Here is a reason not to buy it. I don't know about your son, but if my Dad was thinking about buying me a gun, no matter what it was, it would make me extremely happy. My Dad has bought me one gun so far, an M&P 9c, and no matter what happens, I will never sell it. It might not be a collectable gun or a metal gun for that matter, but every time I look at or shoot that gun, it reminds me of him. So, if I were you, I would take that money and use it on a layaway (if possible) for that black gun & don't look back. Trust me, there will be other Model 39's.
Navarre