s&w model 39

[Richard S]

Hi im new to the forum, I bought this model 39 nickle plated in 1966 dont have the box but i dont remember any cleaning kit with it either. just the pistol and 2 mags. fired probably 1/2 of box of ammo thru it. anyone have an idea of value. ser # is 614**.

[5Wire]

Are you sure of the serial number?

The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition (SCSW3) shows this:

Modern Autoloading Pistols Serial Number Ranges
Serial number range beginning 1954 starts at 1001 and continues to 115000 in 1970. Applies to Models 39, 41, 44, 46, and 52. Serial number range beginning in 1970 starts with an A serial prefix at A115001 and continues to about A880000. Certain models may have an “A” serial suffix as well as an “A” prefix due to some rare serial duplications.

Models: 39, 41, 46, 52, 59, 422, 439, 449, 459, 469, 539, 559, 639, 645, 659, 669, and 745

1970-1971: A115001-A156801 1972-1973: A145801-A174999
1973-1974: A175001-A2350001974-1975: A235001-A265000
1975-1976: A265001-A295000
1976-1977: A295001-A385000
1977-1978: A385001-A475000
1978-1979: A475001-A565000
1979-1980: A565001-A655000
1981: A655001-: A745000
1982: A745001-: A806933
1983: A806936-: A874999
1984: A875000-?

Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (2006-12-20). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson) (p. 388). F+W Media, Inc.. Kindle Edition

According to SCSW3, the "A" prefix didn't start until 1970, so you must have an early version. Cool!

Model 39: Early Steel Frame and Steel Slide Caliber: 9mm Parabellum. This is the first commercial 9mm double-action auto manufactured in the U.S. with 927 steel frames made c. mid-1950s but not assembled or sold until c. 1966. Alloy frames were actually made after the steel frames but alloy frames were sold first and started the numbering at 1001. Features an 8-shot single stack magazine, 4” barrel, walnut stocks, blue finish, adjustable rear sight. Few found with an alloy backstrap instead of steel. Early guns (pre-Model 39) are different in the following respects to numbered models: smaller safety, short tang, long extractor, unique frame back strap, unique left grip, no trigger play spring and no model number stamping. Steel frame guns fall in the range of 39000 and 60000 - 64000 and again from 81000 - 82000. The very first group of guns shipped falls in the range of 1001 - c. 2600 with no steel frames in this group but only alloy frames with steel slides.

Steel framed 39s bring high prices, it seems. And nickle finish adds a premium.

Jim Supica is a member of this forum and photos will bring out expertise I don't have. Sounds like you have a nice pistol. Love to see pix!

Have you photos to post? That would be really helpful. Front, back, top, bottom, and sides if you're up to it.

Is the frame steel or alloy? Caliber?
.

[Richard S]

The frame is steel i found that out by reading this forum. I will try to take some pics of it and post them.

[TOM BECKWITH]

614XX fits in the steel SN range but ship dates somewhat variable - probably the 1964-5 area. If a nickel frame steel, suggest you get a letter from Jinks as to ship date and confirm shipped as nickel. Other 39 folks will chime in with added info I am sure.

[SPEEDGUNNER]

If you are telling us you have an original nickel finish steel frame Model 39 with your first and second posts you HAVE to provide pictures and more details with your next post.

WOW!

[Richard S]

yes i bought it brand new traded in a remington 410 shot gun for it. thought it was 1964 but not sure. fired it at the range after i bought it. I dont really know how to put pics of it on here. it is a steel frame nickle plate model 39 and I am the original owner.

[5Wire]

Originally Posted by Richard S

... I dont really know how to put pics of it on here...

• Take pix.
• Store them on your computer.
• Go to and join Photobucket.com.
• Upload pix to photobucket.
• Copy img url.
• Paste image url in your thread.

That's it.

Alernatively, send email pix to me at [email protected] and I'll put them up for you until you get the hang of it.

[5Wire]

Here are Richard S's pix:

[kwill1911]

That's a beauty.

[Engine49guy]

Very pretty,
More likely an aluminum frame IMO from the long tang,
IIRC the earlier style slide serrations that your gun has (they are further back on the slide) were still in use but with the new style frame in the early 1960's

[hsguy]

Put a magnet to the frame, that will tell you what you have.