Why are Model 39 mags going for such high prices?

Evan Price · #1 03-27-2021, 10:35 PM

I understand everything is high price these days. But 39 mags aren't high capacity and not likely to be banned. There's lots of them. Why are people asking and getting $75 each fur them?

Green Frog · #2 03-27-2021, 10:45 PM

Part of the problem is that there don't seem to be any good aftermarket mags made for the 39 series. I've been fighting this battle for almost a year now and it seems like these days a "bargain price" most of the time is $40-45. If you do much better than that, you are quite lucky.

Froggie

Old_Cop · #3 03-28-2021, 08:18 AM

This is not limited to Model 39 magazines. I have a new PPKs .22lr and magazines are not available except on ebay at twice retail. Same specs, 10 rounds, non high cap. Why?

CH4 · #4 03-28-2021, 08:34 AM

Mags for Smith 10XX are also pricey, $75 to $125. They're over 2X more expensive than mags for the 45XX guns which, except bore diameter, are identical. Must be a supply/demand issue.

gwpercle · #5 03-28-2021, 08:44 AM

High demand + Low supply = High price

It ain't Rocket Science !
Gary

mrmike7189 · #6 03-28-2021, 11:35 AM

All S&W mags are pricey these days. I check Ebay & Gunbroker . They all have them for sale, just depends on how bad you want them.
Just got a 5900 series 15 rounder for under $50.
Thats the best I could do for a nice condition OEM S&W mag.
The 39's do seem to be rarer. Good luck in your search.

AJ · #7 03-28-2021, 11:38 AM

Guess that I will count myself very lucky that a friend gave me two Model 39 magazines. I had bought the pistol and it came with one magazine.

The local gun shop was asking $25 a piece and I felt that was to high.

gmborkovic · #8 03-28-2021, 11:49 AM

Hello Evan, yep, just aint logical. Prices are all over the place. Last week, I bought four NOS 39-2 plastic follower mags for $105. Yep, factory new. No evidence of ever being in a gun. Just keep looking.

PeteC · #9 03-28-2021, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evan Price

I understand everything is high price these days. But 39 mags aren't high capacity and not likely to be banned. There's lots of them. Why are people asking and getting $75 each fur them?

When the supply is limited, some people respond by hoarding what they have, and buying more at any price. In a few months, you may be able to buy enough magazines to stack into dining table centerpiece,

Sevens · #10 03-28-2021, 12:34 PM

I know that it’s easy to say “supply and demand” but I think the answer is some kind of nearly parallel side street to that easy answer.

I think it’s as simple as EVERYTHING in our hobby right now is nuts, and the average gun guy horse trader almost overnight has just doubled his prices (give or take) for no real reason other than because we are knee deep in yet another panic.

The supply and demand of single stack old school magazines for a pistol not made since 1982 hasn’t changed much at all, but the two key ingredients have changed.

Guys are listing them at stupid prices and some folks who either don’t know better or don’t care are paying the prices.

Sevens · #11 03-28-2021, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evan Price

Why are people asking and getting $75 each fur them?

This makes infinitely more sense than the same idiotic thing happening with primers. WHY are people asking $100-$200 per thousand and better yet, WHY are people paying it?

At least a 39 magazine isn’t a consumable product and furthermore, they aren’t making more of them (like primers.)

AJ · #12 03-28-2021, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sevens

Guys are listing them at stupid prices and some folks who either don’t know better or don’t care are paying the prices.

Some folks have a lot more assets than brains and will pay the inflated prices. Some folks are desperate and think that things will be banned in the future, so get what they can now. Lots of reasons adding up to the panic buying we are seeing now. Just my $0.02!

K-22 · #13 03-28-2021, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrmike7189

All S&W mags are pricey these days. I check Ebay & Gunbroker . They all have them for sale, just depends on how bad you want them.
Just got a 5900 series 15 rounder for under $50.
Thats the best I could do for a nice condition OEM S&W mag.
The 39's do seem to be rarer. Good luck in your search.

MecGar makes quality mags for the 5900 series S&W.
I just picked up several.
They are top drawer.
Best,
Gary

LostintheOzone · #14 03-28-2021, 01:33 PM

I think you answered your own question.

Quote:

But 39 mags aren't high capacity and not likely to be banned.

All of my pistols use <10 rd. mags. Even a few of the newer ones I've purchased. There will be a run on older SS compacts in the near future. Model 39 qualifies. I've started a collection of DA/SA compacts.

hammy5150 · #15 03-29-2021, 12:27 PM

I wish Mec-Gar would make some more 3rd Gen mags and deflate the non 5900 series mag market a bit. 1006 mags are ridiculous as everyone knows and 4506 mags are getting to that point as well.

Sevens · #16 03-29-2021, 03:06 PM

Meg-Gar has a button on their website that tells you directly to send them suggestions... and they even reply when you do it.

I told them that they would make a monster killing for at least a little while if they tooled up and made a quality aftermarket magazine for the Smith & Wesson Model 52 pistol. They replied in a day or two with the old standard "thanks for your interest in our products and we have received your suggestion but have no plans at this time."

Sigh.

I'll be the first to admit that I don't have even 1% of half a clue of what kind of monetary investment it requires for Mec-Gar to whip out a brand new magazine (such as a 52 mag that is unlike almost anything they make...) and I am sure that it isn't a low cost endeavor for them.

But I genuinely wonder if they have any idea what the 52 magazines trade at these days. I wonder if Mec-Gar might take a second look at my suggestion if they knew that some people actually do spend $200 on a single magazine for these pistols.

Not that Mec-Gar would sell them at $200. But if they offered them at $74.95 AND THEY WORKED WELL then they would sell out every single one they made.

hammy5150 · #17 03-29-2021, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sevens

Meg-Gar has a button on their website that tells you directly to send them suggestions... and they even reply when you do it.

I told them that they would make a monster killing for at least a little while if they tooled up and made a quality aftermarket magazine for the Smith & Wesson Model 52 pistol. They replied in a day or two with the old standard "thanks for your interest in our products and we have received your suggestion but have no plans at this time."

Sigh.

I'll be the first to admit that I don't have even 1% of half a clue of what kind of monetary investment it requires for Mec-Gar to whip out a brand new magazine (such as a 52 mag that is unlike almost anything they make...) and I am sure that it isn't a low cost endeavor for them.

But I genuinely wonder if they have any idea what the 52 magazines trade at these days. I wonder if Mec-Gar might take a second look at my suggestion if they knew that some people actually do spend $200 on a single magazine for these pistols.

Not that Mec-Gar would sell them at $200. But if they offered them at $74.95 AND THEY WORKED WELL then they would sell out every single one they made.

They won't even do it for the .40 guns and as far as I can tell those are the same mag body, catch and floorplate as the 9 mags with just the spring and follower being different. I don't even know how long they'll keep making the 59 mags honestly.

dasnake · #18 03-29-2021, 05:21 PM

I own 4 semis, colt gold cup, para 45, 5906 and a 39-2, years ago I built up a collection of 15 colt, 8 para, 12 5906 and 10 39-2. Mom thought I wuz nutz and maybe I myself will never need them, but I'm sure they will never go out of style.

Sevens · #19 03-29-2021, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hammy5150

I don't even know how long they'll keep making the 59 mags honestly.

Once the R&D is done and the tooling and spec’s are done... producing them comes down to a smidge of materials and a little bit of electricity and the wages they pay to run the business. In other words, for Mec-Gar, making a run of the 5906 magazine is closer to *FREE* than anything.

As long as Mec-Gar is in business and can get materials, I see no logical reason why they would stop production of the 5906 magazine.

JohnHL · #20 03-29-2021, 08:37 PM

Here in this S&W echo chamber, the demand for S&W magazines is deafening.

But out in the real world?

Not so much.

Mec-Gar seems to be a well run company, so it would seem that they gauge the market.

I think if they suddenly released mags for our beloved pistols, they would struggle to sell over 500 copies of any one of them.

Models 39, 52, 1006, whatever.

That's probably less than a day's production and it wouldn't be worth setting up a new line or halting current production on an existing line.

There are plenty of mags out there.

If things improve, they will be available again.

And if things don't improve. . .

It won't matter.

John

smithfan4152 · #21 03-30-2021, 04:39 PM

I just watched 3 model 52 magazines go for $440.00 plus $15.00 ship. Plastic followers, these were $25.00 not long ago, and now metal follower mags are $175.00 and above. Lucky your not into 41-1s, 5 round 41-1 mags have gone from $250.00 to $400.00 to a new high one went for $556.00, Crazy. At least I know when I sell my Pre 39, low 4 digit number has 3 original mag's, I should be able to get a good dollar for it.

gmborkovic · #22 03-30-2021, 05:29 PM

Hey 4152, with your pre-39, did you end up with the flat follower variety?
If so, you are lucky. Hard to find mag. best.

mauser9 · #23 03-30-2021, 05:35 PM

I'll say prices have gone crazy in our hobby. Back in 74 you could buy a Model 39 with 2 mags for $125. Least back then prices did not triple every time ya turned around.

smithfan4152 · #24 03-31-2021, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmborkovic

Hey 4152, with your pre-39, did you end up with the flat follower variety?
If so, you are lucky. Hard to find mag. best.

Hi again, my pre 39 is in the 8400 range, I'm sure the mag was original to the gun, they have metal followers, all 3 are the same, I bet these are what they called the X followers, as they are stampings spot welded together. No flat plate on the upper surface. Jim Any Idea what this should bring, to an interested party, my box is not the original box, end is silver printed 9mm semi automatic pistol blue finish. No other items or paper work, other than the rust inhibitor paper they used. Thanks, Jim

gmborkovic · #25 03-31-2021, 08:44 AM

Hello Jim, check just below the Sn. Should be stamped Model-39.
Your Sn. is the highest four digit early mod-39 I have seen.
After this, they jumped to the 30K Sn. block. Your three mags sound correct for the period if on the floor plate is stamped 9MM/S&W. Mike

smithfan4152 · #26 03-31-2021, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmborkovic

Hello Jim, check just below the Sn. Should be stamped Model-39.
Your Sn. is the highest four digit early mod-39 I have seen.
After this, they jumped to the 30K Sn. block. Your three mags sound correct for the period if on the floor plate is stamped 9MM/S&W. Mike

Hi Mike, one out of 3 stamped S&W 9mm, and the other 2 are just stamped S&W. So the other 2 are still for the 39, but later period. #8546
Here are some photo's, not sure if the box is correct, have a feeling it is. Thanks.

gmborkovic · #27 03-31-2021, 10:07 AM

Jim, I gotta tell ya, I think you have one I have never seen. It appears the Model 39 was hand stamped. But you have a pre-39 frame. Any Sn.
written on the bottom of the box? Yes, one mag is correct. Mke

Revoman · #28 03-31-2021, 10:19 AM

Ever since we put men on the moon the world has gone crazy.

That and the fact that every time one shows up for sale in the classifieds it's gone in seconds doesn't help.

smithfan4152 · #29 03-31-2021, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmborkovic

Jim, I gotta tell ya, I think you have one I have never seen. It appears the Model 39 was hand stamped. But you have a pre-39 frame. Any Sn.
written on the bottom of the box? Yes, one mag is correct. Mke

Serial # on the bottom of the box 32694.

PALADIN85020 · #30 03-31-2021, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sevens

Meg-Gar has a button on their website that tells you directly to send them suggestions... and they even reply when you do it.

I told them that they would make a monster killing for at least a little while if they tooled up and made a quality aftermarket magazine for the Smith & Wesson Model 52 pistol. They replied in a day or two with the old standard "thanks for your interest in our products and we have received your suggestion but have no plans at this time."

Sigh.

I'll be the first to admit that I don't have even 1% of half a clue of what kind of monetary investment it requires for Mec-Gar to whip out a brand new magazine (such as a 52 mag that is unlike almost anything they make...) and I am sure that it isn't a low cost endeavor for them.

But I genuinely wonder if they have any idea what the 52 magazines trade at these days. I wonder if Mec-Gar might take a second look at my suggestion if they knew that some people actually do spend $200 on a single magazine for these pistols.

Not that Mec-Gar would sell them at $200. But if they offered them at $74.95 AND THEY WORKED WELL then they would sell out every single one they made.

Model 52 mags are uniquely made in order to reliably feed rimmed bullet-flush .38 special cartridges. That would require Mec-Gar to spend a lot of money to tool up for a limited market, and it's understandable that they have no plans to do this.

Current owners of these guns and magazines are understandably reluctant to part with them - so the supply of factory mags is pretty well dried up.

John

Rick H. · #31 03-31-2021, 11:49 AM

Magazines for older firearms are quickly becoming the "New Black" as they say. Doesn't do you much good to have a Model 52 or some other pistols if you can't afford or find the magazines for it. Model 52 mags have become the Golden Fleece so to speak. I used to turn my nose up at old crummy looking ones, or parts for them, but I changed my thought process on that. Now I look for the parts and pieces of old M52 magazines and I have put together some decent ones at bargain basement prices. If the bodies are in rough shape I vapor blast them and have them parkerized which hides the imperfections and is pretty robust and prevents rusting. Those old "put together mags" are what I use to shoot with today and I save the nice looking ones for posterity.

I too contacted a couple of magazine manufacturers re making magazines for the M52 and received the same "sorry but" reply. I am not in anyway connected to a manufacturing process, but I wouldn't think if a company is already making a multitude of different magazines that it would be all that difficult to tool up for M52 magazines. You wouldn't even need to make them with all the bells and whistles of a factory magazine, just a magazine that would work even if loading it would be more difficult. Sadly I don't see much relief coming down the pike of this one and it's pay $200 or more dollars or walk away.

Oh and primers are so expensive now that sellers are selling them by the 100 primer tray instead of by the 1000 count brick. If you can find 1000 primers for under $250.00 buy them if you need them because that's a good price today. Some of these individuals are nothing but wolves in sheep hides.

Rick H.

AJ · #32 03-31-2021, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick H.

Magazines for older firearms are quickly becoming the "New Black" as they say. Doesn't do you much good to have a Model 52 or some other pistols if you can't afford or find the magazines for it. Model 52 mags have become the Golden Fleece so to speak. I used to turn my nose up at old crummy looking ones, or parts for them, but I changed my thought process on that. Now I look for the parts and pieces of old M52 magazines and I have put together some decent ones at bargain basement prices. If the bodies are in rough shape I vapor blast them and have them parkerized which hides the imperfections and is pretty robust and prevents rusting. Those old "put together mags" are what I use to shoot with today and I save the nice looking ones for posterity.

I too contacted a couple of magazine manufacturers re making magazines for the M52 and received the same "sorry but" reply. I am not in anyway connected to a manufacturing process, but I wouldn't think if a company is already making a multitude of different magazines that it would be all that difficult to tool up for M52 magazines. You wouldn't even need to make them with all the bells and whistles of a factory magazine, just a magazine that would work even if loading it would be more difficult. Sadly I don't see much relief coming down the pike of this one and it's pay $200 or more dollars or walk away.

Oh and primers are so expensive now that sellers are selling them by the 100 primer tray instead of by the 1000 count brick. If you can find 1000 primers for under $250.00 buy them if you need them because that's a good price today. Some of these individuals are nothing but wolves in sheep hides.

Rick H.

It is a wonder that they don't make an after market for both the 52 and 39. The 39's will fit into the mag well on the 52, but the 52's will not fit into the mag well on the 39. Probably with a bit of tweaking they could make one mag body fit both guns. Then it would be just a matter of fine tuning the mags for each gun. More trouble than it is worth?? Who knows......

BAM-BAM · #33 03-31-2021, 12:26 PM

Mec-gar about 2 years ago started making 15 rd mags for the Beretta 92 Compact (13rd was factory standard) and 18rd mags for the full size 92s.. Right now everyone is trying to grab as many hi-cap mags as they con. These 15rd.Compact mags are still available for < $30 last time I bought some .... 2-3 months ago.

There are a lot less 92 Compacts around than Model 39s.......my guess if the Country as a whole went <10 rounds you'd see the price of 39s go up even more and Mec-gar meet the magazine demand.

Fastbolt · #34 03-31-2021, 09:05 PM

I just received this notification from Midway:

Product Arrival Notification

Great news, this is your requested notification that we just received a shipment of the following product:
Smith & Wesson Magazine S&W...

Smith & Wesson Magazine S&W 39, 439, 539, 639, 909, 952, 3904, 3906, 3944, 3946 9mm Luger 9-Round Stainless Steel

Product#: 162234
$35.99

When I logged onto the website to order one, I saw there is a maximum 3-unit limit for ordering.

Something to think about is that the factory 3913/908 8rd & CS9 7rd magazines have been listed as Discontinued. You can still order some of the parts, but not the complete magazine assembly, itself. Not even from the factory, as I asked about it as an armorer a couple months ago when I was ordering some springs for the M&P series. Who knows how long it may be before these 9rd magazines may also become Discontinued?

HOUSTON RICK · #35 03-31-2021, 10:39 PM

Try finding 3913 mags, I bought the relatively common, inexpensive 39 mags to use in my 3913, and most infuriating as mentioned above are the Walther PPK/S 22lr mags. I still only have the one that came with the gun - I guess that I am lucky to have that. Good luck hunting!

AJ · #36 04-01-2021, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOUSTON RICK

Try finding 3913 mags, I bought the relatively common, inexpensive 39 mags to use in my 3913, and most infuriating as mentioned above are the Walther PPK/S 22lr mags. I still only have the one that came with the gun - I guess that I am lucky to have that. Good luck hunting!

About 10 years ago I bought a PP from the LGS. They had magazines for it and I bought all they had. They had five and they sold them to me at $20 each. Looking on line at the time I found them for $100 each. What I am getting at, is to check the small Mom & Pop gunshops if you have any.

majick47 · #37 04-01-2021, 10:47 AM

Try to find new parts for an old appliance long out of production, same story. Other than firearms like the Colt US military 45 auto with millions of mags mfg all the rest in comparison were mfg in very small numbers.

AJ · #38 04-01-2021, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by majick47

Try to find new parts for an old appliance long out of production, same story. Other than firearms like the Colt US military 45 auto with millions of mags mfg all the rest in comparison were mfg in very small numbers.

Many years ago we bought surplus M1911 magazines from a dealer for $1.00 a magazine. I believe he had bought them at a DRMO sale for way less then that.

firefighterjohn · #39 04-01-2021, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fastbolt

I just received this notification from Midway:

Product Arrival Notification

Great news, this is your requested notification that we just received a shipment of the following product:
Smith & Wesson Magazine S&W...

Smith & Wesson Magazine S&W 39, 439, 539, 639, 909, 952, 3904, 3906, 3944, 3946 9mm Luger 9-Round Stainless Steel

Product#: 162234
$35.99

When I logged onto the website to order one, I saw there is a maximum 3-unit limit for ordering.

Something to think about is that the factory 3913/908 8rd & CS9 7rd magazines have been listed as Discontinued. You can still order some of the parts, but not the complete magazine assembly, itself. Not even from the factory, as I asked about it as an armorer a couple months ago when I was ordering some springs for the M&P series. Who knows how long it may be before these 9rd magazines may also become Discontinued?

Thanks for the info Fastbolt, I just placed my order for 3!

majick47 · #40 04-01-2021, 02:53 PM

When it was times of plenty and mags were cheap can't figure why anyone didn't pick up a couple spare mags, not talking dozens here. If you didn't need them then you probably don't need them now.

AJ · #41 04-01-2021, 03:34 PM

I would figure that one in the gun and two for reloading would be enough. If you need more than that then an AR, AK or even an M1 Carbine with 30 round magazines come to mind or even my PMR-30 with an extra magazine or two........

firefighterjohn · #42 04-02-2021, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by majick47

When it was times of plenty and mags were cheap can't figure why anyone didn't pick up a couple spare mags, not talking dozens here. If you didn't need them then you probably don't need them now.

Well, didn't NEED any until I got my first one. Never really knew much about the 39 series until I was shown one last Fall by my LGS owner. It came in on consignment sale and I bought it right there on the spot! It came with the box, paperwork but only 1 mag.

I've been trying to find more mags ever since, but this is NOT the best time to try and find anything!

I've been picking up more S&W revolvers since I got my first one 6 years agao and never really saw or looked for older S&W semi-autos.

Now it looks like I'm gonna be infected all over again...LOL

stansdds · #43 04-02-2021, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJ

I would figure that one in the gun and two for reloading would be enough. If you need more than that then an AR, AK or even an M1 Carbine with 30 round magazines come to mind or even my PMR-30 with an extra magazine or two........

And if you are in that sort of situation, you use the pistol to fight your way to a rifle.

Oldsalt66 · #44 04-02-2021, 09:52 AM

Perceived scarcity.

demkofour · #45 04-02-2021, 06:09 PM

In my search for a couple of extra magazines for my recently acquired 439, I went to Numrich Arms- Gun Parts Corporation, and found brand new GPC 39/39-2 magazines. Magazine, 9mm, 8 Round, Blued, New Reproduction | Gun Parts Corp.
I bought 2 several days ago and they arrived today. I’m impressed with the fit and finish and they appear to be pretty true to the original 39 magazine, with the metal “X” style follower. Besides that, the only difference I can see is the GPC magazine rivets are not as pronounced or clean (but very much serviceable) and the floorplate does not have the S&W stamp.
New GPC magazine on the LEFT, Smith and Wesson magazine on the RIGHT.

wetdog1911 · #46 04-02-2021, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green Frog

Part of the problem is that there don't seem to be any good aftermarket mags made for the 39 series. I've been fighting this battle for almost a year now and it seems like these days a "bargain price" most of the time is $40-45. If you do much better than that, you are quite lucky.

Froggie

Not just aftermarket mags. Take the pre 1990 OEM mags for the M41, built like tanks with pretty much zero issues. Post very early 1990s, *same* OEM M41 mags that S&W suggested you squeeze in a vise to get them to fit right !? Out of spec and flimsy to boot, it was like night and day. No wonder the old mags are selling for so much.

Rob

AJ · #47 04-05-2021, 02:37 PM

I bought this at the local gun shop this morning. I paid $20.00 for it. Deals are out there. I assume this is one of the original style magazines. Why did they change followers?

Sevens · #48 04-05-2021, 02:57 PM

I'm no expert but S&W changes things if there are function or durability issues sometimes... but the first, often, and most important reason they change ANY part is always due to cost. Be that source materials, supplier chain or even the speed and ease of production, it's almost always driven by cost.

The plastic follower in a 39-2 magazine likely exists because it cost less to produce than the metal one you show in the picture.

gmborkovic · #49 04-05-2021, 04:13 PM

Hey AJ, sorry bud, you got stuck with China junk for $20.
I will bail you out this time. Pls PM. Mike WINK, good snag. Pays to dig.

GaryS · #50 04-05-2021, 04:26 PM

A couple of years ago, I wondered if I had "too many" 3913 and CS9 magazines. I decided that the answer was no. I figured that even if springs, followers, baseplates, etc... were still going to be available, the bodies might not be.

Every once in a while, I do something smart.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOUSTON RICK

Try finding 3913 mags, I bought the relatively common, inexpensive 39 mags to use in my 3913, and most infuriating as mentioned above are the Walther PPK/S 22lr mags. I still only have the one that came with the gun - I guess that I am lucky to have that. Good luck hunting!