Model 39 - Age and Value?

[Jfsegar]

Hi. I received this gun from my father in law and want to use it as a range gun but would to know how old it is and it's potential value. I believe it may be from the 70s. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. I tried to upload a picture but the upload was failing. If a picture is necessary I can retry.

Model 39
9mm
Serial # 80032

[824tsv]

The Standard Catalog of S&W indicates that the Model 39 started with serial#1001 in 1954, and in 1970 reached #115000. There is no serial# break down for your model, year by year until 1970. So with that info in mind, you may want to get a historical letter from S&W. They cost $50, but will tell you when it was made, when and where it was shipped to, and what features it was built with. For value, I would have a look at auction sites to get a handle on what they are worth. Up here in the Great White North, a nice 39 would be in the $500 range. Please post a pic or 2, we would all like to see it.

[Jfsegar]

Thanks for all your help. Here is a pic. I'll be using it along with the model 36 revolver on the range.

[Engine49guy]

I have a Model 39 serial 68490 that shipped in October 1966
so would guess your Serial # 80032 would probably be 68 or 69 ?

Looks to be in very high condition if it has the box /docs you might consider shooting it may diminish the collectors value and these are starting to become collectable,
Agreed about $500 for gun alone in high condition, if its a 100% complete package box/docs/paperwork and extra mag maybe $650 to the right buyer.

If you do decide to shoot your 39 no dash never manually drop a round into the chamber,
instead load rounds via the magazine only to extend the extractor life.