AKA : Chopped 459
Caliber : 9x19mm Parabellum
Capacity : 12 Rounds
Weight : 27oz or 765g
Length : 6.88in or 175mm
Action : Browning Type cam Locking, Semi Automatic, Double Action
Origin : U.S.A.
The Smith and Wesson model 469's origins lay in the model 39 created in 1970, this pistol was a key stepping stone for U.S. law enforcement for moving out of the revolver era into the new world of semi automatics. The model 39 did however have some short comings namely the capacity of eight rounds, Smith and Wesson responded with the 14 round revision known as the model 59 in 1971. Production of the 39 and 59 was stopped in 1981, and newer revised versions were launched as the 439, 459, 539 and 559, the 4 prefix indicated an alloy frame and the 5 a steel frame. The other main revisions between the old and new were the a new extractor, addition of an automatic firing pin safety and improved feed ramps.
The 459 was very popular with the public as well as law enforcement but there was a trend amoungst some to have gunsmiths cut down a full sized 459 into a compact pistol, in 1983 Smith and Wesson joined this trend and bought into the market the model 469 a 12 shot compact 9mm with bobbed hammer, lightweight alloy frame and slimline grips to remove bulk found in grip of the 459.
The 469 was designed for concealment, featuring a bobbed hammer that has no facility to manually retract it as it slips into the slide cut out relatively flush. The pistol's decocking lever is located on the left side of the slide at the rear, rotating a steel disc in front of firing pin when engaged also lowering the hammer. The trigger system is essentially the same as earlier Smith & Wesson pistols, it would be expected that it would be carried with a round in the chamber with the hammer lowered, and the first shot would be in double action mode and every subsequent shot would be fired in single action. Due to the size of the grip the standard magazine features a spur to aid the shooters grip, though in reality one should put a flush magazine plate on instead and learn to shoot well without the spur as the spur may lead to snagging at the most inconvenient moment.
The model 469 is a very well made pistol, and many have been tested on bench rests and pistol vices and have proven the great accuracy potential of this little gun.
In 1988 with the introduction of the third generation of the Smith and Wesson pistol range the 469 was superseded by the model 6904 (pictured below).
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| Smith and Wesson Model 6904, note the new sights, grips and revised trigger guard. |
INTERESTING FACT : The 469 will accept its parent the 459's 14 round magazines.
PRO's : Very accurate, quality construction, good capacity
CON's : Magazine spur, magazine disconnect safety,
COOL FACTOR : 6/10
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