Hi Folks,

I can't get my 39-2 to extract. I bought it used for $250 at gander Mtn. (I thought is was a great deal) First time out it failed to extract almost every shot. So I brought it back for warranty service and they replaced extractor and ext. spring. I tested it and it performed great as far as extraction went but was having trouble with failure to feed. I noticed that the magazine was the problem because mouth of case would catch on forward edge of mag causing shell to bounce upward at too steep an angle to chamber. So I adjusted the lips of the mag and got it to feed properly. Back to the range and now failure to extract. Could mag be the problem? Maybe the cartridge is getting in front of the extractor? I am using Remington UMC brass cartridges. Maybe I should try Federals and Winchesters. What about a weak action spring? The gun has a few miles on it but appears to be in good shape. Any help would be appreciated.

You might want to replace the recoil spring. No telling how old it is or how much use it's seen. You might also want to try new magazine springs. I had a lot of feed problems with my old 4596 for a while until I polished the magazine feed lips, strangely enough...

I am going to order a spring kit tonight...I'm sure it will be money well spent. Thanks for the info Tracer Bullet!

John

Changing all the springs isn't a bad idea. Find some new factory magazines too.

The extractors for the metal frame S&W pistols aren't drop in parts, they must be fitted using gauges. I'd be shocked if any big box type parts changer had the proper gauges. If the problems continue, ask the guy to show you his gauges. If he can't, demand they send the weapon back to the factory for repair.

I was having extraction problems with my 39-2. Would partially extract, leave the expended round partway out of the chamber, blocking the next round partway (or fully) out of the magazine. I ordered a new Wolff "extra power" extractor spring kit, a new standard power recoil spring, and a new firing pin spring (I am pretty sure it was also an "extra power" spring). Replaced all those springs, and the gun now operates properly, with no jams. I had come to the point of considering selling the gun (I normally don't even consider selling guns), as it had become very frustrating to use. Now it's just wonderful, and will be hanging around my place for a long time to come. BTW, changing out the springs is not very hard, just takes a bit of work and going the right direction with drifts to get the extractor and springs out of the slide and back in. Pretty straightforward operation if you follow the directions (not included with the springs, but available on the web). BTW, make sure the extractor is not chewed up, as no new springs will fix that.

Found all the springs at Midway, only cost a few dollars, well worth it. BTW, you have to use the search function on their website, the extractor springs, etc. do not pull up if you go through the menus. Edited to add this info.

Wr Moore and 310Pilot,

Thanks much. I thought that the extractor had to be factory fitted, but didn't say anything to the young gunsmith at Gander as he ordered the part and spring from Numrich and installed it soon after it arrived. I ordered the springs from Wolff and if that doesn't fix it I will insist that it be sent to S&W for repair. I love the gun and the way it fits in my hand...it is a naturally pointing gun. I also own a 4" model 10 and a 1950's K-22 Masterpiece 6".