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11-29-2019, 10:22 AM
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Model 39-2 I finally purchased one
Model 39-2
New member here.
I recently saw my first model 39-2 in person at my local gun shop and purchased it. I have always liked the model 39 since I was a kid and to finally get to see one in person and hold it I was sold.
I was wondering if anyone can help me with the age of my 39-2. The serial number does not have the A prefix like all the other ones I have seen. The serial number on my 39-2 is 1097XX.
The front sight has a colored insert and the rear sight has a white outline. Also I know its a earlier model because it has the full barrel bushing and no cut line in the magazine release button.
Any help with its age or history would be appreciated.
Last edited by whissels39-2; 12-22-2019 at 02:13 PM.
Reason: Add Photos
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Ben-Kenobi, federali, jbtrucker, JH1951, kobsw, lkabug, model3sw, Pine_Worker, PJO1425, Sevens, stansdds |
11-29-2019, 10:42 AM
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The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson 4th edition says "Modern Autoloading Pistol Serial Number Ranges: Serial number range beginning 1954 starts @ 1001 and continues to 115000 in 1970."
Serial numbers beginning in 1970 have the "A" prefix.
Extrapolation and a WAG would put your 39-2 in 1969-70, but the Catalog says the 39-2 was not introduced until 1971.
There are some experts on the 39 on this forum. They will be along shortly with better information.
Last edited by Inusuit; 11-29-2019 at 10:46 AM.
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11-29-2019, 01:17 PM
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This thread needs photos. 
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11-29-2019, 06:51 PM
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Congrats on your 39-2. You have a 1969 transitional model when the factory was cleaning out 39 frames and mating them with the 39-2 slides.
The earliest I have seen is 109000 stamped 39-2. I have an A109, A110 and a A120 all on Model-39-2 stamped frames. Sounds like a nice gun. The Red front and WO rear may indicate an owner custom. Mike
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11-29-2019, 08:51 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by galilman121
This thread needs photos. |
Photos Added
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11-30-2019, 08:51 AM
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Keep an eye on your safety/decocker lever. It is likely a 2 piece part like the one on my 39-(nothing). In the photo, yours looks to be a bit above being parallel with the slide. Mine (1967 era) started out like that, a bit loose & then came apart from the internal piece.
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11-30-2019, 09:48 AM
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Looks nice, but get rid of those ugly rubber grips. The 39/39-2/x39 pistols look so much nicer with wooden stocks.
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11-30-2019, 10:20 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stansdds
Looks nice, but get rid of those ugly rubber grips. The 39/39-2/x39 pistols look so much nicer with wooden stocks.
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Yes
I have already started looking. Also i am in the process of cleaning it up. I will post more photos once I get better grips installed.
Last edited by whissels39-2; 11-30-2019 at 06:13 PM.
Reason: gramer
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11-30-2019, 10:27 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PJO1425
Keep an eye on your safety/decocker lever. It is likely a 2 piece part like the one on my 39-(nothing). In the photo, yours looks to be a bit above being parallel with the slide. Mine (1967 era) started out like that, a bit loose & then came apart from the internal piece.
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Thanks for the info. I plan on going through this pistol and make sure everything is good. I am also planning to replace the springs.
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11-30-2019, 07:31 PM
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You will not regret your purchase. The model 39 family are great pistols.
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11-30-2019, 09:15 PM
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You will enjoy your Model 39 they are great fun,
On a side note your hammer was likely replaced at some point as it would have originally shipped with the earlier style with a hole under the spur.
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12-01-2019, 12:19 AM
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The 39-2 are great little guns. You are going to enjoy that one.
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12-22-2019, 02:14 PM
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22-DEC-2019 Update. I am well on the way of going through the whole pistol. Cleaning, Springs Replacement, New Grips and Lubrication. Stay tuned for more photos.
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12-22-2019, 05:28 PM
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Hello whissels, why are you replacing the springs? I agree with a clean and a function and check with dummy shells. Leave the springs and shoot a box of std. factory loads thru it, See if it functions OK and shoots at the point you want. You dont have to add to the wealth of the Wolff spring co.
No hot +P loads yet.
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12-22-2019, 08:46 PM
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Picked up a 39-2 with serial number A44xxxxx at the local gun show two weeks ago. Fits the hand perfectly.
wyo-man
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12-22-2019, 08:56 PM
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wyo-man, that Sn aint right. One to many Xs. Just post the Sn.
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12-22-2019, 09:57 PM
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I bought one in 1975 and my ex sold it out from under me....said I had enough guns and one her friends wanted one.(grrrrrr) fast forward to new wife who doesnt sell my stuff and now I have three. One in nickel...love the 39 and wish I could get that first one back......( I run a home for lost and neglected 39s. I will take them in and feed and bathe them...lol)
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12-23-2019, 10:23 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gmborkovic
Hello whissels, why are you replacing the springs? I agree with a clean and a function and check with dummy shells. Leave the springs and shoot a box of std. factory loads thru it, See if it functions OK and shoots at the point you want. You dont have to add to the wealth of the Wolff spring co.
No hot +P loads yet.
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Point taken. I am only replacing the springs that were showing signs of wear. The following springs were replaced. Recoil (Bent) Hammer (was corroded) Trigger return (was corroded as well)
The firing pin spring was ok as with the rest of the little springs.
Also I ordered a Trigger Play Spring. The one that is currently in the pistol has one of the tangs broken off.
I figured that since the pistol is 50 years old it couldn't hurt.
Last edited by whissels39-2; 12-23-2019 at 10:25 PM.
Reason: add a word
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12-24-2019, 09:39 AM
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Mr.whissels, I spoke inappropriately. Its your gun and you have the
springs in front of you. Replace them and go shooting.
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12-25-2019, 11:55 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gmborkovic
wyo-man, that Sn aint right. One to many Xs. Just post the Sn.
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You are correct - it is A4429xx
wyo-man
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01-02-2020, 09:09 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gmborkovic
Congrats on your 39-2. You have a 1969 transitional model when the factory was cleaning out 39 frames and mating them with the 39-2 slides.
The earliest I have seen is 109000 stamped 39-2. I have an A109, A110 and a A120 all on Model-39-2 stamped frames. Sounds like a nice gun. The Red front and WO rear may indicate an owner custom. Mike
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Right in this serial number range you have a mix of non-A prefix and A prfix. I had consec SN non factory engraved A110xxx that I sold a while back and I found 109000 nickel ANIB original owner in Washington State from Army Officer that purchased it himself while on duty. I never lettered to see if it was sold through the PX or on base supply store or an outside store but 109000 without the A prefix is one of those on the border where you can find it one way or the other.
This belongs on the big S&W M39 thread.
Sal
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01-02-2020, 09:14 AM
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congrats, great gun, great condition, great price.
If you see any odd ball transitions or odd configuration 39 series ... please keep me advised.
Best Regards,
Sal Raimondi, Sr. aka MODEL3SW
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01-02-2020, 10:08 AM
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I saw one of these (39-2) in a pawn shop Tuesday. Seems like they have $389 on it, a little wore, but seems good shape overall. Wood grips. The slide mounted decocker/safety functioned well and it had the 8 round flat metal base magazine. I am betting they would come off the price, but it didn't seem like something I would want unless it is a super deal.
What are these worth?
Rosewood
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01-02-2020, 10:18 AM
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Check the mag. Could be a ProMag and not a marked factory mag.
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01-02-2020, 11:05 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gmborkovic
Check the mag. Could be a ProMag and not a marked factory mag.
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I didn't inspect to closely, but it did look factory to me. I read on another post about some of the early mags having a flush fit metal base.
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01-02-2020, 12:02 PM
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"metal Base"? If you mean the "mag butt plate", yes they are a flat metal with S&W stamped on it. The 39-2 came with a plastic follower. They are not hard to find but getting pricey.
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01-02-2020, 12:17 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gmborkovic
"metal Base"? If you mean the "mag butt plate", yes they are a flat metal with S&W stamped on it. The 39-2 came with a plastic follower. They are not hard to find but getting pricey.
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Si, that is what I was referring to.
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01-02-2020, 02:45 PM
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At a pawn shop for $389, there is wiggle room. If it looks ok, sounds good.
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