model 39 or m&p?

Slyk54 · #1 12-12-2011, 09:56 PM

Curious about model 39's- I have an opportunity to buy one in good condition; nickel finish, 2 magazines, correct wood grips- the asking price is $500.

By comparison a local shop has the M&P for $539 plus tax, new.

I like older things that work well- (makes sense, since I just crossed 57 years of age)- and have always liked the model 39/59. However, I have learned that older guns may have problems, be worn, and costly to fix.

This purchase would be a shooter- no safe queens here so I don't want to buy the 39 and find out I need to shoot it "on Sundays only"

Looking for opinions- thanks!

turbo38gn · #2 12-12-2011, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slyk54

Curious about model 39's- I have an opportunity to buy one in good condition; nickel finish, 2 magazines, correct wood grips- the asking price is $500.

By comparison a local shop has the M&P for $539 plus tax, new.

I like older things that work well- (makes sense, since I just crossed 57 years of age)- and have always liked the model 39/59. However, I have learned that older guns may have problems, be worn, and costly to fix.

This purchase would be a shooter- no safe queens here so I don't want to buy the 39 and find out I need to shoot it "on Sundays only"

Looking for opinions- thanks!

You just answered your own question... I own 2 of the M39-2's, love em, awsome gun and fun to shoot. But alas the reality is they are safe queens, I only shoot occassionally as you stated, if they break.. then what. I own 4 M&P's and love them as well, they are my go 2 guns, I carry most often and shoot regularly... although been playing and carrying my 1911's lately. Heck buy em both, crown the 39 and shoot the heck out of the M&P!!!

growr · #3 12-12-2011, 10:55 PM

Unless the 39 is near 100% and has all of the papers, box that is correct, has all of the accessories $500.00 seems a bit high.

Were it me I would negotiate for the 39 and then acquire the M&P a little later. 39-s haven't been made for many years and M&P's are readily available and in production.

Just MY thoughts....

Randy

PS. I do own 3 39's, 3 59's and 4 M&P's and love em all!

W.E.G. · #4 12-13-2011, 12:01 AM

What is going to break on the 39?

You might break a firing pin or an extractor if you shoot a lot.
Buy a couple spares if you think that might happen.

If you like the 39 better than the plastic gun, you should get the 39.

I have some 39's AND some plastic guns.

When I can't decide, I carry a revolver.

amazingflapjack · #5 12-13-2011, 01:26 AM

My guess is that the M-39 isn't going to lack in popularity anytime soon, and they have gone up in price this year,from what I have seen. There are a bunch out there, and there are parts available, but how often do they break? I have a m-59 that I have had for over 25 years-have shot a lot, and have never had any mechanical repairs on it. They are tuffies. I think, as many do, that the 39 is one of the best looking pistols made, and fits the hand very well, so I would encourage you to experience this fine gun if you have the chance. Shoot it, but have something else to switch off on, is the way I would go. Flapjack.

18DAI · #6 12-13-2011, 12:38 PM

A vote for the model 39 - on trigger alone. Not to mention the 39's great looks, reliability, accuracy and ability to hold its resale value.

If you have not shot an M&P, I'd suggest you try one before purchasing. Lousy trigger. Overpriced for what it is as well, IMO. Ugly too.

If you want a plastic gun try the Walther PPQ. GREAT trigger....for a tuperware gun.

Regards 18DAI

Boox · #7 12-13-2011, 01:18 PM

+100 on the 39-2. An oldie but a goodie, if you will. Buy it, shoot it and after 3000 rounds or so, put a spring kit in it and shoot it some more...the spring kit is optional actually...The only 9mm I like better for carry is my Browning, cuz it carries more rounds, but I shoot the 39-2 as well as the Browning so they get equal time otherwise.

Boox

Colhogan · #8 12-19-2011, 06:30 AM

I've got a Model 39 that works great. I've had it for years and have collected some spare parts along the way,just in case. I think what it comes down to here is price. See if the guy will drop the price on the Nickel 39 by about $120.00. Now, we're talkin!
I have never cared for plastic guns. Try a CZ 75B, I'm a Die-Hard S&W guy,but the CZ is a seriously nice pistol at a better price than that M&P. It will outlast us both!

CajunBass · #9 12-19-2011, 11:56 AM

You folks who worry about breaking a gun must shoot a LOT more than I do. I've had a lot of guns over the years and have never once had one break. It's just not even something I consider when I go to buy one.

I've got one 39, and have another on layaway now. I agree, one for $500.00 should be in near new condition, with box, papers, and all the tools.

I've never even looked at an M&P. You see one plastic gun, you've seen them all.

BaldEagle1313 · #10 12-19-2011, 06:07 PM

The 39-2, hands down. The part that would be a problem if it broke would be the long extractor on the earliest models, but a dash 2 model should have the short extractor. The 39 just fits your hand so much better. True, it's a single stack so you only have eight in the mag. But they shoot like a dream.

For $500, I'd want to have an original, numbered to the gun box with 2 original mags, plus paperwork. I have one just like that. But my no box no tools shooter I picked up for three Benjamins.

84Carrera · #11 12-20-2011, 12:20 AM

i'll chime in here as I just picked up a 39-2. Paid premium for it but does have the box, tools, and is in near 100%. As for shooting as others have said it is very accurate. And looks... well it's like comparing a Porsche to a Mustang

olwogo · #12 01-31-2012, 09:09 PM

I agree with the man who said," 39-2 not made any more, dream to shoot, M&P new one's made everyday". Yup!!! As far as a single stack mag, if you can't get it done in 8 or 9, might need to spend more time at the range. Good Hunting!! and Great Shooting!!!

heekma · #13 01-31-2012, 10:51 PM

Hello,

Do you appreciate a good Scotch, Bourbon, wine or cigar? If none of the above is your preference, do you appreciate class and inherent value?

It's an honest question, no wrong answer.

If you want a watch that tells time, does a good job of it and is reasonably priced-buy a Timex. Same with an M&P. Nothing wrong with that choice at all.

If you value craftsmanship, go with a good Swiss mechanical/auto-winding watch, or the 39.

Different strokes for different folks, no right or wrong answer, just what's right for you.

I'm a 39 kind of guy-but that's just me.

*Edited to add: I like the M&P's construction, but when it comes to polymer guns, Glock still has the trigger to beat.

Best,

Heekma

Armyphotog · #14 01-31-2012, 11:05 PM

The vote seems to be the same as mine, the 39-2. Slyk64 has apparently never shot a 39-2, or he wouldn't be thinking about the m&p, but then again, I'm an older guy and love the older guns. Not really interested in anything new.