Thanks for posting this report regarding the ISP’s adoption of the model 39. I remember a few members of TRT carrying 459’s and a Captain in my District had a 559 he carried. When I was hired in 1988 my cadet class was issued new model 439’s. We turned in our 439’s for 5904/6904 in 1990. While I was a local Officer in So Illinois I was always interested in the model 39 since I carried my personal 39 as a reserve Officer and for a PD which did not issue handguns.

I carried a ISP 6904 for a short period of time but when I bought a 3913 NL I was able to turn in the 6904 for a 5904 which I carried until we transitioned to Glocks in 2000.

I have one box from the W-W 100 grain FMJ round nose bullet and a couple of the 100 grain FMJ nickel cartridges. I remember when the Troopers were issued the 115 grain Silvertip and when it was recalled they used either the 95 grain Federal JSP or notched W-W 95 grain JSP. It wasn’t long before the Troopers were issued the Federal 115 grain 9BP ammo.

The first lots of W-W 115 grain JHP +P+ produced significant muzzle flash. We shot quite a few of those rounds in the Academy but by the time I was hired the issued 115 grain +P+ was using a low flash powder. I dispatched many injured animals with that load. I felt well armed with my S&W semi autos and the 115 grain JHP ammo.

A Friend bought my issued 439 because I couldn’t afford it. I always told him if he ever decided to sell it I wanted first dibs. When the ISP transitioned to Glocks the Troopers could buy their 5904/6904 but the price was almost the price of a new pistol. I didn’t buy my 5904 but have since purchased used 439 and 5904. I still enjoy shooting them and bringing back memories.