American Handgunner Jul/Aug 1981 - Jeffersonian

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By Evan P. Marshall SMITH & WESSON BROKE with tradition on January 13,1981, and invited a select group ofgun writers to preview new gun and ammunition offerings. American Handgunner staffer Evan Marshall not only test fired these guns extensively at the factory, but brought a number ofthem homefor in-depth evaluation. Marshall also toured the factory, andsaw first hand S& W doing everythingpossible to produce enough handguns to meet current demands. Furthermore, in spite ofrumors to the contrary, S& W ~producing the J frame .38 snubs in large numbers. Here is his report. MODELS 439/4S9 The second generation S&W 9mms that we have heard so much about are finally a reality. The 439 and 459 retain the aluminum frame, but offer a number of advantages over the original versions. The rear sight has been replaced with a fully adjustable version with sheet metal wings to prevent snagging on clothing. Also new and sorely needed is a wider extractor SMVINftlODUCES New Guns &Amrno made of stainless steel that offers reliable extraction of all 9mm loads. S&W had found that the wide disparity in rim thickness had made the original extractor only marginally adequate. Early prototype 439s and 459s did not retain the hammer drop feature ofthe slide safety. The safety had to be applied and then the trigger pulled to drop the hammer. The possibilies for accidental discharge were obvious, so S&W returned to the original format. While it was not commonly known, S&W Model39s and 59s would discharge ifdropped with the safety off. While condi (Continued on page 41) On the heels ofthe new 9rnm auto pistols;· come steelframeq, versions, a strongerframe ~357 Magnum, and a 9mnirevolver, plus new hollowpoint ammQ for .38 & 9mm 70 CAL 38 SPECIAL OW pOlf{T5 ,,+P" 125 gt JAC\
tions had to be exactly right, it was possible. To eliminate this problem, S&W has introduced a firing pin block that holds the firing pin immobile until the trigger is pulled. Last but far froin least, the guns have been redesigned so that they will feed virtually any 9mm load on the market. I repeatedly filled the magazine at random with loads ranging from Super Vels 90 grain jhp to Remingtons 124 grain full metal jacket offering. The weapons fed all without a hitch. . MODELS 539/559 Over the succeeding years S&W have received countless requests for steel framed 9mms. Finally, after several years of research, S&W ha~ introduced the 539 and 559. These steel frame pistols incorporate all the improvements ofthe 439 and 459. Unlike the aluminum frame guns, the steel ones can be accurized. My 559 is currently being accurized by a well known custom pistolsmith and we hope to have it finished in time for the Bianchi Cup. MODELS 586/686 WhenS&W introduced the Model 19 medium frame .357 Magnum, it was envisioned that police officers would practice with .38 wadcutters. Today, those departments that issue .357 Magnums routinely practice and qualify with full power Magnum loads. This coupled with new high intensity Magnum loads has created problems with medium frame .357s. S&W response to this problem has been to introduce a new "L" frame .357 Magnum, the Model 586. The Model 586 is designed with a larger cylinder and heavier barrel to withstand constant use of Magnum loads. The grips are interchangeable with the "K" frame, so custom grips can be easily installed. The 586 will be available with either a four or six inch barrel. The four in~h version will weigh 42 ounces unloaded; the six inch will weigh 46 ounces. It will come standard with a smooth combat trigger and semi-target hammer. The four inch will come standard with a red ramp and white outline, while the six inch will come with a plain patridge or red ramp. The Goncalo Alves target grips have a speed loader cutaway. S&W refers to this Model as the "Distinguished Combat Magnum" and it will certainly be popular among NRA Police Combat Shooters who prefer the S&W for the "Distinguished" stage. While the cylinder size is different than the "K" or "N" ftame, Colt Python speedloaders work perfectly. The 586 has proven extremely accurate. I've gotten groups under I" at 25 yards with S&W Nyclad wadcutter ammo. Federal 125 grain jhp .357 loads have proven virtually as accurate. It will also be offered in nickel and stainless steel (Model COMBAT AND IPSC SHOOTERS Extended Magazine Release Button for Colt, AMT and Crown City Autos. Completely replaces the existing release. No drilling or tapping necessary. Instructions in- ~~udd~~ ~~;~r,,\',~Sit~~sNH6;~~ Dept. AHG Rd. #1 9518 Rt. 60 Fredonia, NY 14063. A revolutionary concept in firepower for your favo!'ite .45 pistol . TAYLORMKI .45 PISTOL DRUM CHRONOGRAPH -VELOCITY TEST ~ YOUR RELOADS .• ., • _FROM $79 .~~..._ :~" -WRITE FOR FREE fl ,- ., M~OO Designed 'and manufactured exclusively for Bingham! Drwn is centered to pistol frame to maintain balance of p!stoJ. Added weight is balan~ to reduce recoil, pro VIde greater accuracy and reduce recovery time. 30 round cartridge capacity without reloading. Nonglare blued fInish. Pistol can be carried in most holsters with drum magazine attached. To order, send cash, check or money order for $46.50 plus $2 shipping and insurance for each drum. PATENT PENDING BINGHAM, LID Dept. AH-7 1775-C Wilwat Drive, Norcross, Ga. 30093 Phone: 404/448-1440 TEST REPORT: 1I • Cust. Chr. Co. Box 1061 Brewster WA 9B812 Fits all Colt series .45 pistols - Gov't model, Commande~ Gold Cup, Detonics, etc. The WichitaTMMtilti Range Quick Change Sighting System will revolutionize the way you compete. Imagine this. You can pre-set 4 settings on the rearsight that quickly 'click' into position by simply turing a serrated wheel to 1-2-3-4. Then, to compensate for day-to-day light and weatherconditions aU you adjust is the front sight. You eliminate the need to tamper with the rear sight. Now that's a revolutionary sighting system. It's available for all Wichita silhouette pistols, and can be adapted to any firearm. Front and rear sights may be purchased separately. Wichita Multi-Range Rear Sight $69.95 ~(?\\ Wichita Adjustable Front Sight $39.95 ~ Contact your Local Dealer. Please specify firearm. Wichita Arms / 333 Lulu, Po. Box 11371, Wichita, KS 67211 / (316) 265-0661 There is a lifetime of design experience in every Herrett/s stock. THE NEW HERREn'S· SHOOTING MASTER~. . Shooting confidence with your personol handgun starts with stability under heavy recoil and that is what I have designed into the new Shooting Moster stock. Carved in matched traditional walnut to tolerances that exceed the gun frame itself. With smooth line rounded butt, ,"speed loader clearance, and combat style finger grooves. Designed for identical right or left hand hold. It is the ultimate for combat or si Ihouette shooting. This is quality to match your professionalism. Choice of smooth, fine line or skip checkered for Ruger. Colt and S&W. DA revaivers. ,,~~ . ~7U er-r~tt.c- ~ Avoiloble fram your dealer. III ",;) For catalog send $1.00 ~[;tocb~. J)I~ p.o. Box 741-IH7 ~ ~ Twin Falls, Idaho B3301 U.S.A. AMERICAN HANDGUNNER· JULYIAUGUST 1981 41
Page 2 and 3: Like every Model 700, the BDL has o
Page 4 and 5: AMERICAII JULY/ AUGUST 1981, Vol. 6
Page 6 and 7: MO~~~Rlp· • S & W: SQUARE BUTT K
Page 8 and 9: I The Magnificent Beretta MINX .22
Page 10 and 11: INDUSTRY INSIDER JERRY RAKUSAN the
Page 12 and 13: SILUETAS PHILIP C. BRIGGS NRA SILHO
Page 14 and 15: COMBAT SHOOTERS now have a low cost
Page 17 and 18: , . Wh~n you go to pick a firearm,
Page 19 and 20: 397••ON. The Colt Trooper MKII!
Page 21 and 22: Making a high performance optical s
Page 23 and 24: Complet .45 Combat Modifications Sp
Page 25 and 26: BULLSEYE BANDGUN ACCESSORIES .The C
Page 27 and 28: Not Eve!)' La"" OHicer Qualifies In
Page 29 and 30: ise, and found himselflooking down
Page 31 and 32: for comfort-the seeds ofhis gun wer
Page 33 and 34: EVERY POSTER A COLLECTOR'S ITEM HUR
Page 35 and 36: Model 25 wouldn't be quite as simpl
Page 37 and 38: B. WITT GUN WORKS (Carl Witt), 4020
Page 39: Ikey's trigger jobs are among the b
Page 43 and 44: Your Initiation To The Big Boomers
Page 47 and 48: .. 47
Page 49 and 50: OM H-S PRECISION The first time tha
Page 51 and 52: A new dimension to the study oftoda
Page 53 and 54: .22 SILHOUEnES THE .22 PISTOL A wor
Page 55 and 56: good clean IV2 pounds and still pro
Page 57 and 58: SIGHT SETTINGS (Continued from page
Page 59 and 60: HANDLOADING (Continued from page 22
Page 61 and 62: Can you imagine what happens when t
Page 63 and 64: J960 Colt SheriH's Model .45 calibe
Page 65 and 66: ASP (Armament Systems & The Carpent
Page 67 and 68: HANDLOADING (Continued from page 59
Page 69 and 70: Buy One IfJBl1 Book, Get One Free!
Page 71 and 72: loosened, the bottom end of the wel
Page 73 and 74: this assignment, of course. The ind
Page 75 and 76: lose velocity potential because of
Page 77 and 78: ngton 2112 primer, as will17.5/Blue
Page 79 and 80: into Open standing class (legal und
Page 81 and 82: All the big shots read GUNS. it off
Page 83 and 84: sure that the barrel lugs mate perf
Page 85 and 86: HANDGUN HUNTING (Continued from pag
Page 87 and 88: only 5000 rounds through either P9S
Page 89 and 90: NEW S&W GUNS (Continued from page 4
Page 91 and 92:
REDHAWK VS M29 (Continued from page
Page 93 and 94:
Customize your own gun with the lam
Page 96:
·ous. That's the best word to escr
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