A Connoisseur's Pistol: Devel's Full House S&W 59 Conversion

Published on April 9, 2017
Duration: 12:33

The Devel 'Full House' conversion of the S&W Model 59 was a significant step in compact 9mm pistol development during the 1970s. These custom modifications, led by Charles Kelsey, addressed reliability issues and reduced size for concealed carry, featuring a fluted slide, custom trigger guard hook, and transparent grip windows. While expensive and rare, these conversions influenced later factory S&W compact models.

Quick Summary

The Devel 'Full House' was a 1970s custom gunsmithing conversion of the Smith & Wesson Model 59, significantly reducing its size and improving reliability for concealed carry. Modifications included a shortened slide, custom trigger guard hook, and enhanced internals, making it a precursor to modern compact 9mm pistols.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: S&W Model 39 History
  2. 01:12Model 59 & Need for Compacts
  3. 02:22Charles Kelsey & Devel Conversions
  4. 03:48Weight & Grip Mods
  5. 04:32Slide & Trigger Guard Mods
  6. 05:35Size Reduction & Capacity
  7. 06:05Hammer, Action & Tuning
  8. 07:21Barrel, Sights & Finish
  9. 08:29Market Impact & Factory Models
  10. 09:20Devel Case Length Gauge
  11. 10:22Cost, Rarity & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Devel 'Full House' conversion?

The Devel 'Full House' was a comprehensive custom gunsmithing conversion of the Smith & Wesson Model 59 pistol in the 1970s. It involved significant modifications to reduce size, improve reliability, and enhance concealability for concealed carry.

Who was Charles Kelsey and what was Devel?

Charles Kelsey was the gunsmith behind Devel, a company that specialized in custom firearm modifications. Along with Paris Theodore of ASP, Kelsey converted S&W automatics into compact carry pistols, with the 'Full House' being their most extensive package.

What were the key modifications on the Devel Full House S&W 59?

Key modifications included a shortened and fluted slide, a custom trigger guard hook, thin Micarta grips with round-view windows, a bobbed hammer, and internal tuning for reliability. The magazine capacity was reduced to 10 rounds.

Why was the Devel conversion significant for concealed carry pistols?

It represented a vital step in the evolution of the compact 9mm pistol. Devel addressed the lack of suitable options in the 1970s by expertly modifying service pistols, influencing later factory designs and setting a standard for custom concealed carry firearms.

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