Hello everyone;

I am in the market for a model 39 after having tried various high-cap autos in that caliber that are just too big and don't fit my hand (and too heavy, too). I am looking at several model 39's that are supposedly in "like new" condition. I am esp. attracted to an original model 39 (no dash), but I am put off by all the negativity on the net about the original model. Supposedly the extractors would break, the trigger pull is long even in SA, etc. etc. Can anyone here with experience with this model pistol please give me your impressions about it, esp. regarding the extractor issue (I am talking about the original spring steel long extractor on the first 39's). Thanks for reading this, and taking the time to answer.

It's being discussed now. 7 posts down.
Also a search should bring up alot of info on these nice single stack 9's.

My early M39 no-dash is still on it's original extractor, is the most accurate 9mm in my collection, and the trigger is amazing. Wouldn't give it up for anything. It gets carried often, when the 4586 is just too big, heavy and obvious.

Gun Parts Corp catalogs the original long extractor for the Model 39. I gotta get one in case either of my two ever breaks.

I always wonder when people complain about the early long extractor. As long as you don't abuse the Mod 39 no dash it will be fine. Any mechanical part will eventually break with enough use, and the long extractor may be easier to break but there are enough of us who really enjoy shooting the no dash without any problems. I don't see a problem with the trigger either.
The way I see it shooting older semi autos is to just take good care of them and don't shoot really hot ammo through them and they will be fine.

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J.D. Roy

After I bought my 39 no dash, I contacted S&W to buy a new set of springs and an extractor as a spare in case mine broke. I was told that they have the long extractor, but will only sell them to a gunsmith since they have to be fitted. So if your concerned about the extractor breaking, apparently you can get a new one from S&W.

"My early M39 no-dash is still on it's original extractor, is the most accurate 9mm in my collection, and the trigger is amazing. Wouldn't give it up for anything."

+1 I have had mine since '76 (former Ill SP gun) and I can't count the number of rounds down range. I wore out the trigger / sear assembly, but still going string on the original exractor.

I have an early Model 39 which I shoot frequently in Action Pistol events. Light loads (no P+). Great trigger and very good accuracy to 25 yds. I do clean it as a Model 52, being careful of the bushing to barrel matchup. No problem at all - even with the extractor.

It's my feeling that most of the extractors that have broken were due to dropping a round in the chamber and letting the slide slam forward. The extractor was apparently designed as a "controlled feed" system where the round slid under the hook while feeding.

That said, both the flat spring and later 39-2 pivoted extractors were designed by someone who did not care about or even know elementary geometry. If they actually have to extract, they won't. The remedy is to make sure the chamber is very smooth, avoid high pressure loads, and keep the chamber very clean. The ultimate remedy is to put a very light film of grease on only the brass case of rounds that absolutely have to extract. Then the extractor will have almost nothing to do except hold the case in position for the ejector even with the higher pressure loads. This is simple enough and does not need to be done for just practice.

Dave