Howdy folks,
A couple weeks back I came across a nice old 639. Took it to the range this weekend with a 5906 and a 4506 and wrung it out a bit. If you're interested, I've posted some pics and I'll share my thoughts about the 639 vs. the 5906 and 4506.
First, pics:
Above pic: 50 rounds at 15 yards--standing, unsupported
Above pic: 50 rounds at 15 yards--standing, unsupported
Above pic: 50 rounds at 20 yards--standing, unsupported
Above pic: 50 rounds at 20 yards--standing, unsupported
I'm still pulling the first show low. Since I wanted to see what kind of groups I could get, I just used that first shot as the start of each group.
So--it's plenty accurate. As you can see, the groups started opening up at 20 yards vs. 15. 20 yards is my practical limit shooting unsupported. At 25 yards, the front sight totally obscures a pistol target, making shooting--for me at least--very difficult indeed.
No malfunctions of any kind through 300 hundred plus rounds.
So, it's accurate. It's reliable. The grip feels amazing in the hand. With a thumbs forward grip, I can really relax my strong hand a bit, and get all of my support palm along the grip. Because of this, recoil feels light, easy to control and the gun is fast back on target. It's a great gun.
A few observations vs. the 3rd Gen. guns...
The trigger on the 639--while far from poor, and better than a lot of DA/SA triggers--wasn't quite as good as the triggers on the 3rd gen guns. The DA pull was a bit heavier, less smooth and stacked toward the end.
I actually like the stacking part, it makes it easier for me to stage the trigger, but otherwise the 3rd Gen. triggers are a definite improvement.
The SA trigger had a bit of creep before breaking and was just a little heavier than the 3rd Gen. guns.
So the trigger, although good by most standards, was definitely improved upon with the 3rd Gen. guns.
The adjustable sights--while very rugged, easily adjusted and just plain "Old-School-Cool" are not my cup of tea. The rear notch is too shallow and narrow for my preferences. Almost any of the newer "Hi-Vis, Combat-Style" fixed sights are much easier for me to use.
It's obvious the 3rd Gen. guns took what was already a great design, made a few small tweaks and made a great design fantastic--IMVHO.
However, I'm in no rush to find a new home for this fine old Smith Auto. I think it makes a fine addition to my small collection and I like it just as much for what it is as for what it is not.
Best,
Heekma