Model 39-2 Inconsistent SA Trigger Pull

[OldCop876]

Hello All,

I'm having a bit of a problem with a 1975 vintage Model 39-2 9mm pistol. I took it in a trade, more or less for nostalgic reasons, because I had one when I was a kid. It was my first 9mm handgun, and only my second semi-auto, so I was happy to have one again. The pistol seems to have seen very little use, and in fact, the gentleman who traded it to me said he had owned it for about 40 years and hadn't shot it much.

At first, everything seemed fine, and the grip was just as sexy as I remembered it. The DA trigger pull was at least as good as I remembered, from long ago, and seemed perfectly adequate. So did the SA trigger in limited dry firing.

Then I took it to the range. The first DA shots went fine as did some SA work, and the pistol fed reliably and grouped well. I was a happy camper. But then, within the first box of ammo, I noticed that while DA remained fine, the SA trigger pull changed feel rather abruptly. I started to hit a very hard "wall" in SA fire, at which point it took two men and a boy it seemed to pull the trigger. I'm a pretty decent shot and former competitor and I don't think I've ever felt an SA pull this heavy.

I took the pistol home and did some dry fire, and noticed that sometimes, the SA pull would be perfectly fine for 5-6 repetitions in a row, and then it would get very hard and stay that way, then inexplicably go back to normal. Nothing seemed to consistently return the SA trigger to normal and keep it that way, although the DA pull remained lovely and consistent.

I stripped the pistol and completely de-greased everything and re-lubed it, but to no avail. The DA trigger pull on my electronic trigger pull scale stays right at 10 pounds or a little less, and when the SA pull is right, it runs about 4.5 pounds. But, when it gets hard, the SA pull exceeds 12 pounds!

Has anyone ever encountered this problem with their Model 39-2? Would anyone who fully understands how the trigger system works wish to hazard a guess as to what is going on? Failing that, perhaps someone can recommend a good gunsmith who still works on this pistol. I'm not sure Smith and Wesson still does.

Thanks in advance for any input.

[armorer951]

When you say "stripped", do you mean you removed all of the frame parts, or just field stripped?
I'm wondering about the drawbar, and the integrity of the lever springs, and the d. plunger and spring. If it has the old style pinned disconnector, that might be an issue as well.

[OldCop876]

I only field stripped the pistol. I didn't see anything obviously broken, but I also freely admit that I don't really understand this trigger system.

It's really strange, I'll have a run of 6-8 SA pulls in dry fire that are great, then something happens and I'm back to 12 pound SA pulls.

I think I'll call S&W when they open up tomorrow and see if they still work on these pistols. If so, I will probably send it to them.

[jsbethel]

Originally Posted by OldCop876

I think I'll call S&W when they open up tomorrow and see if they still work on these pistols. If so, I will probably send it to them.

It is unlikely S&W will help you. Call Frank Smith - LSG, Mfg|Gun Parts|Warranty|Gunsmithing

[OldCop876]

Jsbethel - you were right. S&W was singularly unhelpful. Customer service rep had to be told what a Model 39-2 was, after first insisting that there was no such pistol ever made by the company. I told him that would probably come as one hell of a surprise to some older members of the Illinois State Police. He didn't get it.

Thanks for the referral.

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by OldCop876

Customer service rep had to be told what a Model 39-2 was, after first insisting that there was no such pistol ever made by the company.

Oh man, that hurts! Especially since I finally managed to find and buy one for myself!

So welcome to the new Smith & Wesson. I propose that we put together a GoFundMe page for the purpose of buying every new child S&W CS rep a hardbound copy of the SCSW, 4th Edition.

[jsbethel]

Originally Posted by OldCop876

S&W was singularly unhelpful. Customer service rep had to be told what a Model 39-2 was, after first insisting that there was no such pistol ever made by the company.

Brave New World.

[OldCop876]

I contacted Frank Smith this morning and he knew exactly what was wrong with my pistol and how to fix it. He also has parts. He says the problem is with the drawbar.

Frank is a true gentleman. We talked on the phone for almost an hour. He is currently laid up with a broken hip and had time on his hands to talk. We know some of the same people, and I feel as though I have made a new friend.

He says he will probably be able to start work again on handguns in May, and for me to send him my pistol then and he'll fix it up. So it looks like my Model 39-2 will be heading to Texas soon.

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by OldCop876

I contacted Frank Smith this morning and he knew exactly what was wrong with my pistol and how to fix it. He also has parts. He says the problem is with the drawbar.

Frank is a true gentleman. We talked on the phone for almost an hour. He is currently laid up with a broken hip and had time on his hands to talk. We know some of the same people, and I feel as though I have made a new friend.

He says he will probably be able to start work again on handguns in May, and for me to send him my pistol then and he'll fix it up. So it looks like my Model 39-2 will be heading to Texas soon.

Great news! A shameless plug for his website here.

Also, I noted this statement on his website, which I was not aware of...

S&W Closed All USA Warranty Stations 12/15/2016

Interesting. S&W warranty work must be way down in volume... right?