Anyone have one? IS it a good gun? Hvae a chance to but one nickel plated for $300. ANy info?

 

Meh. It is what it is. If I was buying a 9mm it wouldn't be a S&W 459. I've shot one and wasn't overly impressed. Don't get me wrong it is an OK pistol but it is just that - OK. I would take it to a competent gunsmith and have him check it out and then offer guy 250 for if it is excellent shape.

 

They are a decent gun. Even if it is in great shape, $300 is way to much for one. More like $150.00 I carried one as a duty weapon for a few years. It's not the easiest gun out there to tear down and put back together. Slide is a little loose compared to other makers/models. Don't think S&W is as great on quality control. They are more mass producers. JMHO

 

Whoa there Rescue........ I don't think there is a 9mm out there that is "great on quality control", the 9mm is just a round that is a little better on accuracy than the .25 auto (I consider them both a "suicide" or "point blank" gun) - What kind of group can the 9mm put out at 25 yds? Definately not the less than 2" you will get from a .38spl/.357mag - Right now I am getting a consistant group of 2 1/2" at 100yds through a Handy Rifle chambered for .357 mag - the same load I am using in my S&W 686 that produces 6 shot groups of less than 2" at 25yds. Of course if you are just looking to spray a lot of bullets out real quick with no idea where they are going to hit, then the 9mm is the way to go.

you are right though, they could have made the 459 a little more "user friendly" to dismantle

For a good idea of what a firearm is worth, you can go to www.auctionarms.com and search for the firearm in question.

 

I've got a Sig 226 which is pretty darned good quality wise and frankly can probably shoot a better group than I am capable of. With the proper load it can be an effective man stopper but I'll be the first to admit when I carry or need something for protection I usually reach for my Glock 21 in .45 ACP.

I consider the 226 the best service 9mm made and that is coming from a Glock fan. I just plain love to shoot the darn thing. It is accurate, fits wonderfully in the hand, the build quality is outstanding, it is dead reliable and as I said before I just love to shoot the darn thing. As much power as a .38 or 357? Nope. But having 16 rounds to dump into your target sure is nice.

 

Quadwrench, I didn't attack the 9mm round. I just don't think that S&W puts out as good a weapon, quality wise, as others. I had a Sig Sauer P226 and loved it. No play in the slide, craftsmanship was superior to S&W in my opinion. As far as; Spray and Pray[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img] Only if you don't know how to shoot. The thing with the 9mm is the capacity they had. But, now a days, capacity is a thing of the past. Glock model 22 has a carrying capacity of 15 plus 1. So, you get the same amount of ammo has a 9mm, but in a 40 cal. round. The key to any weapon doing it's job is shot placement. The S&W doesn't feel as confortable in my hands as My SIG P226 and Glocks. The SIG is a much better built weapon, feels better in my hand, just like the Glock does.

Polaris asked about the 459, I gave him my opinion and that is all. You can take what you want out of it. And I still think $300 is alot for that gun. But, like you said, go to auction arms to get a better idea. That's one way to do it, another is to talk to a gunsmith or gun shop. Safe riding[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

easy there rescue, I've owned most everything smith has made, and I'll agree with you on the 459, but definetly not smith on the whole. The 459 is an area weapon at best, and ergomically incorrect, BUT I will put up my my smith target revolvers up against anything made in the world in a similar price range. My uncle was a cop for 25 yrs., he had the choice between a colt python 4 in. or a 686 4 in., and he carried the 686 all 25 yrs.

 

I'm not worked up about this thread. He asked a question and I gave him my honest personal/professional opinion. I carried a 686, 459, P226 and a Glock. All of the weapons will do the job, if they are called upon, in the line of duty. Now, if you are just out there plunking cans or any other type of target, then anyone will work[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Maybe that's where I went wrong. Shouldn't of posted my experiences and knowledge between different handgun models. And I'm not trying to start a flame war. As you can see, I am not partial to one brand. Ride safely[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]