A Legacy of Innovation: The Smith & Wesson Evolution
In an era dominated by compact polymer pistols, the Smith & Wesson 459 stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic, all-metal firearms. This pistol, a product of Smith & Wesson’s rich history, represents a blend of engineering and design that continues to captivate firearm enthusiasts and collectors alike. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the Smith & Wesson 459, exploring its history, features, performance, and enduring legacy.
The story of the Smith & Wesson 459 is intertwined with the broader evolution of the firearms industry and, more specifically, the development of semi-automatic pistols. Smith & Wesson, a name synonymous with quality and innovation, has been a driving force in the firearms world since the nineteenth century. From its early revolvers to the modern semi-automatic pistols, the company has constantly adapted and refined its designs to meet the changing demands of the market.
The latter half of the twentieth century saw a significant shift in handgun technology. The growing popularity of semi-automatic pistols, offering higher magazine capacities and faster reloading, spurred Smith & Wesson to enter this competitive market. Their journey in this field was marked by careful design and consideration, aiming to craft pistols that were not only powerful but also reliable, durable, and user-friendly.
The introduction of the 459 was part of Smith & Wesson’s larger plan to cement its place in the semi-automatic handgun market, following up on the successful creation of prior 9mm firearms. Its design built on the foundation laid by the earlier models, but with significant improvements and refinements, aiming for a firearm that would appeal to law enforcement agencies and civilian shooters alike.
The Birth of a Classic: Development and Context
The Smith & Wesson 459 emerged as part of Smith & Wesson’s “second generation” of semi-automatic pistols. This generation was a crucial development, reflecting the company’s commitment to advancing its engineering. This new series embraced a design philosophy that emphasized both functionality and modern manufacturing techniques. The 459, along with its contemporaries, signaled Smith & Wesson’s focus on creating a premium product.
The Smith & Wesson 459 aimed to provide a versatile handgun suitable for various applications. The pistol was designed to meet the needs of law enforcement, offering a reliable sidearm with a substantial magazine capacity. Simultaneously, its design appealed to civilian shooters looking for a handgun for personal defense and target shooting. The 459’s blend of features and its chambering in the increasingly popular 9mm Parabellum caliber made it a viable competitor in a crowded market.
Unveiling the Details: Specifications and Characteristics
The Smith & Wesson 459 boasted a number of key features that set it apart from the competition. The design was carefully considered, ensuring that the firearm would be both user-friendly and able to withstand rigorous use.
The frame of the Smith & Wesson 459 was typically constructed from an aluminum alloy, chosen for its strength-to-weight ratio. This material provided a robust platform, making the pistol capable of enduring the stresses of repeated firing. The aluminum frame contributed to the overall balance of the handgun, keeping it relatively lightweight without compromising durability.
The slide, which houses the barrel and contains the firing mechanism, was usually made from carbon steel. This steel provided the necessary strength and durability to withstand the forces generated during firing. The slide’s machining was precise, allowing for a smooth cycling action and reliable ejection of spent casings.
Chambered in the 9mm Parabellum caliber, the Smith & Wesson 459 offered ample stopping power in a widely available and effective cartridge. The pistol typically came with a double-stack magazine, providing a generous ammunition capacity that allowed the shooter to deliver a significant number of rounds before needing to reload.
In terms of dimensions, the Smith & Wesson 459 was designed to strike a balance between concealability and ergonomics. The pistol’s overall length and barrel length made it manageable to carry, while the grip design provided a comfortable and secure hold for most shooters. The precise dimensions allowed for ease of handling and accurate shooting.
The Smith & Wesson 459 came equipped with a set of iron sights, typically including a front post and a rear notch. These sights, while straightforward, offered a clear sight picture and allowed for accurate aiming at various distances. Some models featured adjustable rear sights, which allowed the shooter to fine-tune the point of impact based on the ammunition used and personal preference.
Safety was a key consideration in the design of the Smith & Wesson 459. The pistol often included a manual safety lever, providing an extra layer of security by preventing the gun from firing unintentionally. In addition, most models incorporated an internal firing pin block, which prevented the firing pin from striking the primer unless the trigger was pulled.
The grip of the Smith & Wesson 459 was designed to provide a secure and comfortable hold. The shape and texture of the grip were carefully considered to allow for a natural pointing posture and enhanced control. The grip provided the shooter with good traction, even in wet or adverse conditions.
Finish options varied throughout the production life of the Smith & Wesson 459, often with a blued or nickel finish being the most common. These finishes not only provided protection against corrosion, but also enhanced the pistol’s aesthetic appeal.
Performance and the Experience
The Smith & Wesson 459’s performance cemented its place in firearm history. The handling of the pistol was generally regarded as comfortable, and the weight distribution contributed to its balance and ease of aiming. The ergonomics played a significant role, contributing to the shooter’s confidence and control, even under pressure.
The accuracy of the Smith & Wesson 459 was typically quite good, with many shooters able to achieve tight groupings at various distances. The combination of the design, the quality construction, and the 9mm Parabellum chambering resulted in an effective and reliable handgun for both self-defense and target practice.
The trigger system of the Smith & Wesson 459, featuring a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) mechanism, allowed for both a long trigger pull for the first shot (double action) and a shorter trigger pull for subsequent shots (single action). This design offered flexibility in terms of use. The trigger pull might be perceived as heavier compared to single-action-only pistols, but was often praised for its smooth and consistent performance.
Reliability was a cornerstone of the Smith & Wesson 459’s reputation. Built with quality materials and robust engineering, the pistol was known for its ability to withstand extensive use. While all firearms require maintenance and are subject to occasional issues, the 459 consistently proved its dependability in the hands of countless users.
Compared to its contemporaries, the Smith & Wesson 459 held its own in terms of performance. The features, reliability, and chambering in the 9mm Parabellum made it competitive with other major handguns of the era, such as the SIG Sauer P226 and the Beretta 92FS, cementing its position as a reliable and potent choice.
Variations and Close Relatives
While the Smith & Wesson 459 stood out as a hallmark design, the overall 459 model line saw minor variations during its production run. These variations often involved slight modifications in materials, finishes, and minor internal adjustments.
The Smith & Wesson 659 was very closely related, using a stainless steel frame instead of the aluminum of the 459. This increased durability in some conditions, but also raised the weight of the handgun.
The Smith & Wesson 469, another derivative, offered a more compact version of the same basic design, geared toward concealment. All of these models share the core design and engineering features that made the original 459 such a popular option.
The Allure of Collectability: Market Value and the Pursuit of History
The Smith & Wesson 459, with its blend of quality construction and historical significance, has become a desirable item among collectors and firearm enthusiasts. The value of the 459 is determined by a variety of factors, including its condition, rarity, and any special features.
Pistols in excellent, original condition, especially those with the original box and documentation, are highly sought after and command higher prices. Limited-production models or those with unique features or finishes also tend to be more valuable.
For collectors, the Smith & Wesson 459 offers a piece of firearms history. This particular pistol represents a significant era in the development of semi-automatic handguns. The Smith & Wesson 459 also allows collectors to explore and expand their interest in Smith & Wesson.
The availability of spare parts and accessories is often a factor when evaluating a collectible firearm. Fortunately, due to its popularity, spare parts for the Smith & Wesson 459 are often found on the market. Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning and lubrication, is important to preserve the condition and functionality of the pistol.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
The Smith & Wesson 459, like any firearm, possesses inherent advantages and disadvantages, reflecting its time of production.
The strengths of the Smith & Wesson 459 include its proven reliability, the robust construction, and the accuracy. The design and ergonomics make it comfortable to shoot.
The disadvantages might include its weight, especially when compared to more modern, polymer-framed pistols. The DA/SA trigger system may also be a hurdle for some shooters to master. Certain design aspects, while acceptable at the time of production, are showing their age when compared to more modern firearms.
A Lasting Impression: The Legacy of the Smith & Wesson 459
In conclusion, the Smith & Wesson 459 stands as a classic example of engineering and design. From its origins as part of Smith & Wesson’s foray into the world of semi-automatic pistols, the 459 was a reliable, accurate, and popular choice for law enforcement and civilian shooters alike.
The Smith & Wesson 459 continues to captivate firearm enthusiasts. This pistol represents a significant piece of firearms history. Its solid construction, reliable performance, and iconic design have secured its place in the history of handguns.
The Smith & Wesson 459 may particularly appeal to collectors and those who appreciate the look and feel of a classic, all-metal handgun. Its rich history and dependable design still make it a worthwhile firearm to own and enjoy.
