S&W model #39

L

loknload

New member
Was at my local gun emporium this afternoon. The owner had a S&W 39 2nd Gen in the display case. Very nice looking piece came with 3 10 rd mags,I did not examine closely.
Blueing looked good no holster wear, had nice S&W logo wood grips he was asking $279.for it. Okay guys what do you think? Anyone have any thoughts and expierience with one of these. It was 9mm. He also has a brand new 50th anniversery .22 Ruger for $250. I was thinking either or? What are your thoughts? :)

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We preserve our freedoms by using four boxes: soap,ballot,jury, and cartridge.
Anonymous
 
I had one of these guns when I first got interested in shooting sports. A fine gun if one ever existed. Nice old workmanship when the firm did it's best work. The gun came in around 1960 or so as I recall with aged memory and was not very popular as 9mm's were not very fashionable and nobody seemed to find a double action semi-auto handgun a necessity nor a need for it. I guess the criminals must have changed over the decades. The price is most fair.
 
I'm inclined to take the Smith. The price on the 50th anniversary Mark is pretty standard. The extra mags, wood grips, and good blueing on the S&W would probably be the deciding factor. Plus, most dealers I frequent seem to have a pretty good stock of the 50th anniversary Rugers so it's not like you're buying a real collector's piece--I'd classify it more as a novelty piece...

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Triggers exist to be pulled... again and again.
 
I would go so far as to say the price is great. I question the 10rd mag, though. I have seen single column S&W 9rd mags, but not 10. Could they be aftermarket?

Perhaps another member would know, but I don't think the 39-2's have the firing pin safety. I believe that was intro'ed with the M439? If not, you would need to carry it with the safety engaged(locking the pin) to guard against an inertial discharge of a chambered round. :)
 
I believe Victor is correct about both the safety and the magazine capacity. I purchased a 39-2 around 1974. It came with two 9-round magazines. I've since sold the pistol, and I can't quite recall the safety mechanism. I'm not sure that I would fire +p ammo in a 39-2. Someone else may correct me, but I think the action in a 39-2 was not the sturdiest.
 
Thanks for the heads up guys. I had some time to do some research my self and with what you all have stated here I may have to go have a second look. I don't have any S&W Autos in my collection and this one maybe a start.Would you say that this was a good shooter? Because I've been looking for another 9mm to shoot also.

Happy Shooting :)

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We preserve our freedoms by using four boxes: soap,ballot,jury, and cartridge.
Anonymous
 
Just as a final followup to this post, Thought you guys might like to know that I went back and checked this Smith, and after close examination I bought it. It was really a nice piece,well cared for, in excellent condition. It came with 3-9rd mags. No box or papers. It is SA/DA with decocker,no safety block and goes to half cock. Trigger pulls in both actions were excellent and the bore was the same. I really don't think this gun was fired all that much. So I laid out the cash and brought it home. Has a happy new spot in my safe with all my other Smiths
:)
Can't wait to try it out :)

Happy Shooting :)

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We preserve our freedoms by using four boxes: soap,ballot,jury, and cartridge.
Anonymous
 
I bought one of the first one thousand made from a Marine Corps general who was a dealer selling to military officers and NCOs at discount prices.

It was (and is) extremely well made an an excellent shooter.

I think you made an excellent buy. Happy shooting!
 
I have a 39-2 but I think I have two 8 round mags. Does anyone know if they were ever made with 8 rounders? I really like this pistol, especially the super light SA trigger pull! Also, my barrel seems to be pretty rusted. Do any of the barrel companies make match grade barrels for it?
 
I also had a M39 for many years. It handled the insane hot Super-Vels of the late 60's with ease and no signs of wear. The only ones it didn't like were the light 88 grainers.
I would not hesitate to buy another if the price was right. My gun cost $65 when I bought it from a cop in 1966.
 
Greetings LokNLoad and Other's; The S&W Model
39-2 is one of my all time favorite Smith's.
I recall the early day's (70's), when I owned
two of these beautiful weapons; one blue and
one nickel. Never shot the nickel one; as it
was a beauty to behold. Unfortunately, I got
a wild hair up my rear end; and sold both of
them? :( Of all the handguns I have owned; wish I could get the nickel one back!!!! :)
I most certainly agree with the comment's
as made by Kevlar4me, in the previous post.
You did extremely well buying this piece; and
the price was almost unheard of in the gun
market. Enjoy your new toy!!!! :D

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
Hey thanks guys you are all making me really glad I bought this one. Can't wait to get this to the range :D

Happy Shooting :)

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We preserve our freedoms by using four boxes: soap,ballot,jury, and cartridge.
Anonymous
 
I bought a used 39-2 about a year ago. It is the only S&W auto that feels right in my hands.
I shoot it regularly in IDPA Stock Service Pistol division. It came with the box, papers, four factory 8 round magazines, and a spare set of rubber grips.
I have also bought and use 3906 mags in it and they work fine. I did manage to break the decocker/ safety lever during a match, but I had it running again the next day. Parts are still around if you know where to look.
This is a very nice piece that I picked up. I'm only sorry that S&W no longer makes them.

Neil Casper
 
I bought a M39 in 1963 and was really pleased it. I fed it the old WW2 Canadian-made 9mm ammo that was them being sold by an outfit called Marshall Hyde - functioned flawlessly - along with anything else you stuffed in it. I loved that gun. It was MUCH easier to carry concealed than any auto I've owned since. Believe me 9mm's were not exactly a hot item back in the 1960's! Anybody ever own the single-action version of the M39 that was being made at the same time? Can remember only seeing one.
 
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