Smith & Wesson Model 59
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.
Also recorded as S&W M59
Smith & Wesson Model 59
MKFI · Public domain
- Name
- Smith & Wesson Model 59
- Field
- semi-automatic pistol
- Region
- United States
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wikidata · Q7545024 · wikipedia · Smith & Wesson Model 59
In this article
Key facts
Key facts
• Name — Smith & Wesson Model 59 • Origin — United States • Type — Semi-automatic pistol • Is Ranged — yes • Used By — United States • Manufacturer — Smith & Wesson • Production Date — 1971 –1982 • Weight — 30 oz / 1.84 lb (0.840 kg) • Length — 7.55 in (192 mm) • Part Length — 4 in (102 mm) • Cartridge — 9×19mm Parabellum, 7.65×21mm Parabellum • Action — DA/SA • Rate — Semi-automatic • Feed — 14-round double column, detachable box magazine (20-round factory magazines were available) • Sights — Fixed iron sights, optional adjustable
History and users
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. 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.
Design
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
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
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
Users
• United States • Salt Lake City Police Department Carried until switched to the Smith & Wesson Model 66 revolver. • Federal Bureau of Investigation About 800 Smith & Wesson 459s issued to Agents.
Picture of Smith and Wesson Model 5906 9mm Para Pistol
U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives · ATF.gov, an official site of the U.S. Department of Justice
Smith Wesson Model 59 Semi-automatic pistol
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- United States
Text attribution
Licensing
Text attribution
Part of the biographical narrative on this page reuses licensed material. Its origin, revision and licence are recorded here.
The biographical narrative on this page is based on the Wikipedia article Smith & Wesson Model 59, revision 1363373916 (EN edition), by its contributors. VALÉORINE has edited that text and built its own documentary record around it. The reused material is available under CC BY-SA 4.0, and this page's reuse of it is offered under the same licence. Everything else on this page — the chronology, the holdings, the evidence, the plates and the connections — is VALÉORINE's own record. Sources and licences.
Notes from the source article
Cited by Wikipedia
Notes from the source article
These works are cited by the source article, in its own numbering. They are recorded as its citations, not as sources VALÉORINE has verified.
- 1.Trzoniec, Stanley W. Modern American Centerfire Handguns. Winchester Press. 49. 1982. 0876913419.
- 2.Hartink, A. E. The Complete Encyclopedia of Pistols and Revolvers. Chartwell Books. 279. 2002. 9780785815198.
- 3.CLASSIC WONDER NINE: SMITH & WESSON MODEL 59.
- 4.Lessons from the murder of trooper philip lamanaco. Revolverguy. 8 July 2023.
- 5.Guns of the '86 Miami Shootout. Gun Mag Warehouse. 27 August 2024.
References
Citations
References
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Broader subject
1- semi-automatic pistolTerminology
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Further particulars
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Smith & Wesson Model 59 is connected to 1 other published record in the VALÉORINE Encyclopedia.
Within the Encyclopedia
The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 16 August 2026.
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