A Legacy of Semi-Automated Excellence
To grasp the importance of the Mannequin 659, it’s essential to understand Smith & Wesson’s pioneering function on this planet of semi-automatic pistols. Whereas the corporate had lengthy been celebrated for his or her revolvers, they entered the semi-automatic market with notable willpower. The late seventies and the eighties would change into the age of semi-automatic firearms.
The evolution that gave rise to the Mannequin 659 started with the Mannequin 59, a double-stack, high-capacity 9mm pistol that quickly grew to become a well-liked selection for regulation enforcement companies and civilian shooters. The Mannequin 59’s introduction marked a big step for Smith & Wesson. It integrated options that will change into hallmarks of their semi-automatic designs, together with a strong body, a dependable feeding system, and a dedication to high quality.
This was adopted by different fashions such because the 5906. This mannequin provided improved options and efficiency, it additionally launched chrome steel as a cloth for the body and the slide. Stainless-steel development was an indicator of the 659. It provided quite a few advantages over conventional blued metal, together with superior resistance to corrosion and enhanced sturdiness.
Development, Design, and Options
The Smith & Wesson Mannequin 659’s distinctive look is a direct results of its chrome steel development. The body and slide are crafted from this exceptionally resilient materials, giving the pistol a silver-gray end. The chrome steel not solely affords wonderful safety in opposition to the weather but in addition contributes to the gun’s general heft, lending a sense of considerable construct high quality.
Inspecting the mechanical elements, the Mannequin 659 is chambered for the favored 9mm cartridge. The 9mm caliber is the selection for numerous shooters, identified for its manageable recoil and huge availability of ammunition. The Mannequin 659, with its double-stack journal, can accommodate a considerable variety of rounds. This supplies shooters with ample firepower for self-defense or vary use. The precise capability may fluctuate relying on the actual configuration, nevertheless, the intent was to carry a considerable amount of rounds.
The Mannequin 659 operates on a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) system. Which means that the primary set off pull cocks and releases the hammer (double-action), whereas subsequent photographs might be fired with a lighter set off pull (single-action). This twin motion affords flexibility. The lengthy, deliberate pull of the double-action mode supplies an added layer of security when carrying the pistol, whereas the lighter, crisper pull of the single-action mode permits for extra exact taking pictures.
When it comes to its ergonomics, the Mannequin 659 feels comfy within the hand. The grip is product of sturdy artificial materials. The contours of the grip are designed to advertise a safe maintain, even in antagonistic circumstances. The controls are well-placed and simple to entry. The slide launch and journal launch are positioned inside simple attain of the shooter’s thumb. Sights are usually a three-dot system that gives the consumer with simple goal acquisition.
The Mannequin 659 additionally incorporates a frame-mounted firing pin, which boosts security and prevents unintentional discharge if the pistol is dropped. This design aspect, along with the protection levers, makes the Mannequin 659 a protected and reliable firearm.
Efficiency and Reliability
The Smith & Wesson Mannequin 659 is well-regarded for its efficiency and reliability. When put to the check on the vary, the pistol demonstrates spectacular accuracy for a handgun of its kind. The constant set off pull and well-defined sights contribute to a very good taking pictures expertise.
The recoil impulse of the 9mm spherical, whereas definitely noticeable, is comparatively manageable within the Mannequin 659. The pistol’s weight and sturdy development assist to soak up the recoil, making for faster follow-up photographs. The mannequin is appreciated by shooters of all ranges, offering correct shot placement and controllability.
The Mannequin 659 is understood for its reliability. The design incorporates a simple, sturdy mechanism that has confirmed to be immune to malfunctions. Common cleansing and upkeep are, in fact, vital for guaranteeing optimum perform. Many house owners have reported that the pistol capabilities flawlessly with all kinds of ammunition sorts.
The Mannequin 659 is well-suited for a wide range of purposes. The handgun is an efficient choice for hid carry, particularly for many who are comfy with its dimension and weight. The 659 may also be used for residence protection. The pistol’s accuracy and firepower make it a viable selection. Moreover, the Mannequin 659 might be loved as a variety or goal taking pictures gun.
Variants and Customization
Whereas the Smith & Wesson Mannequin 659 was not identified for having a big selection of variants, it did are available in some completely different configurations. There is likely to be slight variations in grip types and end choices, including to the range of the 659. The fundamental mannequin provided a strong base for personalization, nevertheless.
House owners of the Mannequin 659 have a variety of accent choices accessible to them. There’s a number of aftermarket grips which can be accessible. These grips present a customized match and really feel. Shooters preferring a extra tactical model can discover rails and different equipment to reinforce the handgun.
A Place in Historical past and the Collector’s Market
The Smith & Wesson Mannequin 659 has earned a spot in firearms historical past. It was produced throughout a time when high quality and reliability have been extremely valued in a handgun. The Mannequin 659, with its excessive requirements of design and construct, appeals to those that worth reliability and a traditional design.
The Mannequin 659 additionally has a task in in style tradition. Its look in films and tv reveals, whereas not as widespread as some extra well-known firearms, has additional contributed to its recognition. The gun’s no-nonsense aesthetic and status for reliability make it a pure match for sure characters and eventualities.
For collectors, the Mannequin 659 represents a wonderful instance of late twentieth-century American gun manufacturing. The chrome steel development, the general high quality of the construct, and the relative shortage of among the variants make it a fascinating addition to a set. The worth of a Mannequin 659 can fluctuate relying on its situation, any equipment it might embrace, and the way uncommon the mannequin is.
The Good and the Dangerous
The Smith & Wesson Mannequin 659 affords a compelling mixture of advantages. The pistol is well-regarded for its sturdiness. The chrome steel development resists put on and tear. The gun additionally affords dependability and a status for its capability to perform accurately. It has a traditional design that’s interesting to many shooters, and the mannequin is straightforward to maintain and preserve. The accuracy, general high quality of development, and its capability to be personalized make the 659 a really helpful firearm.
The Mannequin 659 has its drawbacks, in fact. The pistol’s weight generally is a issue, making it much less excellent for prolonged hid carry. The set off pull, significantly in double-action mode, could not enchantment to all shooters. Though discovering unique substitute elements can generally be a problem, it’s nonetheless a really dependable gun.
Evaluating the Mannequin 659
When evaluating the Smith & Wesson Mannequin 659 to different firearms in its class, it’s value its options. It’s typically in comparison with different fashions from Smith & Wesson. The mannequin is commonly measured in opposition to rivals from manufacturers comparable to SIG Sauer and Beretta. The 659 stands out for its chrome steel development, identified sturdiness, and the standard of development.
The Mannequin 659, then, is an efficient selection for many who need a dependable, sturdy, and correct handgun. The gun affords wonderful worth for cash.
Remaining Ideas
The Smith & Wesson Mannequin 659 is a firearm that embodies the qualities which have made Smith & Wesson a celebrated title within the trade. Its sturdy development, dependable efficiency, and traditional design have made it a favourite amongst shooters and collectors.
The 659 reminds us of a time when handguns have been constructed to final. Its sturdiness, accuracy, and general dependability proceed to make it a related and valued firearm. Whether or not you’re a seasoned gun fanatic or a brand new shooter, the Smith & Wesson Mannequin 659 is a handgun value exploring. It is a traditional, and it’s more likely to stay so for years to come back.
Assets for Additional Studying
Smith & Wesson’s Official Web site (for historic info and product info)
On-line gun boards (for discussions on the mannequin 659)
GunBroker (for listings and knowledge)
Gun Public sale web sites (for info and value evaluations)
