I saw a NIB Model 39 for sale today. So two questions. Were all Model 39 NO dash steel frames? I thought that there was a run of steel but gennerally speaking the frame was Aluminum.

I was looking through my standard catalog and did not see any serial #'s that made sense. I did not take it out of the case to read/see the SN. Tag said SN was 8995X. Does that make sense.


Original box and all looked like new. A magnet will make a quick determination, but don't want to make the trip again if it is ot likley steel

Earliest one were steel frame. I can't help you on the switch from steel to aluminum.

Your 39 appears to be shipped mid 1968. Sounds like a nice aluminum frame 39 no dash. From my notes the steel frames were mfg. prior to your find. Sns. I do not have. Magnet test on front grip away from slide and mag will tell you. What kind of money was on the tag? Steels with a letter usually run $3000-$5000. If unfired with matching box two correct mags with goodies, big money. Best

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Thank you for the reply. That was my assumption. I but did not have good reference for SN's. It was really nice. I would have bought it if i didn't already have a nice 39-2.

The steel frames were of the old, short tang type, but were not made up into pistols until somewhat later. Only 927 steel framed pistols were made. There were three groups; the first were around SN 39,000. The second group was in the SN range 60,000 to 64,000, and the third was in the range 81,000 to 82,000. Obviously a lot of aluminum frames were in these groups too. The pistol you saw, at SN 8995X definitely has an aluminum frame.