Model 39's at AIM - which "European police" dept?
- Thread starter W.E.G.
- Start date
Now that she's all cleaned up and inspected, time to think about holsters.
There are some very nice (and expensive) leather holsters still made just for the M39.
Before I run out and spend a lot of money on another holster, let's have a look at how the M39 rides in some holsters already on hand.
On top of the pile are several FOBUS kydex holsters.
Let's start with the one that I got for my Ruger P-95.
The manufacturer-marked this model "RU-97"
This particular model is the "roto-holster" model – which if you don't know FOBUS holsters, means it is adjustable for cant. I assume the pouch that holds the gun is made from the same mold as the other FOBUS holsters, like the paddle-model, and belt-model.
The M-39 fits into the RU-97 with a satisfying "click" sound.
Once you get past the click, it does rattle a bit.
Otherwise the fit seems normal and unobtrusive.
It passes the inversion test, but only just barely. The belt in the pic is belted around the back of an old office chair. If you kick the chair while the M39 is inverted in the RU-97 holster, the M39 falls out of the holster.
There are some very nice (and expensive) leather holsters still made just for the M39.
Before I run out and spend a lot of money on another holster, let's have a look at how the M39 rides in some holsters already on hand.
On top of the pile are several FOBUS kydex holsters.
Let's start with the one that I got for my Ruger P-95.
The manufacturer-marked this model "RU-97"
This particular model is the "roto-holster" model – which if you don't know FOBUS holsters, means it is adjustable for cant. I assume the pouch that holds the gun is made from the same mold as the other FOBUS holsters, like the paddle-model, and belt-model.
The M-39 fits into the RU-97 with a satisfying "click" sound.
Once you get past the click, it does rattle a bit.
Otherwise the fit seems normal and unobtrusive.
It passes the inversion test, but only just barely. The belt in the pic is belted around the back of an old office chair. If you kick the chair while the M39 is inverted in the RU-97 holster, the M39 falls out of the holster.
Last edited:
Next, let's try the FOBUS paddle holster for the full-size 1911.
This is model number C21
The M39 does not "click" into this holster.
However, the M39 fits in this holster VERY SNUG.
Passes the inversion test with no issue. I'm not sure I would bungee-jump with the M39 in this holster, but I wouldn't be concerned if I had to get on a roller-coaster with it.
This is model number C21
The M39 does not "click" into this holster.
However, the M39 fits in this holster VERY SNUG.
Passes the inversion test with no issue. I'm not sure I would bungee-jump with the M39 in this holster, but I wouldn't be concerned if I had to get on a roller-coaster with it.
The FOBUS paddle holster for the "full-size" Glock (i.e. G17 or G22, etc.) is marked GL2.
The M39 will go in the GL2 holster
It does not click in, and it does not rattle.
But, I am not comfortable with the security of the M39 in this holster.
The GL2 holster fails the inversion test.
I was able to cram the M39 into this holster, and it would hold the M39 just long enough for me to start to get set up to take the pic, then the M39 would fall out of the holster, and onto the floor before I could press the shutter-release.
The M39 will go in the GL2 holster
It does not click in, and it does not rattle.
But, I am not comfortable with the security of the M39 in this holster.
The GL2 holster fails the inversion test.
I was able to cram the M39 into this holster, and it would hold the M39 just long enough for me to start to get set up to take the pic, then the M39 would fall out of the holster, and onto the floor before I could press the shutter-release.
I have a Lobo Pancake (Model 1 ?) leather holster that keeps my M39 very snugly in place. The basic holster isn't too bad at $41.95 and they still show it as an available model.
Those look really nice, and at an attractive price!
Lobo Gun Leather - Model 1 Pancake Style holster
Link fixed: Lobo Gun Leather - Current List of Handgun Models Accomodated
Last edited:
One more FOBUS holster I already own.
This one is for the "Baby Glock" (i.e. G26, G27, etc.)
Aptly marked GL26
Another thread on this board mentioned the GL26 holster as an option for the M39 - http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...odern-holster-s-w-mdl-39-a.html#post135363949
This suggestion inspired me to do all this experimentation with my FOBUS holster collection.
The M39 actually fits MORE snugly in the smaller Glock holster than it did in the bigger Glock holster. Yet, it doesn't fit snugly enough to ensure the gun won't become dislodged during vigorous activity. The GL26 holster does not reliably pass the inversion test. At first it seemed like it was holding the M39 quite well. Then suddenly, the M39 just fell right out on the floor. Not good. If you cram the M39 into the holster really hard, it will fool you. I'm here to tell you, don't trust it on its own.
So, what to do if your holster on hand isn't trustworthy for retaining the M39 (or whatever other gun you may stuff in it)? If you are concealing, or if you simply refuse to be a slave to fashion, an inexpensive cordlock (available at any camping outfitter), and a length of para cord, and you are 100% secure against a gun-grab or a bungee-jump.
The "tails" of the para cord are left conspicuously free for the purpose of the photo. The tails could be tucked behind the belt and/or into your trousers in such a way that only a keen eye would even notice the presence of the para cord. The cordlock would probably appear to be just a feature of the holster itself.
Yes, it adds time to your quickdraw -- but you can always unfasten the loop if you are in Indian territory, and expecting savages. The loop does not have to be removed from the belt or the cordlock – just loosened. Be sure to remember to re-secure the loop before the track-and-field event commences.
This one is for the "Baby Glock" (i.e. G26, G27, etc.)
Aptly marked GL26
Another thread on this board mentioned the GL26 holster as an option for the M39 - http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-...odern-holster-s-w-mdl-39-a.html#post135363949
This suggestion inspired me to do all this experimentation with my FOBUS holster collection.
The M39 actually fits MORE snugly in the smaller Glock holster than it did in the bigger Glock holster. Yet, it doesn't fit snugly enough to ensure the gun won't become dislodged during vigorous activity. The GL26 holster does not reliably pass the inversion test. At first it seemed like it was holding the M39 quite well. Then suddenly, the M39 just fell right out on the floor. Not good. If you cram the M39 into the holster really hard, it will fool you. I'm here to tell you, don't trust it on its own.
So, what to do if your holster on hand isn't trustworthy for retaining the M39 (or whatever other gun you may stuff in it)? If you are concealing, or if you simply refuse to be a slave to fashion, an inexpensive cordlock (available at any camping outfitter), and a length of para cord, and you are 100% secure against a gun-grab or a bungee-jump.
The "tails" of the para cord are left conspicuously free for the purpose of the photo. The tails could be tucked behind the belt and/or into your trousers in such a way that only a keen eye would even notice the presence of the para cord. The cordlock would probably appear to be just a feature of the holster itself.
Yes, it adds time to your quickdraw -- but you can always unfasten the loop if you are in Indian territory, and expecting savages. The loop does not have to be removed from the belt or the cordlock – just loosened. Be sure to remember to re-secure the loop before the track-and-field event commences.
Last edited:
Range report.
Zero malfunctions.
All firing done from unsupported offhand position.
Two-hand grip.
Single action only.
Tested with:
Winchester (FMJ)
Remington (FMJ)
Wolf (FMJ)
Winchester Silvertip (hollow-point)
5 shots
.
.
5 shots
.
.
5 shots
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Zero malfunctions.
All firing done from unsupported offhand position.
Two-hand grip.
Single action only.
Tested with:
Winchester (FMJ)
Remington (FMJ)
Wolf (FMJ)
Winchester Silvertip (hollow-point)
5 shots
.
.
5 shots
.
.
5 shots
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
jpage: Yes it will function without the magazine disconnentor. And it will now fire even if the magazine is out of the pistol! I tried it with my 39 once; didn't like it and reinstalled the mag disconenctor.
Hey guys. I'm kind of a lurker around here and don't really post much, but this thread has so much great info, I thought I'd say thanks to everyone who's posted.
I also purchased a Model 39 from AIM. I'm pretty sure mine was the last one to leave their warehouse. They told me I "almost lost it" because of some confusion with my FFL. But that all got sorted out and I was able to get my pistol and take it to the range this weekend.
Unlike W.E.G., my pistol came with the wood grips, which I was glad for. They are well worn, but still have several years of life left in them. Whoever carried it was a righty like me because the texture on the wood is almost completely smoothed down on the right grip panel.
My lanyard loop is also smashed down. My theory is that the Euro police force these came from were trained to use the butt of their guns to crack open walnuts. I'm still developing this theory...
I've owned a couple of dozen pistols over the past few years, but this is my first S&W pre-M&P auto. For some reason, this 39 is close to the top of the list of "fun to shoot" guns I've ever owned. I have no idea why, but I got a big grin every time I finished off a mag. The recoil seems very soft, and I think it will make a great training pistol for my intro to handgun classes.
I did have a few failures to extract, but that could have been because of the cheap Russian ammo I was using, or perhaps due to the fact that it hadn't been cleaned since it left Europe (don't judge me! I had a chance to go to the range so I jumped on it. You'd have done the same!) Anyway, it's been field stripped and scrubbed of all it's nasty Euro-grime now, so we'll see how it does next time at the range. Maybe I'll come back here and give a report.
Okay, that's all I got
Chris
PS: For your viewing pleasure:
I also purchased a Model 39 from AIM. I'm pretty sure mine was the last one to leave their warehouse. They told me I "almost lost it" because of some confusion with my FFL. But that all got sorted out and I was able to get my pistol and take it to the range this weekend.
Unlike W.E.G., my pistol came with the wood grips, which I was glad for. They are well worn, but still have several years of life left in them. Whoever carried it was a righty like me because the texture on the wood is almost completely smoothed down on the right grip panel.
My lanyard loop is also smashed down. My theory is that the Euro police force these came from were trained to use the butt of their guns to crack open walnuts. I'm still developing this theory...
I've owned a couple of dozen pistols over the past few years, but this is my first S&W pre-M&P auto. For some reason, this 39 is close to the top of the list of "fun to shoot" guns I've ever owned. I have no idea why, but I got a big grin every time I finished off a mag. The recoil seems very soft, and I think it will make a great training pistol for my intro to handgun classes.
I did have a few failures to extract, but that could have been because of the cheap Russian ammo I was using, or perhaps due to the fact that it hadn't been cleaned since it left Europe (don't judge me! I had a chance to go to the range so I jumped on it. You'd have done the same!) Anyway, it's been field stripped and scrubbed of all it's nasty Euro-grime now, so we'll see how it does next time at the range. Maybe I'll come back here and give a report.
Okay, that's all I got
Chris
PS: For your viewing pleasure:
One more thing!
I emailed TGI, the guys who imported these pistols, and asked if they could give any details about where they came from. This is the reply I got just a few minutes ago:
Sir,
Other than the Austrian Government/Forest Service/Border Patrol/ Regional Police we don't know anymore details, Sorry
TGI
Anyone else want to do some detective work?
Chris
I emailed TGI, the guys who imported these pistols, and asked if they could give any details about where they came from. This is the reply I got just a few minutes ago:
Sir,
Other than the Austrian Government/Forest Service/Border Patrol/ Regional Police we don't know anymore details, Sorry
TGI
Anyone else want to do some detective work?
Chris
4506517
Member
Spaker:
Bull City Defense? I assume you've registered your handguns, right? Durham is funny like that.
Bull City Defense? I assume you've registered your handguns, right? Durham is funny like that.
Hah, yes I'm aware of the Durham registration law. From what I've been able to gather, local leo have been told not to enforce it and the last conviction under that law was in the 60s. Doesn't really matter to me though.. I lost all my guns in a tragic boating accident on Falls Lake last weekend.
Chris
Then it ought to be repealed. Non-enforcement of existing laws really means selective enforcement, which will be used at the Chief's or Officer's whim.Hah, yes I'm aware of the Durham registration law. From what I've been able to gather, local leo have been told not to enforce it and the last conviction under that law was in the 60s. Doesn't really matter to me though.. I lost all my guns in a tragic boating accident on Falls Lake last weekend.
Chris
