I'm new to this group but a longtime admirer and owner of S&W hand guns.

A few weeks ago I bought a 39-2. Based on its serial number it's from fairly late (1975) production. It appears to be pretty low mileage and all original. The gun was very dirty when I got it but has no pitting or corrosion. Sadly, it does have an ejection problem. Even after 3 thorough cleanings, it fails to eject about 1 out of 3 rounds.

I've talked with Smith & Wesson and on the phone with my gunsmith. S&W no longer stocks extractors for that gun. They and my gunsmith agree that while they could look at it, it would be nice to have a new extractor on hand when they disassemble the gun. So, can anyone suggest a source for a NOS or good used extractor (short, late version) for my gun?

Many thanks and I'm looking forward to reading this forum. --J.B.

Have your gunsmith replace the extractor spring first. Works 90% of the time and is much cheaper. I make mine from the spring stock in the Brownell's spring kit.

I had the same problem. With advice from this forum, it was an easy fix for me !

Model 39-2 Help

There is a difference. Failure to eject is when the case is removed from the chamber, but not ejected from the gun. Failure to extract is when the case remains in the chamber.
Failure to extract is common with this gun.

If it is failure to extract, it is a dirty or rough chamber in most cases. If this extractor actually has to extract, it usually will not do so because of the poor design.

First check the extractor to see that the hook is not chipped or broken, then push on the tail to test if the spring has substantial resistance. Clean and polish the chamber VERY thoroughly and check for roughness.

If after doing the above it still does not extract, try this. Many folks consider this a no-no, but put a very thin coat of grease on the brass case only. Lubed ammo is an inconvenience but not a danger. As Melvin Johnson, the designer of the Johnson semi-auto and automatic rifles stated: when you have lubed ammunition "almost any old hook will do". (as an extractor)

I have seen this discussion so many times on the forum, and the thing that strikes me is the confusion over what exactly a pistol is doing (failure to extract vs. failure to eject)....just to clarify these particular malfunctions, here are a couple pics, the first one showing a typical failure to EJECT "stovepipe", and the second one showing a typical failure to EXTRACT, where the spent casing is left in the chamber, either completely or partially....the causes for these malfunctions are usually DIFFERENT, and the first step in diagnosing them is the correct description of the problem, hopefully this will help....it also should be noted that these examples are typical, and your particular malfunction may look different, but still be a variation of the two....and pictures of the problem are always a big help....

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Thanks for the info. It's an extracting problem. The chamber is definitely clean but I didn't try polishing it. A forum member PM'd me and has the extractor for sale at what I think is a reasonable price. I will also take a close look at the chamber.

All sound advice so far.

I think Numrich will have the extractor, but if yours seems sharp, and unchipped, then as already mentioned the acuating spring may be the culprit. You mentioned the gun was very dirty. Accumulated gunk and grit can also interfere with proper extractor function. You might have to remove it to clean thoroughly underneath.

For tip-top reliability, and just on general principles, with any gun this old I'd recommend you buy and install a spring kit. I think Wolff still sells them for the 39-2. Also, have you eliminated your ammo as the source of the problem?

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A member of this forum sold me a new extractor and spring. I installed them last night. Took the 39-2 to the range today and it worked perfectly. Thanks for all the help.