July/August 1978 - American Handgunner

INTRODUCTION TO 39/59(Continued from page 39)tractor on its Model 39. The original extractorwas a wide spring bar that extendedfrom the manual safety hole to thebolt face. This spring bar would occasionallybreak when exposed to extensiveuse. The factory installed a small narrowextractor that incorporated a coil springto apply the appropriate tension to holdthe cartridge case against the bold face.The factory indicated this engineeringchange by adding -2 beside the modelnumber.MODEL 59The development of a fourteen shot9MM semi-automatic pistol began in August1964, when Smith & Wesson manufacturedtwo experimental models. Thefactory needed a handgun with increasedfirepower for military and police use. The9MM cartridge was easily adapted to thisconcept by using a staggered boxmagazine. After completing these experimentalmodels. , thev , were set aside: thefactory had other projects that demandedits attention.In 1968, when the U.S. Navy requestedSmith & Wesson to build a small quantityof fourteen shot oistols. the experimentalmodels were taken from the cabinets anddusted off. They were examined by theNavy, but they desired handguns made ofstainless steel and equipped with otherspecial features. The company acceptedthe order, but the factory did not have thetooling needed for these specialized pistols;thus, the first fourteen shot pistolswere produced in the Experimental Departmentand delivered in June 1969.Plans were made to expand Smith &Wesson's 9mm line with the introductionof a fourteen shot aluminum-frame pistoldesignated as the Model 59. On June 8,1971. the first commercial Model 59swere released for evaluation with serialnumbers beginning at A170.000 of theAutomatic serial number series. Test andfield comments indicated that the frontand back of the grip straps should beserrated rather than smooth. The first 200pistols completed had incorporated asmooth front grip strap and back strapinsert. The factory modified the insertsby serrating them, and a few guns wereshipped having only the back strap serratedand a smooth front strap. Whereverpossible, the factory reworked the Model59 so that both the front and back gripstraps were serrated. Only the initial testguns, of which less than 100 were distributed,have the smooth front and backstrap. These early configurations arerarely seen.The Model 59 is similar in design to theModel 39, except for the large grip necessaryto accommodate thefourteen shot magazine.ADJUSTABLE TARGET HOLDER1 I I I ADJUSTS TWO WAYS, HOLDS ANYSIZE TARGET UP TO 15" X 15" FOUR HEAVY CLIPS (REPLACEABLE)HOLD TARGET SECURELYWELDED STEEL ROD FRAME, 15" X 34" QUICK TO SET UP - JUST PUSH LEGSIN GROUND EASY TO CARRY, EASY TO STORENo easier way to set up your targets! Aquality accessory for only $8." + $1.00shipping. (For two or more, $8.50 + $1 .OOshipping, each.)Send check or money order to:ADJUSTA-TARGDept. H-41817 Thackeray N.W., Massillon, Ohio 44646DEALER & JOBBER INQUIRIES INVITEDII IPATENT PENDS'c~itr~i~eier - Get a Gri~on Your 11~hompson-contenderOrder the New Replacement Stock and Forearm Today 11$19.50 eachDesigned for large calibersPerfect fit for two hand shootersAvailable in left or right hand, please specifyForearm to match stockForearm can be wei hted to lessen muzzle jumGenuine walnut-oilfinishPlease specify caliber when ordering forearmExotic woods.available upon requestSend Check or M.O.Bankamericard or Master ChargePlease give exp. date and number on bank cards.0 Protects surfacesfrom fingerprints. Burns clean, leaves nocarbon deposits.0 Dries out wet guns andkeeps them moisture free.FREE SAMPLE! Protects against rust andcorrosion.Send just $1 .OO to coverDostage and handling for your  Cleans, protects and lubritrialsize can of LPS #I and cates in one simple appli-LPS "1001 USES" book. cation.AMERICAN HANDGUNNER JULYIAUGUST 1978 57