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Old 04-26-2010, 08:19 AM
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Default Thinking of getting a 39

I am toying with the idea of getting a 9mm. From what I read here, nothing but good reports on the 39-2. I've never held one though. Everyone writes how good it feels in your hand. Is it comparable to a Browning HP or 1911 size wise? or bigger? Also, I'm getting the vibe to stay away from any mags unless they're factory S&W, is this true? Thanks.
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Old 04-26-2010, 09:16 AM
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S&W magazines work best. I have some horror stories about after market mags for my 639. The 39 is the most comfortable pistol I've ever shot. As a Sigma owner, the 39 surpasses the ergonomics of the very comfortable Sigma series. The single stack mag gives a thinner grip which feels right. The 639 is very close to the original 39, but there's no substitute for a 39. Very similar to the HP or the 1911, it just feels good in the hands. 39-2 is a classic.
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Old 04-26-2010, 09:22 AM
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For me, my fingers fit around the grip better on the 39 than on either the HP or a full size 1911..but I don't have huge hands...Not sure if its the arch of the back strap but it truly is one of the better hand to grip pistols..at least in my opinion. If you can find one before purchasing, try it..

Bbl is of course shorter than the HP or a full size 1911..don't have the gun in front of me but right around 4" if memory serves...

As for the mags..original ones with the S&W on the bottom fit pretty flush..others may stick out a bit...I can't speak to how non OEM mags would work as I have no experience with that..

If you can find one at a decent price, I would guess it would become a favorite shooter...
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Old 04-26-2010, 09:37 AM
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I have one 9mm, a 39-2. It is OK in that it works as it is supposed to and is reasonably accurate. It is lighter than but no easier to conceal than a 1911 and no easier to shoot. If you absolutely have to have a 9, the 39 is a good one.
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Old 04-26-2010, 09:40 AM
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My wife and I both have mod 39's. She has small hands so her 39 is her favorite. I have regular man size hands and find the 39 to be very comfortable myself. We also have a Browning HiPower; it too is very comfortable for me but she finds the double stack a bit large. I would say that its pretty close to the Browning and the Colt Commander.

I have had excellent luck finding good used S&W 39 magazines on Gunbroker at a good price; in the $15- $25 range approx.

Charlie
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Old 04-26-2010, 12:43 PM
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You can't go wrong with a Mod 39. They fit perfectly in most peoples hands, are reliable, accurate, and look great too. They can be found at the right price too. Let us know how your search turns out if you get one.
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Old 04-26-2010, 02:08 PM
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Are all 39-2's alloy framed? Any steel frame? I'm looking at a nickle plated one.
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Old 04-26-2010, 02:54 PM
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S&W made a few steel framed mod 39's in the beginning; they are quite rare. My wife has an all steel, nickel plated mod 539 that she dearly loves. The mod 639 is made of all stainless steel.

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Old 04-26-2010, 10:32 PM
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I don't think you can go wrong with a 39-2. The ergonomics are superb. Mine shoots 2" groups, unsupported, at 30' all day long. That may not win many bullseye matches but, for defense, satisfies me.

Let us know if you pick it up - and, we like pictures!

Jerry
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Old 04-26-2010, 10:55 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dueeast View Post
I am toying with the idea of getting a 9mm. From what I read here, nothing but good reports on the 39-2. I've never held one though. Everyone writes how good it feels in your hand. Is it comparable to a Browning HP or 1911 size wise? or bigger? Also, I'm getting the vibe to stay away from any mags unless they're factory S&W, is this true? Thanks.
I echo other poster's high opinion of the model 39-2. Make sure you get at least two genuine "S & W" magazines with that brand stamped on the baseplate. Accept no substitute. Those mags are still around but some have the bases bent when the users tried to take the base plate off. (a real wrestling match to do that, despite the release button) Even with a bent base plate, the magazines will generally still work OK.

Mine feed hollow point ammo just fine.

The Browning and 1911 pistols are nice, but lack the decocker lever which makes handling and loading the pistol much less risky.
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Old 04-27-2010, 12:40 AM
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If you can't find a 39-2, a 439 or 639 are nice alternatives. Almost identical. I have a 439 two tone.
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Old 04-27-2010, 09:08 AM
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I would agree with an earlier poster, and say "Try it before you buy it" if possible. As far as grip comfort goes, I am in the minority. I don't have particularly big hands, but I prefer the feel of the grip on one of the hi-cap models. I'm only 40, but I'm starting to get pretty significant arthritis in my hands. I think the fat grip around a double-stack mag well is akin to one of those fat writing pens that my wife is so fond of buying. I also prefer writing with those over a normal Bic. I like the grip on my 469 better than that on my 3913.

Regarding aftermarket mags: I've had great luck with Mec-Gar. I don't know if they make mags for the 39, but their mags for the 59 series are just great.
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Old 04-27-2010, 09:38 AM
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Bought a nickle 39 off Gunbroker last night. I'll post pics when I get it home. Thanks for everyones help.
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Old 04-27-2010, 09:38 AM
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Like you Dueast, I found myself looking for a nice 39-2 not long ago, and was fortunate enought to find a like new example locally. I’ve never been a fan of the 9mm or double action autoloaders in general (Crunchentickers as Col. Cooper termed them), but always liked the looks, feel, and especially the history of this gun. Far from a rare variation, this one is pretty run-of-the-mill, only it's condition separating it from its many bretheren.



This example was produced in 1974, but the design dates back more than two decades prior. When Carl Hellstrom assumed the reigns at S&W directly after WWII, one of his first directives was to initiate the design of a DA autoloader. By 1948, prototypes were developed and sent to Springfield Armory for testing. The military requested single-action versions and these were provided as well, but interest in the 9mm by the Army waned, content as they were at the time to stay with the .45 ACP. Smith turned their attention to the commercial and law enforcement markets, and by the mid-fifties, both the aluminum alloy framed DA and SA versions were a standard catalog item. The SA never caught on and although catalogued as the model 44 until 1959, only 10 were ever built.



By the early 60’s, interest in the 39 by the LE community began to develop and sales increased as more and more departments found favor with the concept. Never a company to waste material, in 1966 Smith produced a little over 900 steel framed versions, from frames forged during the early development stages, but never used. Today these are highly sought after by collectors. The 39-2, with it redesigned extractor, was introduced in 1971. That year also saw the unveiling of the Model 59, a high capacity version with a 14 shot staggered column magazine, the first of the so called "wonder-nines". Production continued until 1980 when both the model 39 and 59 were updated and re-numbered.



So the S&W 39 certainly has its place in firearm history. Although not the first successful DA auto design (that distinction belongs to Walther with the PPK and later, the P-38), is was the first DA auto conceived and produced in the U.S., and not only re-introduced the 9mm to these shores, but ushered in the extremely successful era of the double action autoloader that continues to this day.
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Old 04-27-2010, 09:55 AM
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Nice looking pistol! Thanks for sharing.
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Old 04-27-2010, 03:14 PM
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Default 39-2 OEM magazines

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dueeast View Post
I am toying with the idea of getting a 9mm. From what I read here, nothing but good reports on the 39-2. I've never held one though. Everyone writes how good it feels in your hand. Is it comparable to a Browning HP or 1911 size wise? or bigger? Also, I'm getting the vibe to stay away from any mags unless they're factory S&W, is this true? Thanks.
I shoot a 39-2 in the production class at my range...this means unless I use an aftermarket mag I'm limited to 8 rounds. I've used several OEM 10-rounders that need to "blueprinted" to work reliably. The typical problem is either the height of the latch cut or the overall width of the magazine being too thin and wobbling around in the well. The cut can be adjusted easily with a die grinder and good care. The width can be adjusted by "peening" them outward internally with a 1/2" wide bar that fits into the disassembled magazine body. You can carefully "widen" the body by forming it carefully and testing it's fit in the well.

Ultimately the 39-2 is among the most natural pointers I've ever shot and that includes the 1911 platform, although I expect hate mail for that heresy...
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1911, 3913, 639, browning, bullseye, colt, commander, commercial, extractor, military, model 39, ppk, sig arms, sigma, springfield, walther, wwii

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