Thanks again everyone. He won't be able to pick it up until this weekend. I'll give a range report ASAP.

quote:

Originally posted by elberettas:
Thanks again everyone. He won't be able to pick it up until this weekend. I'll give a range report ASAP.

Glad he got it. Please post some pics too!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 4859,

quote:

Originally posted by elberettas:
Thanks again everyone. He won't be able to pick it up until this weekend. I'll give a range report ASAP.

Nice. Looking forward to hearing how it works out for him!

my first semi auto was a 669 (compact, double stack version of the 59).
the money your friend saves can go towards ammo.

Yes looking forward to the range report and pictures. During freedom week in California I was able to get 17 round mags for my 659. They are flush fit Mac Gar Mags. They would work in the 59 also. Not bad for an all metal DA Handgun.

https://gregcotellc.com/cart/s...i6o2dqovrj1umvkuoh72

Is it viable? Yes, but with a few points that have been mentioned already.

I believe Illinois State Police has more experience with the 59 than anyone else. I would simply search using those terms for extensive information on what works and what doesn't.

Personally, for carry, duty or home defense a handgun HAS to have a rail light. Obviously, that excludes a 59. But for a range gun...nothing wrong with it.

I want to like them, but I can't.

However, here in California, I can't get one unless someone here sells it to me F2F, so that takes away a bit of frustration at my state laws.

my issue is a snobbish question, but I just don't like the 'feel' of the trigger. That said, I know someone who does- in fact, he loves it.

I am happy for him, and we used to shoot together. He had fun and was accurate.

They have a solid reputation, and are respected [even by me].

Starsky liked it.

quote:

I believe Illinois State Police has more experience with the 59 than anyone else

They were on of the first but I believe they carried the M39.

quote:

Old Smith autos are very reliable.

We had issues with the second gen. Low round count guns were showing frame cracks. At first it was mainly the 669's with cracks in the rails. Then a few 659's were found with cracked frames. Smith is out of the repair business in the metal framed lines.