Recommend a Smith auto.....

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FX41

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I am looking for a metal frame semi-auto pistol. I know Smith doesn't make many new so used is not a problem, in fact preferred. I want 9mm or .40 cal, preferable something smaller, but not necessarily a 'compact.' What I really want is a model 39, but they are hard to find in my price range without being beat up real bad.

What do you gentlemen think?

Recommend a model, caliber and what you think I should pay for one. I'm thinking about $400 is a good place to shoot for.
 
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If you're looking for a single stack carry gun, you might look at a 908. You can find nice ones in that price range.
 
FX41,

The question is, how different from a 39 can the gun you buy be and not leave you still wishing you had a 39?

39s became 439s which only added a firing pin safety plunger. 439s were replaced by 3904 3rd gen. guns. All single stack 4" size 3rd gen. 9 mms were phased out in the early 90s because most buyers wanted double stack guns and then returned briefly as the 909 economy grade gun. Based on poor single stack 4" 9mm sales S&W never made a .40 that would have been the size of a 39. There are lots of police trade in double stack 3rd gen. guns on the market but it's been a while since the single stacks were surplused. Despite that, I once bought a very good 439 police surplus gun for $199 and It's hard to believe you won't find one for $400 If you're patient.

FX41 said:
... What I really want is a model 39 ...What do you gentlemen think?
Click to expand...

None of the 3rd gen. guns have the look and feel of a 39 frame so what I think is you'll be happiest with an afforable 439 and even happier in the long run if you wait until you can fit what you really want into your budget.

Best Regards,
Gil
 
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By all metal I'm guessing your referring to an all steel pistol, like the 659/5906 clan?
Problem is most of the good used Smith autos are drying up! So with that said I'd start looking for a second gen model like the 669 mentioned above or a 659, or a 639. I have seen some 639s in my area for about $400 or more depending on condition.
When you said " smaller but not neccesarily compact" it threw me, as most of the 9/40 Smith autos in standard size are fairly compact.
Also you might want to try KYimports.com, they have some used Smiths autos from time to time.
Dale
 
junker said:
If you're looking for a single stack carry gun, you might look at a 908. You can find nice ones in that price range.
Click to expand...

I don't know anything about the model 39, or the feel of it, that your inquiry is about.

However, I am very happy with the 3rd generation S&W's that I have purchased. Also, I am happy that my purchases were made before the pricing started going up. The secret must be out about the 3rd generations based on some of the prices that I am seeing now.

+1 for the 908 single stack in 9MM or the comparable 410 in .40 cal. or 457 in .45.
 
Lots of 3rd Gen choices out there right now. I personally like the 4000 series pistols (.40 S&W), and just about any one, 4006, 4003, 4043, 4046 (including some TSWs) can be found at or below your price point. Lots of 5900, 6900, and 3900 series pistols (9mm) out there as well. If you include the value line of autos 915/10, 411/410, 908, 457, there are more still...magazines for either are abundant and can still be found at inexpensive prices. There is slightly less doo dads (aftermarket) out there for these pistols than there are for others right now but if you're getting into these pistols you may already know that. Recently saw a 3906 and 3904 on Gun Broker for prices in your range...no bad choices...good luck!
 
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Head over to Summitgunbroker.com. Last time I checked he had very nice 5904's for under $300.
 
I'm a fan of the 39 as well.

The all steel 3906 is what I suggest. Basically a 3rd generation version of the model 39. They are reliable, accurate, slightly heavy, and extremely flat. Available with adjustable sights, fixed, and fixed Novak low mount sights.

Great triggers. Perfect size and weight in a carry gun, for me. Makes Ranger 127 +P+ feel like 22's.

Good looking pistol too......although I'd prefer that hook on the trigger guard not be there.

Available with an aluminum frame too as the model 3904.

These are somewhat hard to locate as they were not in production very long, and those that have them - keep them. Well worth the search and the wait, IMO. Should be $400 to $500 depending on condition, box & docs, ect. Good luck! Regards 18DAI.
 
3906 has my vote, too

I found this LNIB 3906 lurking in a gun shop in central NY about 4 weeks ago. I paid $500, including shipping to my FFL. I was delighted to find it. It is a very nicely finished hunk of stainless. Heavy, but should be comfy shooting almost any 9mm load. I probably won't carry it concealed as I have a 6906 that is better suited to that purpose. But it just might chase a few bowling pins at some of next year's meets.
The more I participate in this big jigsaw puzzle of collecting 3rd gen semis, the more fun it gets! There is just a whole lot to learn, and this forum has been a tremendous help to me. Best of luck on your quest!
XAVMECH
 

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