Smith & Wesson S&W Model 459 Nickel 4″ 9mm SA/DA Semi Automatic Pistol & Box, MFD 1982 NICE!
SOLD FOR: $855.00
LSB#: 180104RS03
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 459
Serial Number: A797664
Year of Manufacture: 1984 (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, Third Edition, p401)
Caliber: 9mm
Action Type: SA/DA Single Action / Double Action, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol With Decocker Safety & Magazine Disconnect
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “SMITH & WESSON” and with the four-line Marcas Registradas. The barrel, visible through the ejection port, is marked “9MM”. The left side of the frame is marked “A797664 / MODEL 459”. The right side of the frame is marked with Smith & Wesson’s trademark monogram logo.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp integral to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch leaf in a base adjustable for windage and elevation with protective wings dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered nylon. Both have sharp checkering and only light handling marks with the exception of the left panel which has a mark which starts just above the checkering and continues down flattening several checkers. The grips are in overall Fine-plus condition and would be easily excellent but for this one mark
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The majority of the balance is seen as light marks throughout, visible only from certain angles or on close inspection due to the bright nickel finish, a couple of light marks on the frontstrap including in the serrations, and a couple more on the backstrap including in the serrations. But for those marks, the front and back strap serrations as well as those on the slide and hammer are sharp. The grip screws are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double action trigger is heavy, but smooth. The single action trigger has a light, smooth takeup followed by a crisp break. The reset is quite short. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with two 14-round magazines, a one-piece cardboard box appropriate for this era but without label, an assortment of factory paperwork, and wax paper. The magazines have only light use wear, strong springs, and are in about Excellent condition. The magazines will not be shipped to a purchaser in a state in which they cannot be transferred. The box shows wear at edges and corners and is in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: In the early ’80s, the gun world was fascinated by the “Wonder 9”. With the high capacity of a Browning Hi-Power and the safe double action of a Walther P-38, this new breed of handgun was quickly appreciated by enthusiasts if slowly adopted institutionally. The second of Smith & Wesson’s Wonder-9s, the model 459 is one of the earliest examples of the type of pistol most popular today! Despite its age, this pistol will be just as comfortable, reliable, and well-designed as it was in the early days of the Wonder 9. That’s not to mention the eye-catching nature of its nickel finish. Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This handgun CANNOT be transferred as a dealer sale in California. This handgun CAN be sold as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) at our Simi Valley shop. All cartridge firing handguns (even C&R’s and antiques) sold to a California resident must be DROS’d. This does not apply to out of state residents.
