So what can you tell me about them? I have heard that ones with serial numbers below 175K (1973/1974) or so may be more accurate due to having a higher twist rate barrel. Any truth to this? What size groups at 25 yards should I expect from a gun in good shape?

Also, how are the triggers, especially in SA? This will be a range gun primarily, so I don't care much about the DA pull, but I do have multiple S&W revolvers, many of which I shoot SA, so how would you compare a the revolver's, trigger to the 39-2's trigger. I really don't expect 39-2 to be the same, but if you guys find the SA pull to be acceptable, then I probably will be happy.

Thanks for helping in my buying decision!

SA trigger is sweet. DA trigger not so much. Can’t comment on early rifling. All I have ever shot have been extremely accurate. You won’t be disappointed.

Hello Mr. kas, You are venturing into an other universe. You must experience a 39. Just buy one fairly and shoot the heck out of it.
It is a totally different gun from a revolver. Just check in and let us know.
where in VA are you? Mike

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

I use YouTube videos to convince myself to buy a certain model after becoming intrigued by comments (usually here) by others (read: Forum members).

Hickock45 usually does a nice sell job along with MrEdgar49. I like the vids that review the pistol and disassemble and reassemble the pistol.

I believe there is a group of S&W guns that needs a little identifying name... membership is because these models were so damn good that folks bought them en masse and S&W responded by producing more and more and folks bought them also.

The net result for us many years later is that these models are fantastic AND they made so darn many that they aren't rare, so they (generally) don't cost a huge pile of dough.

That makes them not only wonderful to own, but a fantastic value as well. And the Model 39-2 is a cornerstone member of this yet un-named club.

The 39-2 is attractive looking, feels great in the shooting hand, isn't fat or heavy and yes, they almost have a wonderfully smooth single action trigger break. I'd also point out that the physical countour of the trigger itself feels extremely good to my (often spoiled!) trigger finger.

Yep, I think you should buy one. Currently I have four 39's. My suggestion for your first would be to shop by price. I'd recommend one that shows a lot of love and wear. I believe that you'll like it enough to wish to chase down a higher grade one later, and have no qualms about spending more cash to do it.

Many years ago I had a 39-2, sold it, but I now have a 439. On both, the double action pull is long, heavy and has hitches and stages. The single action pulls were crisp, clean, and reasonably light. The reset when firing is incredibly short and there is an audible "click". In single action mode, the only thing better is a 1911.

As for accuracy, the faster twist barrel might be more accurate with 124 grain and heavier bullets, but my 439 with the slower twist barrel seems to be equally accurate with 115 to 147 grain bullets. Speaking of accuracy, these pistols are not target pistols, so don't expect 1 inch groups at 25 yards. These are service pistols, accuracy is generally in the range of 4-6 inches at 25 yards, some pistols may be better, some worse.

As far as how they feel in my hands, the 1911 feels slightly better, but the ergonomics of the model 39 series are very, very good, much better than the model 59.

And other than stocks, there are almost no aftermarket parts or pieces for the Model 39/39-2/x39.

This is the last 39-2 I bought, about six years ago. I traded it to a member over on the west coast for a S&W 3953, which I still have.



This picture is with the original stocks, they were kind of dark.


The 39-2 and Browning HP fit my hand perfectly. I have owned several of each. Be aware magazines are scarce and costly; other parts may no longer be available. There are a few places here in Georgia that may have boxed, fine conditioned examples with prices pushing $1,000.00.

I have found lots of after market mags that work, and are reasonably priced. I made the mistake of buying a 39-2 about 3 years ago, and now I have 4...plus now Model 59s as well.

I second the comment about the reset. Sweet!

I began with a blued, then found a nickel example. So what's left? A mixed breed that's been sleeping in the velvet-lined box for 39 years.

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Yup, fun to collect. 1 of each finish for me too; stainless (639), steel (539), nickel (39-2), and blued alloy (9mm automatic, aka pre-39). Not found a nickel 539, but haven’t been turning over rocks trying.

Thanks guys, for all your comments. I have a M52, so I am aware of the nice grip on these guns. I think I will still look for an earlier M39-2, because I like the look of the hole in the hammer!