539 value?

SCSW 4th states.
8,159 reported as produced 1980-1983; 1,975 were nickel finish.
So
1975 nickel
6184 blue
I've seen these numbers elsewhere.
The lower numbers on the nickel persuaded me to get one 20 odd years ago. So these numbers have been about for some time. I Still have mine it in its box.

Edit...if I recall correctly I paid AU$300.
 
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gmborkovic said:
10,00 steel frame 539s seems like a small number, but not rare.
How many had that God awful looking rear sight?
Click to expand...

Hmm...

To which "God awful looking rear sight" are you referring?

The "God awful looking rear sight" that was and is the best combat ready adjustable sight ever installed on a fighting handgun?

The "God awful looking rear sight" designed by the Navy Seals (some of the Bravest Patriots to ever don a uniform) which kept them safe to complete some of the most dangerous missions undertaken by any troops in Vietnam?

The "God awful looking rear sight" designed by a collaboration between the long time Head of Research and Development Dwayne Charron and the Navy Seals whom Dwayne complimented as the Best Shooters he had ever met?

The "God awful looking rear sight" which could be dropped in the mud, wiped off, and then dialed in with whatever 9mm ammo was available to make suppressed one-shot kills after dark to neutralize Vietcong guard animals.

That "God awful looking rear sight"?

Yeah. How could any American like that sight?

Reminds me of a 1917
Eddystone military rifle.
Click to expand...

Take a closer look, sometime.

John
 
The fully adjustable rear sight on the second and third gen pistols was big, but those big wings provided protection from damage and that is not something that can be said of most adjustable sights on handguns.
 
Most either love 'em or hate 'em, I'm in the winged adjustable sight camp. That profile was easily distinguishable and to me was the signature of the S&W semi. My first semi was an adjustable sighted 639 bought new in the early 80's. I've got a few fixed sight models, but would trade them in a heartbeat if the same model came along in like or better condition. The 539 is on my current want-list.
 
Yes.
That God awful rear sight.
There is no question that it is well designed, and that is is extremely functional.
But it is ugly
JohnHL said:
Hmm...

To which "God awful looking rear sight" are you referring?

The "God awful looking rear sight" that was and is the best combat ready adjustable sight ever installed on a fighting handgun?

The "God awful looking rear sight" designed by the Navy Seals (some of the Bravest Patriots to ever don a uniform) which kept them safe to complete some of the most dangerous missions undertaken by any troops in Vietnam?

The "God awful looking rear sight" designed by a collaboration between the long time Head of Research and Development Dwayne Charron and the Navy Seals whom Dwayne complimented as the Best Shooters he had ever met?

The "God awful looking rear sight" which could be dropped in the mud, wiped off, and then dialed in with whatever 9mm ammo was available to make suppressed one-shot kills after dark to neutralize Vietcong guard animals.

That "God awful looking rear sight"?

Yeah. How could any American like that sight?



Take a closer look, sometime.

John
Click to expand...
 
gmborkovic said:
John, agree with everything you say. And I have taken a long look, since
1982 when I got the first one in my shop. Said it then, will say it now, what
an ugly rear sight.
Click to expand...

I’ve always thought those wings were inspired by the timeless 1957 Chevy. Although I never owned one, if I could find a blued slide with one of these sights, reasonably priced, I’d probably add it to my Model 639 Erector Set (aka “FrankenSmith”) to use on suitable occasions. I agree that it lacks a certain grace and beauty, but like the old cowboy said of his shotgun, “She’s like my wife, not real pretty but she sure is permanent”.
Froggie
 
SGT ROCK 11B said:
As a cop I had a variety of 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation autoloaders. I am old and nostalgic but I never liked them. I sold all of mine off over the years.

I prefer revolvers and as a reloader I do not have to bend over to pick up the brass.
Click to expand...

I’m an old retired guy too Sarge, but sometimes a bottom feeder just gets the job done differently, if not better. Although I too lean toward my revolvers (esp J and K frames) I’ll hold on to my customized Gold Cup 45 and my 639 based FrankenSmith. Sometimes a semiauto is just right for the job! ;)
Froggie
PS But bending over to pick up all those empties does kinda suck, doesn’t it? :rolleyes:
 
Green Frog said:
I’ve always thought those wings were inspired by the timeless 1957 Chevy. Although I never owned one, if I could find a blued slide with one of these sights, reasonably priced, I’d probably add it to my Model 639 Erector Set (aka “FrankenSmith”) to use on suitable occasions. I agree that it lacks a certain grace and beauty, but like the old cowboy said of his shotgun, “She’s like my wife, not real pretty but she sure is permanent”.
Froggie
Click to expand...
I'm with you on the blued version, that's part of the criteria for my future 539. I'm fortunate enough to have acquired on of the 200 or so M4505's that were fitted with the winged sight.:D
 
Green Frog said:
PS But bending over to pick up all those empties does kinda suck, doesn’t it? :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
And the older you get, the less fun that is. Back in my competition days I'd see a group of shooters after each match trying to find brass. Just walking around, bent over, occasionally picking up a piece of brass. I called them range ostriches. :D
 
stansdds said:
Yes, but it used to be very common to buy a new handgun and toss out the cardboard box as it offered no protection from the elements nor could it be locked for security.
Click to expand...
Right?! And back in the day (1970's) when bringing a new duty revolver home we threw those stupid wood grips in the trash and instead put on those cool rubber ones.
 
For some reason back in the day I never took a second look at the model 39 / 59 family. I remember reading the magazine articles about the Devel and ASP and thought it would be cool to have one. Fast forward to roughly 2008 and I was issued a very finish worn 3953 by armored car company. Wow ! What a shooter. Trigger pull like my revolvers. Still have it. Now the LGS has a mint nickel 439 with two mags that has been sitting there for some time at $750 and I see it every time I stop by. Hmmmmm…
 

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Baxter6551 said:
For some reason back in the day I never took a second look at the model 39 / 59 family. I remember reading the magazine articles about the Devel and ASP and thought it would be cool to have one. Fast forward to roughly 2008 and I was issued a very finish worn 3953 by armored car company. Wow ! What a shooter. Trigger pull like my revolvers. Still have it. Now the LGS has a mint nickel 439 with two mags that has been sitting there for some time at $750 and I see it every time I stop by. Hmmmmm…
Click to expand...

You should run back and get that one. Hard to believe it hasn't sold.
 
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