980s.
I love my 6906 .It was my first EDC
love all my old S&W's!
Whenever I was at an IPSC match, if someone repeatedly experienced malfunctions, it was with a S&W m39. That said I had a .38spl m52, based on the m39, that was the most superbly accurate, stock, centerfire pistol I've ever owned. I'm considering purchasing another.
I have the model 39, 39-2 and the 59; all are great looking/shooting guns.
Perfect for the home or vehicle.
My preference is for the earlier models.
I love the 5906 model , especially the one that has the hooded adjustable rear sight. I've never had a malfunction and its plenty accurate.
I have a Model 459 that I still carry. I absolutely trust it.
Another great vid. Love the old Smith's. I have an old S&W 915. Great pistol. Love it.
I recently got the 5906 on gun broker police trade in and paid 400. Got it and turns out it is nickel plated. Fantastic pistol and I love it.
The second generation also saw the incorporation of a firing pin block making the pistol drop safe. This feature was also in all third generation hammer fired Smith and Wessons.
Shame there is no real factory support for Gen 3 and earlier models. Another great video.
I have a 4006 da/sa with adjustable sight and a 5904 , love them both
Awesome video nice guns thanks for sharing sootch00
I always like those S&W I think they are one of the best looking firearms created!!!
I have the 439 that I purchased new in the late 1980's. Square trigger well. Ive always liked it.
You can also get 20 round mec-gar megs for them. And they work great.
Own a Model 39-2 from 1978, got it in trade for a Chinese SKS. Took some maintenance to get it back to ready condition, but it is a nice shooting gun. Plan to keep it.
These models really highlight the durability and reliability that S&W is known for.
The SW generation 2 is what the RCMP uses across Canada 🇨🇦. No complaints.
I thought they issued 5946s…
The RCMP was out of luck when Smith and Wesson discontinued the Third Gen 5946 9mm pistol. It was a very popular pistol for new cops who entered service in 1994. The popularity of New York Undercover helped with sales. The RCMP is going to the polymer M&P pistol.
@@FishKepr I might be wrong on that!
@@FishKepr Yup, that's the one 👌
I love S&W 59 series I have a 5903 it has a shorter trigger reset then my p226 with the short reset trigger
I’d love to see theses guns made again,, just awesome pistols
Excellent video, thanks
my first semi auto was the M39. still have it. even got a M909 that they made for one year. the 9 round magazines work in the M39 , so I bought alot of them for both pistols .if they brought these back they would use MIM parts which would keep the cost down to like that of the M19/66 revolvers so they could do it. these are really good guns and I do like them better then the plastic boring looking guns we have now. these guns had class. something that is missing from our world now in alot of things.
Old School is best School!
Born in 1988, and i agree with you.
This video is just so neat. Thank you..i love my gen 1 and 3..
Great information , love my 5906! (95) mod year
These are amazing handguns. I am currently searching for a 10 mm version, especially the model 1026.
Very cool
Really good video.
Thanks Joe!
I have owned 2 of the Second Generation S&Ws. A Model 469 compact 9mm and a full sized 45 ACP Model 645. The 469 shot great and was light for a compact of the day, but the grip was HUGE (thick) for a compact pistol, so I sold it off. If it had been offered as a single stack with thin grip, I'd still own it. As for the 645, I bought that new back in 1987 I believe. Really nice looking and reliable. Built like a tank. Don't really like the DA trigger pull, but otherwise the 645 is a good gun.
I really enjoyed this content, sootch00. Good stuff!
My first centerfire auto was a Brand New Model 39. I went through the academy with a 3904 and traded up to a 3906 (I was in Florida at the time). I miss the 3804 and 3906.
Ooh, that blued and aluminum 459 spoke to me.
I miss these guns 🔥
I was a still am a fan of the model 39 and 59. I sold mine to a friend and could never find a replacement.
I have NIB Gen 3 5906 that had never been fired. I also CCW a 6906. I also have a S&W 457 in .45
I appreciate this video, sootch
Way to go thanks 👍🏼
Thanks for stopping by Raven
Great video, and great arms for sure.
Thank you
Thanks Kevin!
Thank you for the video, it helped me identify which model I had. Absolutely love my S&W model 59. Very accurate and dependable, bought it off my sister in law, if I ever get rid of it, she wanted first chance to buy it back. Sadly for her, I will never part ways with it! I am finding it hard to find a decent holster for it though, any recommendations you or anyone in the chat section could offer would be appreciated, thanks again! One more thing, I would also like to find the date of manufacturing, havent found a place to reference the serial number.
I picked up a LE trade-in 5903 from AIM. It was beat to shit. Kind of a pig-in-a-poke. I almost sent it back. Figured I’d try to clean it up. I Cerakoted the frame & put all new internal parts from Numrich. I found a new/old stock factory grip even. The 03 is the alloy frame. It’s a few ounces lighter. It is one of my favorite guns. I always loved S&W, but this project started my affair with their older autos.
I used to have a gen 1, still kickin myself in the butt for selling it 😊
@ 7:05 There is an error, 659 designates stainless steel. 559 designates blued steel, and 459 designates blued steel slide with aluminum frame. Great video, I enjoyed watching it. They can be addictive. Love my 5906, but I think my 559 is my favorite.
Sootch is the man!
Thanks Shawn!