Recently, I have been plugging the holes in my S&W metal framed automatics collection. I came across a like-new immaculate conditioned 439 at a gunshow this weekend. The grips and finish on the frame and slide looked like this was a safe queen. Also at the same gunshow was a model 639 in excellent condition. The difference between the two pistols in terms of dollars asked was on the order of 400-bucks on the side of the 639. Why is the 639 so much more expensive than the near perfect 439?

Was this the same seller? $400 is a big difference. The compact single stack gen3 do bring a premium but haven't seen the full size go for much more than $450 in great condition.

Was it an early 639 w/round Trigger Guard and fixed rear sight??

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

Not sure if it was early or not, but it had a round trigger and adjustable sights.

I don't know actual production numbers, but there were far more 439s made than 639s. Supply and demand basically.

I'd love a 639 or 3rd gen 3906.

so,what would a good condition(wood grips a bit scuffed)639 go for?just saw one at local pawn shop.

That doesn't make any sense to me unless the expensive one is "unfired-in-box-with-everything" vs. something a lot less. I've seen some crazy premiums added onto older guns in that "as-it-left-the-factory" condition.

Because the seller of the 639 is eating expired medication, & the seller of the 439 is thinking realistically. Its very common to go to a gun show, & see a brand new gun on a table selling for $400, & 3 tables over, a seller whose medication expired 3 years ago, trying to get $600 for the same gun. Just yesterday, at a gun show, I picked up a very clean 439 for $310 out the door. But I also remembered he's had the same gun for weeks now, so he was motivated to sell it. While we are all fans of metal S&W guns, most of the gun buying world are into the newest plastic fantastic out there. GARY

I like my polymer M&P45 and my Sigma 40VE. I rely on modern production firearms for personal defense for two reasons: One, I don't want my life hinging on the reliability of a collectable of 30 years or more age. Two, if I did use it in self-defense and the perp meets their maker, then the gun goes into the evidence room for one or more years till I bother going before a probate judge and request the firearm be returned to me. And the less unique or outstanding the firearm is, the less likely some jamook in the property room is gonna take it too the police firing range to give it a spin.

However, I do agree: Polymer has no soul. I can't think of any collection that features a polymer framed firearm of any stripe. I consider my Sigma and my M&P part of my S&W collection but not the same as my vintage all-metal S&W's. The ONLY polymer framed gun I think would be collectible would be the original all-Walther made P99's prior to the advent of the S&W99. Not a huge number came in before Smith got the license. And for the Colt purists out there, the Colt All-American Model 2000 that was panned by most firearm reviewers as being the WORST gun offered for sale by a major firearm manufacturer. Its still a Colt, lemon or not. Yes, I'm an absolutist when it comes to collecting firearms, even the lemons have to be there as examples of when things went wrong.

I have a similar, but different view. I'd hate for my HK USP, or S&W 645 to end up in the property room, so yesterday I purchased a 469 for $310 to live in the property room should it be necessary. I also have a $300 XDs 45 for the same reason. The inexpensive guns I carry, & the collectibles sit in the safe. GARY

I can not speak for vendors, as i am not one, but in private sales, each to their own. About three hours ago, an auction ended at a German site, of a 5906, sqr trgrd, adjustable sights. 3 magazines, and holster. it seemed to be in very good condition from the pictures. 58 bids on it, about the equivelant of 500 US dollars end price. That is without transfer papers and shipping. Now if I were to buy it and bring it to my country, it would be about another 280 US dollars shipping, plus the local taxes. If I ever wanted to sell such a piece? how much would be a good deal? and for 3rd gems, what if I could never get another such around this part of the wwods? So, bottom line, guns that are not produced any longer, do not really abbide to market laws. it is what it is, and if you pass on it, you may or may not regret it for who knows how long. Having said that, I am not selling my 45 even for 2000 dollars. just my opinion friends

I like being a little different. Hell, I'm even proud of it.

The only plastic guns I truly collect (i.e., own more than 2 or 3) are the SW99's. Still looking for an ANIB .45 someday, but otherwise my modest SW99 collection is essentially complete.

100% in agreement with you. The failures are just as interesting to me as the major success stories... occasionally even more interesting.

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My current CC is an SMC918, the world's smallest Makarov pistol. Hungarian made, its a mini Makarov. Five rounds of 9mm Mak isn't the best defense by a large margin. It took the place of my Walther PPKS stainless 380. Again, its an original all-Walther made pistol. The value has increased quite a bit on these recently so its not something I want property roomed until adjudication. I have my eye on a Kahr PM45. I'd rather have five rounds of 45 ACP making the point I should be left alone than the Makarov. Trigger on the Kahr is HIDEOUS, but since its not intended for sport or target shooting, making sure that long trigger pull is an intentional act given the circumstances its wanted for.

The poor, misunderstood and often maligned SW380. It's larger 9mm brother, the SW9M was the real failure (although the pictured example actually works well).

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Yep! Just didn't have a pic of one handy on my 'puter!

Remember when I found one and was thinking of buying it?

I need an opinion...

Y'all talked me out of it.

I had some strange urge to find one that worked so I bought a 3rd example earlier this year. It actually shot with no issues so I loaded it with 9BPLE and left it in the car - no great loss if it ever gets stolen or confiscated due to an incident.

Now that is a true, rare S&W collector's item... ... since the mothership recalled them and very few still exist out in the wild.