A Look Again: The Genesis of the S&W 659
The world of firearms is wealthy with historical past, innovation, and iconic designs. Amongst the numerous legendary handguns which have graced ranges and responsibility belts, the Smith & Wesson 659 holds a particular place. Greater than only a firearm, it represents a big period in American gun manufacturing, embodying a mix of strong development, dependable efficiency, and a timeless aesthetic. This text will delve deep into the Smith & Wesson 659, exploring its historical past, options, efficiency, and its lasting significance to gun fanatics and collectors alike.
To totally recognize the Smith & Wesson 659, we should first perceive its roots. The late Nineteen Seventies and early Eighties have been a interval of serious change within the handgun market. The rise in recognition of 9mm handguns, coupled with the growing demand for increased capability magazines, propelled Smith & Wesson to reply the decision. Their response was a household of semi-automatic pistols, and the 659 grew to become a distinguished member of that household.
The design ethos behind the 659 developed from its predecessors, significantly the Smith & Wesson Mannequin 59. The Mannequin 59 paved the way in which for the 659, setting a normal for the design options that might later outline its descendant. The 659 constructed upon this basis and refined sure traits, resulting in what many contemplate one of many best semi-automatic pistols of its time.
The introduction of the 659 wasn’t nearly one other handgun hitting the market; it signaled a shift in manufacturing. Smith & Wesson was adapting to the evolving wants of legislation enforcement and civilian shooters alike. The gun was a direct response to market calls for, providing a reliable, high-capacity, and available 9mm choice.
Key Options That Outline the S&W 659
The Smith & Wesson 659 is not merely a group of components; it is a rigorously engineered instrument. The mixture of its particular person traits makes it a singular piece in handgun historical past. Let’s study the options that set it aside:
The motion on the S&W 659 is a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) design. This implies the primary set off pull is an extended, heavier double-action pull, which cocks and releases the hammer. Subsequent photographs make the most of the single-action mode, which is a shorter, lighter set off pull. This provided shooters a steadiness between security (the primary set off pull) and velocity (subsequent photographs).
The 659 distinguishes itself with its strong stainless-steel development. Each the body and slide have been crafted from this materials. This selection of stainless-steel contributed considerably to the gun’s longevity and its resistance to corrosion. The satin end that the stainless-steel normally options gave the gun a glance of professionalism that appealed to many.
The slide is designed to combine seamlessly with the body, and each contribute to the general steadiness of the firearm. The slide sometimes options entrance and rear slide serrations, which offer a agency grip for manually manipulating the motion. These serrations are key to protected and dependable operation.
The barrel size of the S&W 659 contributes to its total efficiency. It normally measured round 4 inches, offering a superb steadiness between portability and accuracy. This size allowed for a fairly compact handgun whereas nonetheless offering good ballistics for the 9mm cartridge.
Sights are a essential factor of any handgun, and the 659 got here with efficient sights. They have been normally mounted or, sometimes, adjustable. The mounted sights offered a easy, strong, and dependable sight image, straightforward to select up. The adjustable sights provided better precision for individuals who most well-liked it.
The grip of the 659, sometimes fabricated from metallic or a mixture of metallic and rubber, was designed to be comfy and useful. The grip’s ergonomics facilitated a stable maintain and enhanced management throughout fast firing. The grip additionally performed a job in absorbing a number of the recoil, making the gun simpler to handle.
Security options are paramount in any firearm. The S&W 659 integrated a handbook security. The protection allowed the person to securely lock the firing mechanism to stop unintentional discharge.
Inspecting the Specs
Past the person options, sure specs additional outline the S&W 659, contributing to its place in firearm historical past:
The guts of the 659 is its chambering within the 9mm Luger cartridge. This extensively used spherical provides a superb steadiness of energy, comparatively low recoil, and affordability. The selection of the 9mm Luger made the 659 a flexible choice for goal taking pictures, self-defense, and legislation enforcement use.
The 659 typically holds a beneficiant quantity of rounds in its journal, offering ample firepower. The precise capability might differ barely. This excessive capability was a big benefit over many different handguns of the time.
The all-steel development meant the 659 had a considerable weight. Whereas this added to the gun’s sturdiness and diminished felt recoil, it additionally impacted its portability. The heft of the handgun, whereas a attribute, made it much less excellent for prolonged carry.
The general size of the 659 was optimized to steadiness accuracy and portability. Its measurement was appropriate for quite a lot of functions, making it a flexible choice for shooters.
The set off pull traits of the S&W 659 are an vital element. The DA/SA motion meant two distinct set off pulls: an extended, heavier pull for the primary shot (double motion) and a shorter, lighter pull for subsequent photographs (single motion).
Efficiency, Dealing with, and the Taking pictures Expertise
The Smith & Wesson 659, when used appropriately, supplies a rewarding taking pictures expertise. Its efficiency traits, when coupled with its dealing with options, allowed shooters to understand its qualities:
Accuracy is a vital metric for any handgun, and the 659 demonstrates a stable stage of accuracy. The pistol’s barrel size, mixed with its design, facilitated constant shot placement at typical handgun ranges.
The all-steel development of the 659 considerably affected recoil. The added weight helped to soak up recoil, making the gun extra manageable and simpler to regulate throughout fast fireplace. Shooters of all expertise ranges discovered it to be nice to shoot.
The ergonomics of the 659 are one other issue that shapes the taking pictures expertise. The grip’s design, mixed with the steadiness of the firearm, facilitated a cushty and safe maintain, selling correct and constant taking pictures. The best way the gun felt within the hand added to its attraction.
The 659, with correct upkeep, proved to be a really dependable pistol. Its strong design and high quality development translated into reliable efficiency. The gun might reliably cycle a variety of 9mm ammunition.
Sensible Purposes: Versatility in Motion
The S&W 659’s qualities prolonged to a number of functions, cementing its status for versatility:
The 659 proved itself to be a succesful handgun for goal taking pictures. Its accuracy, manageable recoil, and strong design made it a satisfying selection for vary classes. The 659’s good ergonomics additional enhanced the goal taking pictures expertise.
Whereas it’s heavier than fashionable compact handguns, some people did carry the 659 for hid carry functions. Its dependable operation and the provision of high-capacity magazines made it a viable choice for this objective.
The 659’s mixture of energy, reliability, and capability made it well-suited for residence protection. Its capability to cycle easily, mixed with its stopping energy of the 9mm cartridge, made it a reliable selection for defending the house. The handbook security offered a further layer of safety for the person.
Weighing the Execs and Cons
Like several firearm, the Smith & Wesson 659 has its benefits and drawbacks. Understanding these issues helps in evaluating its total worth:
The plain energy of the 659 is its sturdiness and reliability. The all-steel development made it extraordinarily strong. The gun was constructed to face up to quite a lot of use, guaranteeing longevity.
The S&W 659 is usually discovered at an inexpensive value level, which makes it a gorgeous choice, particularly for these on a funds. The affordability makes the 659 an excellent selection for anybody seeking to personal a traditional handgun.
The design and development of the 659 facilitated straightforward upkeep. The gun is simple to disassemble and clear, making certain that shooters can hold it in wonderful working order.
Its historic significance contributes to the gun’s desirability. The 659 is part of firearm historical past. For collectors and fanatics, this has added worth to it.
The first drawback is weight. The all-steel development, whereas providing sturdiness, resulted in a heavier pistol. The load could be a issue for these searching for a firearm for prolonged carrying.
The dimensions of the 659 could be one other consideration. In comparison with extra fashionable handguns, the 659’s measurement might make it much less appropriate for hid carry. The person ought to contemplate their use-case and preferences.
Relying on how the pistol was cared for, the set off pull weight of the 659 could also be a drawback for some customers. The lengthy, heavy double-action pull could possibly be an element for shooters not used to the fashion.
Whereas components are typically out there, they aren’t as extensively out there as components for newer handguns. Shooters might have to look to specialised sources for substitute components.
Comparisons and Rivals
To totally consider the S&W 659, it is essential to contemplate it within the context of its contemporaries.
The 659 was a product of an period when steel-framed, high-capacity 9mm handguns have been gaining recognition. It was a direct competitor with different steel-framed pistols of the period from producers like Beretta and SIG Sauer. When it was created, the S&W 659 offered a stable various for legislation enforcement and civilian use.
In comparison with different fashions, the S&W 659 has the sting as a result of its distinctive options and design. The all-steel development, dependable efficiency, and cheap price made it a positive choice.
The Collector’s Enchantment and Worth
The Smith & Wesson 659 is greater than a instrument; it is a piece of historical past. It holds attraction with firearm collectors for the next causes:
The 659 is a fascinating merchandise for collectors as a result of its historical past, design, and construct high quality. Collectors recognize its place within the evolution of semi-automatic handguns.
The worth of the 659 fluctuates relying on a number of components. The situation of the firearm, its rarity (contemplating any variations), and the demand amongst collectors all affect the worth. Effectively-maintained examples in wonderful situation are extremely wanted.
Collectors seeking to purchase a S&W 659 ought to give attention to analyzing its situation rigorously. Pay shut consideration to the end, the barrel situation, and any indicators of wear and tear and tear. The unique field, manuals, and any included equipment additionally improve the worth.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the S&W 659
The Smith & Wesson 659 stands as a testomony to a unique period of firearm design and manufacturing. This handgun stands as a logo of reliability, sturdiness, and the ability of the 9mm Luger cartridge.
The 659, which was a big design for Smith & Wesson, will reside on within the minds of collectors and shooters alike. Its legacy endures, solidifying its place within the historical past of firearms.
Whether or not you are a collector looking for so as to add a traditional firearm to your assortment, or a shooter searching for a dependable handgun, the Smith & Wesson 659 deserves consideration. This timeless handgun will proceed to be a topic of dialog for a few years.
