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The 59’s receiver was not only streamlined in size and shape but was also devoid of external screws and pins. The sides of the receivers featured a roller-impressed hunting scene: perhaps a bit crude by today’s standards, but in all fairness it was Winchester’s first use of the technique. As with other aluminum receivers of the time, those receivers were prone to developing cracks at points of stress. On the Model 59 this was most likely to occur on the right side just behind the slot for the operating handle. If buying a used Model 59, be sure to inspect this area very carefully! Fortunately the engineers at Winchester learned to solve this vexing problem by peening (stress relieving) the receiver in this area. Reportedly, the receivers could turn white after hard use. While I have observed at least one cracked receiver, I can’t remember ever having seen a receiver that turned white.

Not only were the receiver and trigger assembly made out of aluminum to save weight, but even this small stock reinforcement was made of aluminum. All this resulted in a gun that weighed less than the trigger pull on many other guns!