The Smith & Wesson Model 459, introduced in 1981, represents a significant second-generation semi-automatic pistol design. You’ll find its aluminum alloy frame paired with a carbon steel slide, housing a 4-inch barrel and 14-round 9mm magazine capacity. At 30.5 ounces unloaded, it’s equipped with adjustable sights, nylon stocks, and a refined barrel bushing for smooth trigger pulls. While it faced reliability challenges that led to its replacement, the Model 459’s FBI SWAT trials and law enforcement adoption reveal its historical significance.
Key Takeaways
- Second-generation semi-automatic pistol introduced in 1981 featuring an aluminum frame, 4-inch barrel, and 14-round magazine capacity.
- Chambered in 9mm Parabellum with an aluminum alloy frame and carbon steel slide, weighing 34 ounces unloaded.
- Pristine examples valued around $525, with law enforcement models featuring nickel finish commanding higher prices.
- Demonstrated reliable performance in FBI SWAT trials but eventually faced reliability issues leading to its replacement.
- Featured adjustable sights, nylon stocks, and refined barrel bushing for smooth trigger pulls in both double and single action.
Description
The Smith & Wesson Model 459 emerged in 1981 as a second-generation semi-automatic pistol, featuring a 4-inch barrel and 14-round magazine capacity.
You’ll find its aluminum frame complemented by a squared trigger guard and serrated grip for enhanced hand control. The pistol’s adjustable sights, nylon stocks, and refined barrel bushing contributed to smooth trigger pulls, making it one of the more reliable aluminum-framed handguns of its time.
Price Range
Market values for Smith & Wesson Model 459 pistols vary significantly based on condition, with pristine examples commanding around $525 for unfired specimens. You’ll find law enforcement models with nickel finish and matching serial numbers maintain higher values. When evaluating pricing, condition is paramount.
| Condition | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Pristine | Unfired/New | $525 |
| Excellent | Minor Wear | $460 |
| Good | Well-Used | $355 |
Specifications
The Smith & Wesson Model 459 is chambered in 9mm Parabellum and features an alloy frame with a carbon steel slide. You’ll find the pistol’s 4-inch barrel contributes to its overall practical size while maintaining accuracy for both duty and recreational use. The 14-round magazine capacity provides substantial firepower in a package that weighs approximately 34 ounces unloaded.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Slide Material | Carbon Steel |
| Barrel Length | 4 inches |
| Magazine Capacity | 14 rounds |
Weight
At 30.5 ounces unloaded, Smith & Wesson’s Model 459 maintained a moderate weight that balanced combat effectiveness with practical carry capabilities.
The empty weight complemented the pistol’s overall length of 7.44 inches, making it a manageable sidearm for both duty and civilian use.
The Wesson Model’s weight distribution supported controlled follow-up shots while accommodating its 14-round magazine capacity.
Barrel Length
Featuring a standard 4-inch barrel, Smith & Wesson’s Model 459 exemplified the optimal configuration for service pistols during its 1981-1988 production run. This barrel length on the S&W Model contributed to the semi-auto’s overall length of 7.44 inches, striking an effective balance between concealability and performance.
The 4-inch configuration was typical among 9mm service pistols of that era.
Material Made Out Of
Constructed with an aluminum alloy frame and steel slide, Smith & Wesson’s Model 459 represents a thoughtful blend of materials that complements its 4-inch barrel configuration. The lightweight aluminum alloy frame helps reduce the pistol’s overall weight to just 30.5 ounces unloaded, while the steel slide provides durability and reliable operation.
This combination delivers an optimal balance of strength and portability.
Chambered In
The Smith & Wesson Model 459 was chambered in 9mm Parabellum (9x19mm NATO), utilizing a proven cartridge that had become a standard among law enforcement agencies and military forces worldwide.
This S&W semi-auto offered both DA and SA trigger modes, making it versatile for various shooting situations. You’ll find the 9mm chambering provides manageable recoil, allowing effective weak hand operation when needed.
Capacity
Magazine capacity stands as a defining feature of the Smith & Wesson Model 459, holding 14 rounds of 9mm ammunition in its standard magazine.
You’ll find this capacity exceeded the typical 12-round magazines of contemporary 9mm pistols, making it particularly appealing for law enforcement applications. The extended magazine design, which integrates smoothly with the trigger guard, provided users with superior firepower while maintaining the pistol’s sleek profile.
Trigger Pull
Operating in both double and single-action modes, the Model 459’s trigger system featured distinct pull weights that significantly influenced its shooting characteristics. You’ll find the double-action pull exceeded 8 pounds, while the single-action measured under 7 pounds.
This second generation Hand Ejector’s heavier trigger weight challenged accuracy, though installing a Wolff spring kit could enhance performance. With one magazine loaded, the robust construction prioritized durability over trigger feel.
Safety?
Featuring robust safety mechanisms, Smith & Wesson’s Model 459 incorporated an ambidextrous safety lever that you’ll find positioned for easy thumb activation on both sides of the frame.
The ambi safety operation allowed both right and left-handed shooters to engage and disengage the safety with natural thumb movement. This thoughtful design provided quick safety disengagement ease while maintaining a secure firing grip during tactical situations.
Action
The Smith & Wesson Model 459’s action exemplified the proven double-action/single-action design, with trigger pull weights exceeding 8 pounds in DA mode and dropping below 7 pounds in SA operation.
The action mechanism, introduced in the Second Generation lineup from 1981-1988, served as a transitional trigger system between S&W’s first and third generations. You’ll find this double action capability remained a defining feature of the Model 459’s reliable performance.
Optic Ready?
As a product of its era, this Model 459 wasn’t designed with optic mounting capabilities, featuring only traditional iron sights with a squared-off front post and notched rear configuration.
You’ll find significant optic mounting challenges if you’re considering adding a red dot sight. There aren’t any direct aftermarket optic solutions available, and customized optic options would require extensive gunsmithing work, including machining the slide to accommodate a mounting plate.
Review
While you’ll find the Model 459’s smooth double-action trigger and crisp single-action pull contribute to its combat accuracy, the small sights can present a challenge during rapid target acquisition.
The pistol demonstrated reliable performance in FBI SWAT trials and proved capable of achieving 45/50 hits at instructor-level qualification courses, though some reliability issues ultimately led to its replacement.
You’ll need to weigh the 459’s positive attributes of proven accuracy and smooth operation against its documented reliability concerns and sight limitations when considering this second-generation S&W pistol.
Pros
Known for exceptional reliability during military trials, the Smith & Wesson Model 459 demonstrated impressive durability with only one malfunction per 952 rounds fired. You’ll appreciate its smooth trigger operation, durable construction, and accurate performance.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Aluminum Frame | Robust construction |
| Squared Trigger Guard | Enhanced control |
| Winged Rear Sights | Improved accuracy |
| Enhanced Extractor | Reliable ejection |
The 459’s combat-ready design, featuring crisp single-action and smooth double-action trigger pull, delivers consistent accuracy for both head and torso shots.
Cons
Despite its robust military heritage, the Model 459 exhibits several notable drawbacks that impacted its long-term market success. You’ll find the heavy trigger pull exceeding 8 pounds affects accuracy, while the small sights hamper quick target acquisition. The aluminum frame concerns proved valid as durability issues emerged over time.
Feature | Impact
—|—
Heavy Trigger Pull | Inconsistent Accuracy
Small Sights | Slow Target Acquisition
Aluminum Frame | Questionable Durability
The reliability issues surfaced during military trials, with malfunctions occurring every 952 rounds, contributing to its eventual market decline.
Reliability
The S&W Model 459’s reliability record presents a mixed picture across its service history. You’ll find it averaged one malfunction per 952 rounds during military trials, which fell short of Beretta’s performance.
While durability concerns emerged regarding its aluminum frame design choices, the 459 was considered the most robust among aluminum-framed competitors. Second-generation improvements enhanced reliability, though specific data on late-production models remains limited.
Similar Models
Several notable variants emerged from Smith & Wesson’s Model 459 design lineage, each offering distinct caliber options and dimensional modifications.
You’ll find the Model 645 in .45 ACP, while the 659 provided a shorter 9mm configuration. The steel-framed 5906 introduced an ambidextrous safety, and its compact variant, the 5903, offered enhanced carry options.
The lightweight 5943, with its alloy frame, excelled in concealed carry applications.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
During the same era as Smith & Wesson’s 459 development, other manufacturers produced comparable 9mm semi-automatic pistols that shaped the market.
The Beretta 92F and Sig Sauer P226 shared similar design lineage with comparable features, while the Browning Hi-Power established brand reputation earlier.
The Glock 17’s polymer innovation offered a distinct alternative to traditional metal frames, though the 1911A1’s influence on comparative features remained significant.
Maintenance
Maintaining your Smith & Wesson Model 459 requires consistent attention to key operational components and preventive care protocols.
You’ll need regular lubrication application to ensure smooth action, while field stripping enables thorough carbon buildup removal. Inspect critical parts like the recoil spring, firing pin, and extractor during cleaning.
For stored environment preservation, keep your 459 in a dry location with a protective oil coating.
History
The Smith & Wesson Model 459 emerged in 1981 as part of the manufacturer’s second-generation semi-automatic pistol lineup. The development timeline included notable design innovations like the squared trigger guard and winged rear sights.
While you’ll find it performed admirably in military trials with one malfunction per 952 rounds, market competition from Beretta and concerns about its aluminum frame led to its discontinuation by 1988.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Was the Model 459 Made?
You’ll find the Model 459 was manufactured from 1981 to 1988, featuring design specifications that built upon its predecessor’s success.
During this period, its double-action trigger mechanism and 14-round magazine capacity made it a significant advancement in pistol evolution.
You’re looking at a firearm that bridged Smith & Wesson’s Second Generation to their Third Generation designs, with notable adoption by FBI SWAT teams in the mid-1980s.
What Is the Difference Between S&W 59 and 459?
Like upgrading from a classic car to its sportier successor, you’ll notice the key differences between the 59 and 459 in both form and function. The 459 features a squared trigger guard instead of the rounded one on the 59, plus upgraded winged rear sights for better target acquisition.
While both share the same 14-round magazine capacity and similar trigger pull weight, the 459’s improved extractor design and safety mechanisms make it more reliable in demanding situations.
What Is the Rarest Smith and Wesson Gun?
While you’ll find many rare collector’s models from Smith & Wesson, the Model 29 .44 Magnum stands as one of their rarest and most coveted firearms. With limited production variants from 1955 to 1982, its historical significance was cemented by Clint Eastwood’s “Dirty Harry” films.
You’ll find only about 300,000 units were manufactured during this period. The gun’s powerful caliber and cultural impact have made it a highly sought-after piece among serious collectors.
What Model Smith and Wesson Did Dirty Harry Use?
You might be surprised to learn that Dirty Harry’s iconic weapon wasn’t actually a Smith & Wesson – it was a .44 Magnum Remington Model 29. However, this popular culture appearance caused such a surge in demand that S&W couldn’t keep up with orders.
The Model 29 became legendary in law enforcement circles, though many officers found it too powerful for practical use. In technical terms, it’s a double-action revolver featuring a six-round cylinder and significant stopping power.
Conclusion
Precisely positioned as a pioneering pistol, your Model 459 merges military might with modern manufacturing. You’ll find this Smith & Wesson stalwart served steadfastly through several significant service stints since its 1981 debut. Whether you’re maintaining its mechanically sound 9mm system or mastering its double-action mechanism, you’re handling a historically proven performer that’s defined dependable defense and demonstrated durable design for decades.
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