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Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols Other Smith & Wesson Semi-Automatic Pistols from the 1950's to Present


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  #1  
Old 11-08-2009, 05:27 PM
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Default 639 Question

I picked up an ANIB 639, which appears unfired. I really like its balance, weight, and handling. I have been told that "you never see 639s." I know they were made for a few years in the 1980s when hi-cap nines were becoming popular, and therefore might not have sold well. Are they scarce?

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Old 11-08-2009, 07:53 PM
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Does it have rear sight and round trigger guard exactly like the Model 39?
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Old 11-08-2009, 08:10 PM
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It has a round trigger guard and a fixed rear sight, but the rear sight is not the "lollipop" (?) sight like on the 39. Other than that, it looks like the M39 (same wood grips, and so on) except it has the right-side safety lever, which is fastened with an allen screw.

Last edited by Pook; 11-08-2009 at 08:41 PM.
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Old 11-08-2009, 11:17 PM
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I think that the 639 was a fairly successful offering from S&W but they are scarce in that very few are ever put up for sale! I bought mine LNIB a few years ago and it shoots like a dream.

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Old 11-08-2009, 11:37 PM
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Mine has the fixed sights and the rounded trigger guard and is also LNIB.

I do think that these guns rarely come up for sale LNIB. I have seen a few more without the box. Interestingly, it seems that when they do sell, they aren't priced as being rare. That's one of the reason I like collecting S&W autos.
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Old 11-08-2009, 11:41 PM
BLACKHAWKNJ BLACKHAWKNJ is offline
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They seem to have no "cachet", no mystique. Also they were 2nd generation guns, people seem to either want the 1st Generation for collectability or 3rd Generation as "perfected". I bought my 639 NIB, it has an incredibly smooth DA trigger.
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Old 11-09-2009, 07:56 PM
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Great guns!! I enjoy the heck outa mine.



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Old 11-10-2009, 12:08 AM
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Best gun I've ever owned. Cannot jam the 639 and the most accurate 9mm I've ever owned.
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Old 12-09-2009, 10:42 PM
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I think they are nice looking too. Bought one for my wife in '92 for $365

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Old 02-05-2010, 12:27 PM
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My 639 was a mistreated example. Someone tried to install a set of Millet target sights for a 1911. The front sight is "stake-on" design and the tool won't fit the 639 slide. Took it to a good 'smith who welded up the holes in the slide and cut standard dovetail. Fitted the Millet rear and a fiber-optic front. Cleaned up the action while he had it too. Got this as part of a package: a pre 10 (4" about '49) and the 639 for $400. The 639 has proven to be a solid performer.
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Old 02-05-2010, 12:43 PM
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I'd love a 639. My 439 is so ergonomic, and has the adj rear sights. Were the 639s all with the square trigger guard?
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Old 02-05-2010, 01:00 PM
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The earliest production 639's were the A800,000 serials and they share the same general layout as the last of the 39's, IE: rounded trigger guard and integral front sight. As noted, the backsights are different, as the simplified fixed sights and 'bat-wing' adjustable were now offered in place of the usual 39 sights. In my view the A800,000's with the fixed backsights are the best of the series and the most collectable and the best CCW and shooters.

They are a little heavy for a 9, But You Can't Kill Them... I've tried.
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Old 06-07-2010, 02:27 PM
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i just picked up 639 lnib with the box and original purchase receipt it was made in 1982 were these gun reliable and how much are they worth? this one has adjustable rear sights
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Old 06-07-2010, 02:33 PM
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i have one with the serial number starting wtih 782 is this a good one it is lnib
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Old 06-07-2010, 02:41 PM
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i just picked up 639 lnib with the box and original purchase receipt it was made in 1982 were these gun reliable and how much are they worth? this one has adjustable rear sights
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Old 06-23-2010, 02:46 PM
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I paid $425 for mine several(5?) years ago. Like new condition, 2 mags, adjustable sights, square front trigger guard, no box. (picture earlier in this thread)

I've not seen another for sale, in person, since.

Nice guns. I just had mine to the range last week.

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Old 05-22-2014, 01:30 PM
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I saw one at a LGS and it was the nicest looking gun in the place I love the 39's I owned one in Nickel years ago sorry I ever sold it . anyway the price on it was 600.00 bucks But since i'm about 599. 00 short i guess I let it go
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Old 05-22-2014, 03:07 PM
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IMO the 639 is becoming collectable,
Its basically a stainless steel version of the Model 539,
the lighter aluminum frame version is the 439.

The 2 rear site options were the larger winged unit adjustable for windage & yardage or the smaller drift adjustable unit adjustable for windage by moving it left or right in the dovetail.

Interestingly although we refer to the 439/639 as 2nd gens the design had changed several times since it was introduced in the 50's , the original series had no model marking a short tang, short safety lever and non relieved left grip panel , a wide extractor , horizontal hole in the hammer spur and fully enclosed barrel end bushing,
On the 39 "no dash" the tang and safety lever got lengthened and the grip got a relief cut ,
To make things a bit confusing IIRC the 39-1 is actually sorta the Model 52 .

The 39-2 appeared around 1970 with a smaller extractor claw otherwise looking more like a 39, later versions exhibit other small changes such as the horizontal hole in the hammer disappearing, a change in the magazine release button and the enclosed barrel bushing becoming a horseshoe shape with associated frame machining differences.

The 439,539,639 have a new safety system that disconnects the firing pin instead of just arresting it and is therefore considered the 2nd gen, they also were the first to have an optional ambi safety lever and later versions have the serrated squared trigger guard.

The 3rd gens are not my forte but are easily recognized by their one piece plastic wraparound grip and 4 digit model numbers .
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Old 05-22-2014, 04:02 PM
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Default Original owner 639

Here's mine. Bought New August 1986. Recently retired with its wood grips which have never been on. Put on a Pachmayer Day 1. Shot a ton, carried alittle, taught everyone how to shoot a semi-auto on it. Sadly lost the box long ago... BTW paid $ 372.95 Retail.

Sorry for pic perspective, don't know how to embed in the post with it turned...
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Old 06-02-2014, 09:03 PM
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I own my 639 from long time ago...

Thinking about to sell, looking for funds for a new AR project !
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Old 11-26-2014, 09:47 PM
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picked up ANIB 639 last week Friday I paid 625 it has the box 3 mags adjustable sights. It also has the tools and wax paper and manual. I was the 2nd in line to buy it. The first guy wanted to bargain and the owner didn't. I was happy to get it. He told me he could have sold 5 if he had them and I believe him.

I won't let this one get away from me.
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Old 12-18-2014, 07:07 PM
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True !

I belive it...

Mine gone at $500 to a gentlemen in Florida, Great Gun but heavy for actual standards...
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Old 12-18-2014, 07:12 PM
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I'll take it! Well, one of them anyway...I have been looking for a fixed sight 639 at a decent price for almost 2 years, not to be found! Collectors must be snapping them up at the prices I see them going for...dang.
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Old 03-22-2015, 09:48 PM
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Hello....did they all have wood grips? I've seen them with the plastic grips like on the regular 3rd gens.
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