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

Published on April 9, 2017
Duration: 12:33

This guide outlines the extensive custom gunsmithing involved in creating a Devel Full House S&W 59 Conversion. It details modifications to the slide, trigger guard, grip, and internals, transforming a standard service pistol into a compact, reliable firearm for concealed carry. The process requires advanced gunsmithing skills and specialized tools.

Quick Summary

The Devel Full House S&W 59 Conversion was a rare, custom 9mm pistol from the 1970s, created due to a lack of compact carry options. Gunsmith Charles Kelsey modified S&W Model 59s with shortened slides/barrels, specialized grips, and internal tuning. Costing $495 in 1980 and with only 234 made, it represented a significant step in concealed carry firearm evolution.

Chapters

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Devel Full House S&W 59 Conversion?

The Devel Full House S&W 59 Conversion was a highly customized version of the Smith & Wesson Model 59 pistol, undertaken by gunsmith Charles Kelsey's company, Devel, in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It featured extensive modifications for concealed carry, including a shortened slide and barrel, reduced magazine capacity, and specialized grips.

Why were custom conversions like the Devel Full House necessary in the 1970s?

In the 1970s, there was a scarcity of reliable, compact 9mm pistols suitable for concealed carry. Custom gunsmiths like Charles Kelsey of Devel modified existing service pistols, such as the S&W Model 59, to meet this demand, offering enhanced concealability and reliability.

What were some key modifications made to the Devel Full House S&W 59?

Key modifications included shortening the slide and barrel, fluting the slide for weight reduction, adding a hook to the trigger guard for recoil control, installing thin Micarta grips with round indicators, bobbing the hammer, and tuning the internals. Magazines were also reduced to 10-round capacity.

How much did a Devel Full House conversion cost, and how many were made?

In 1980, the 'Full House' conversion cost $495, not including the base pistol. Production was limited, with only 234 units ever made, making them rare and valuable collector's items today.

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