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 various legendary handguns which have graced ranges and obligation belts, the Smith & Wesson 659 holds a particular place. Greater than only a firearm, it represents a major 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 lovers and collectors alike.
To completely recognize the Smith & Wesson 659, we should first perceive its roots. The late Nineteen Seventies and early Nineteen Eighties have been a interval of serious change within the handgun market. The rise in reputation 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 turned 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 typical for the design options that might later outline its descendant. The 659 constructed upon this basis and refined sure traits, resulting in what many think about 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 regulation enforcement and civilian shooters alike. The gun was a direct response to market calls for, providing a reliable, high-capacity, and available 9mm possibility.
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 mix of its particular person traits makes it a novel 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 supplied shooters a steadiness between security (the primary set off pull) and velocity (subsequent photographs).
The 659 distinguishes itself with its sturdy chrome steel development. Each the body and slide have been crafted from this materials. This alternative of chrome steel contributed considerably to the gun’s longevity and its resistance to corrosion. The satin end that the chrome 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 general efficiency. It normally measured round 4 inches, offering an excellent 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 important aspect of any handgun, and the 659 got here with efficient sights. They have been normally fastened or, sometimes, adjustable. The fastened sights offered a easy, sturdy, and dependable sight image, straightforward to select up. The adjustable sights supplied higher precision for many who most well-liked it.
The grip of the 659, sometimes product of metallic or a mix of metallic and rubber, was designed to be comfy and practical. The grip’s ergonomics facilitated a stable maintain and enhanced management throughout speedy firing. The grip additionally performed a task in absorbing a few of the recoil, making the gun simpler to handle.
Security options are paramount in any firearm. The S&W 659 included a guide security. The protection allowed the consumer to securely lock the firing mechanism to stop unintended 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 center of the 659 is its chambering within the 9mm Luger cartridge. This broadly used spherical presents an excellent steadiness of energy, comparatively low recoil, and affordability. The selection of the 9mm Luger made the 659 a flexible possibility for goal capturing, self-defense, and regulation enforcement use.
The 659 usually holds a beneficiant quantity of rounds in its journal, offering ample firepower. The precise capability may fluctuate barely. This excessive capability was a major 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 possibility for shooters.
The set off pull traits of the S&W 659 are an essential 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 Capturing Expertise
The Smith & Wesson 659, when used appropriately, supplies a rewarding capturing expertise. Its efficiency traits, when coupled with its dealing with options, allowed shooters to understand its qualities:
Accuracy is an important 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 speedy 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 capturing expertise. The grip’s design, mixed with the steadiness of the firearm, facilitated a cushty and safe maintain, selling correct and constant capturing. The best way the gun felt within the hand added to its enchantment.
The 659, with correct upkeep, proved to be a really dependable pistol. Its sturdy design and high quality development translated into reliable efficiency. The gun may 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 repute for versatility:
The 659 proved itself to be a succesful handgun for goal capturing. Its accuracy, manageable recoil, and sturdy design made it a satisfying alternative for vary classes. The 659’s good ergonomics additional enhanced the goal capturing 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 possibility for this objective.
The 659’s mixture of energy, reliability, and capability made it well-suited for residence protection. Its means to cycle easily, mixed with its stopping energy of the 9mm cartridge, made it a reliable alternative for defending the house. The guide security offered an extra layer of safety for the consumer.
Weighing the Execs and Cons
Like several firearm, the Smith & Wesson 659 has its benefits and downsides. Understanding these issues helps in evaluating its general worth:
The simple power of the 659 is its sturdiness and reliability. The all-steel development made it extraordinarily sturdy. The gun was constructed to face up to an excessive amount of use, guaranteeing longevity.
The S&W 659 is usually discovered at an inexpensive value level, which makes it a beautiful possibility, particularly for these on a price range. The affordability makes the 659 an important alternative for anybody trying to personal a basic handgun.
The design and development of the 659 facilitated straightforward upkeep. The gun is easy to disassemble and clear, guaranteeing that shooters can hold it in glorious working order.
Its historic significance contributes to the gun’s desirability. The 659 is part of firearm historical past. For collectors and lovers, 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 is usually 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 consumer ought to think about their use-case and preferences.
Relying on how the pistol was cared for, the set off pull weight of the 659 could also be an obstacle for some customers. The lengthy, heavy double-action pull might be an element for shooters not used to the fashion.
Whereas components are usually out there, they don’t seem to be as broadly out there as components for newer handguns. Shooters might have to look to specialised sources for substitute components.
Comparisons and Opponents
To completely 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 reputation. 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 regulation enforcement and civilian use.
In comparison with different fashions, the S&W 659 has the sting attributable to its distinctive options and design. The all-steel development, dependable efficiency, and affordable value made it a positive possibility.
The Collector’s Attraction and Worth
The Smith & Wesson 659 is greater than a instrument; it is a piece of historical past. It holds enchantment with firearm collectors for the next causes:
The 659 is a fascinating merchandise for collectors attributable to 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 glorious situation are extremely wanted.
Collectors trying to purchase a S&W 659 ought to concentrate on 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 special 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 major design for Smith & Wesson, will dwell 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 basic 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.
