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Old 04-14-2018, 11:05 AM
spider445 spider445 is offline
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Default Cut down M-39-2 by RJS

Helllo,

New to the forum, great site with a lot of information. I found an older S&W M-39-2 nickel plated that has been reduced in size. It has been cut down in both the slide, grip frame areas much like the older Devel, Trapper Scorpion designs. The markings on the slide have RJS Mini 9 S&W with a date of 3-1-1983, markings on frame, are standard factory S&W. The barrel bushing has been welded to the slide making it one piece, and the grip frame appears to have been cut and rewelded above the bottom screw section, has a melt job, with entire pistol being nickel plated.

The shop wants $500.00 for it not sure if it's worth that or anything since I can't find anything on the interweb about it.

Thanks for your help!
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Old 04-14-2018, 11:09 AM
Ozark Marine Ozark Marine is offline
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I'd buy it... Fast.
But would offer less.
Still, someone who know's ALOT more than I do will be along soon.
Welcome to the forum.
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Old 04-14-2018, 11:29 AM
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Welcome. I would take a chance if the work is professional in appearance.
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Old 04-14-2018, 12:20 PM
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Default Hmmm. Don't Know

I was addicted to gun magazines in the 60s and 70s and I remember reading that many such modifications, then called "chopped and channeled" had reliability issues. It would be years before the big names in the gun industry figured out how to make guns smaller without sacrificing reliability.

A factor then contributing to reliability issues was that the earliest hollow points had exposed led to drag on the feed ramp. Contemporary ammo eliminated that issue years ago.
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Old 04-14-2018, 01:33 PM
SOTVEN SOTVEN is offline
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Word of wisdom says, "you may always sell something rare you have bought. but you may not buy something rare you missed out on." As aforementioned, if it seems professionally and not bubba'd in some basement with torch and ax, make them a fair offer. Given that this piece interest you above all!!
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Old 04-14-2018, 04:41 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Old_Cop View Post
Welcome. I would take a chance if the work is professional in appearance.
Ditto... I'd offer $400 to test the waters....... it may take 39xx mags......

The 80s were prime time of those "chopped and channeled" 39...... ASP, Trapper and DEVEL were the most famous..... but other quality gunsmith were also in the business.........Austin Behlert was another........

A thought ....... would bet the gun was tested and found to work .... before more $$$s were put into the project ..prepped and nickeled....

Last edited by BAM-BAM; 04-14-2018 at 04:42 PM.
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Old 04-15-2018, 11:23 AM
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Thanks for the feedback, might just take the plunge as SOTVEN suggested! Could just get a CS9 but then again it isn't the same and a piece of history from a different era. If I do pictures will follow. Was hoping someone heard of or knew of this RJS outfit.

Thanks again!
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Old 04-30-2018, 04:15 PM
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Default Purchased the Chopped 39, pic's attached!

Well, I broke down and purchased her, pictures attached and thanks for your help!
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File Type: jpg IMG_4473.jpg (135.6 KB, 105 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4476.jpg (117.2 KB, 113 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4475.jpg (153.5 KB, 97 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4477.jpg (144.1 KB, 116 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4479.jpg (162.7 KB, 93 views)
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Old 05-01-2018, 12:16 AM
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Default Picture Update chopped 39

Well I broke down and made the purchase, I've attached photos of my new iron.
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File Type: jpg IMG_4476.jpg (117.2 KB, 151 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4475.jpg (153.5 KB, 126 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4477.jpg (144.1 KB, 150 views)
File Type: jpg IMG_4479.jpg (162.7 KB, 118 views)
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Old 05-01-2018, 12:25 AM
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Me rikey! Are the slide serrations cut into diamond shape? Do the grips look custom? What kind of mags does it use?

SVT28
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Old 05-01-2018, 12:41 AM
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Looks pretty decent. If it functions well,then I think it is pretty cool.
Not sure it is 500 bucks worth of cool - at least not if it was my 500.
But if you're happy with the price you got it for, all the better.
It is definitely unique and it looks like someone put a lot of work into customizing it.
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Old 05-01-2018, 02:20 AM
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Pre Pre 3913!
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Old 05-01-2018, 03:13 AM
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If it runs, I'd sure like to hear about it. It certainly LOOKS lik
e a nice piece of kit.

Regards, Porkie
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Old 05-01-2018, 04:11 AM
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Very nice gun! Congrats!

I'd say you really scored if you got that for $500. It appears to be a "pre model CS9" Which is itself a fine pistol.

I look forward to your range report! Regards 18DAI
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Old 05-01-2018, 07:28 AM
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Interesting ....... pics of the magazine please.

Great collectible.... those guns were the inspiration for the 3913 series!!!
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Old 05-01-2018, 08:47 AM
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It certainly qualifies as interesting. Find a magazine article that was done on it at one time and there goes the value of it up by double.
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Old 05-01-2018, 10:19 AM
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Quote:
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It certainly qualifies as interesting. Find a magazine article that was done on it at one time and there goes the value of it up by double.
I agree. A Trapper Arms Scorpion 39-2 of similar condition just sold at a little over $900
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Old 05-01-2018, 10:23 AM
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Looks like a good find. The "melt" job is well done, maybe a little more than is necessary, but it certainly doesn't have many sharp edges.
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Old 05-01-2018, 04:12 PM
spider445 spider445 is offline
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Talking

Well this morning I took her completely apart and did an inspection of the parts, and gave it a good cleaning. Everything looked good inside!!

Went to the range and put a box of 124 grain Geco hardball, then a box of 124 grain Sig Hollow points whick look like the old flying ashtrays they used to make. Worked like a Swiss watch, no issues and accuracy was very good. I guess I have a keeper!!

Also learned that the CS9 magazine fits perfect, so now I can pick up some extras.
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Old 05-01-2018, 05:30 PM
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Quote:
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Went to the range and put a box of 124 grain Geco hardball, then a box of 124 grain Sig Hollow points whick look like the old flying ashtrays they used to make. Worked like a Swiss watch, no issues and accuracy was very good. I guess I have a keeper!!

Also learned that the CS9 magazine fits perfect, so now I can pick up some extras.

You got a winner.....and an "easy" supply of extra magazines!!!!!!!!!!!
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Old 05-02-2018, 12:21 AM
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Wow shows what a craftsman can do beautiful!
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