I recently bought a "rescue" 39-2 that wasn't terribly beat up but had been carried by an LEO and therefore had holster wear as well as a fairly well-used trigger.

Given its A126xxx serial number (which most piqued my interest) it is an early, early 1971-likely 39-2.

Took it to the range a couple of days later and worked like a dream, most likely because it'd been long ago pushed through its run-in barrier.

The LGS salesman said the now-retired LEO had opted to keep the gun because he was comfortable with it and despite numerous departmental "upgrades" over the years.

"Why did he sell it?" I wondered aloud?

"He traded it; we had a really nice-looking one at about the same serial number," came the answer from the paperwork-buried salesman.

"And you guys didn't call me first!?" I shot back.

Well, at least the LEO's now previous 39-2 went to a good home.

I think.