I like the way you put it.
Later.
Later.
The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture.
- Thread starter model3sw
- Start date
OP
A bump, for study of placement of 4, 5 and 6 digit serial numbers centered over MODEL 39 marking.
A 39-2 is on it's way and is the first one I have I have had in 30+ years. The Browning HP was getting too heavy for a daily carry gun and was looking for a lighter piece. Found # A 164874 recently and am anxiously awaiting for it to land at my LGS. Condition is an honest 97%. Has PAT'S PENDING on the slide and 9MM CTG on the barrel hood, hole in hammer and figure 8 mag follower. No box or docs. Photos will follow once it is in my possession.
Finally got around to picking up the 39-2. Photos are below.
Finally got around to picking up the 39-2. Photos are below.
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Photos added
5150
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You probably mean "714." That was his badge number. (I wonder if he was a baseball fan?)
5150
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I just got my first 39-2 a couple weeks ago and I really like it. It's from 1972 and shoots great. I just can't believe how expensive the original mags are. And it's now my second favorite next to my 28-2. I'm a revo guy but I got this gun initially for the nostalgia factor. I used to sell cop equipment when I was a kid in the late 70s and this was one of them.
From what I remember, police back then still mostly carried revolvers; the semis were just coming into their own. We sold a few 39s, some 59s, and occasionally a Hi-Power or Colt 1911. But for the most part it was still revolvers. I can also reload 9mm so I'm able to customize rounds for a little variety. Anyway, I really enjoy this forum and reading up on the 39s, regardless of version.
From what I remember, police back then still mostly carried revolvers; the semis were just coming into their own. We sold a few 39s, some 59s, and occasionally a Hi-Power or Colt 1911. But for the most part it was still revolvers. I can also reload 9mm so I'm able to customize rounds for a little variety. Anyway, I really enjoy this forum and reading up on the 39s, regardless of version.
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That 741 mis-key will haunt me for ever!
5150
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You must've been mixing that up with the Indian motorcycle Model 741.
A Steely Bunch
Scored by yours truly since 01 October are five Smith & Wesson Steel Model 39s, the below being four among them. You know, come to think of it, I might've scored six of 'em. I'm telling you, "old" isn't all it's been cracked up to be.
The above hasn't a handling mark on it anywhere. None. Nada. Zip. Zero.
And to think, yours truly had absolutely no Steel M39s in his collection before 01 October. Since then scored have been the aforementioned as well as four Pre-39s. I'll upload pics on those ASAP, but they won't be in this post. I'm a tired old guy right now.
Next up is the only Steel M39 about which admited is its actual price, or thereabouts. You know: hang tag, historical document and all that stuff.
It, too, is without sin . . . er . . . handmarks. Or dust marks. Or greasy fingered five-year-old's marks.
Man, I do enjoy this collecting thing.
Later.
Scored by yours truly since 01 October are five Smith & Wesson Steel Model 39s, the below being four among them. You know, come to think of it, I might've scored six of 'em. I'm telling you, "old" isn't all it's been cracked up to be.
The above hasn't a handling mark on it anywhere. None. Nada. Zip. Zero.
And to think, yours truly had absolutely no Steel M39s in his collection before 01 October. Since then scored have been the aforementioned as well as four Pre-39s. I'll upload pics on those ASAP, but they won't be in this post. I'm a tired old guy right now.
Next up is the only Steel M39 about which admited is its actual price, or thereabouts. You know: hang tag, historical document and all that stuff.
It, too, is without sin . . . er . . . handmarks. Or dust marks. Or greasy fingered five-year-old's marks.
Man, I do enjoy this collecting thing.
Later.
NDFRC
Member
My latest M39
To my surprise while at a local gun show to which I have been going to for quite awhile now about 4 times a year, for the first time I came across a 4 digit Model 39, that after some hesitation I couldn’t leave it behind. Ser #2865, I was concerned that it didn’t have those things that I thought it should have such as the short safety tang and no relief grip, i didn’t understand the rose coloring of the slide release and the frame is in a matte finish, not shiny as most seem to be(is this a valid frame finish?) still I just couldn’t leave it. It has the long safety and grip cut out, in very good shape, albeit I can’t seem to score one with its box, to me it’s still a part of history and I got it for $450 out the door, even if some things don’t seem quite right, Its either a refurb or hopefully something different, but I didn’t think I could go wrong for the money.
To my surprise while at a local gun show to which I have been going to for quite awhile now about 4 times a year, for the first time I came across a 4 digit Model 39, that after some hesitation I couldn’t leave it behind. Ser #2865, I was concerned that it didn’t have those things that I thought it should have such as the short safety tang and no relief grip, i didn’t understand the rose coloring of the slide release and the frame is in a matte finish, not shiny as most seem to be(is this a valid frame finish?) still I just couldn’t leave it. It has the long safety and grip cut out, in very good shape, albeit I can’t seem to score one with its box, to me it’s still a part of history and I got it for $450 out the door, even if some things don’t seem quite right, Its either a refurb or hopefully something different, but I didn’t think I could go wrong for the money.
Attachments
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hkcavalier
US Veteran
Mine is not much older and has a plum colored slide release. Yours is one of the first couple hundred to have the longer safety and relieved grip panel.
I can't help with the matte/brushed frame appearance.
Hello NDFRC, darn nice find for $450. From one pic it looks right. congrats.
OP
Looks like the frame was likely sanded and refinished but still an excellent find. It's only about 200 SNs into the MODEL 39 marked 9mms. You made out OK. Enjoy it !
If you really need one in the original numbered box ... just holler. I have, 2 pre-39s in the correct box, 3 with TiredGunsmith's Pre-39 but I cannot sell that one. He bought his brand new. I am the 2nd owner. Also, probably 2 or more early Model 39s (lower 4 digit SNs) in the box.
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NDFRC
Member
This same M39, ser#39 is up for sale on GB right now!
ONE OF KIND S&W 39 9MM SERIAL #39 ALL STEEL NO RSV - Semi Auto Pistols at GunBroker.com : 805846453
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NDFRC
Member
Sal, the box I want is your ser#7195 box, that’s close enough to my M39 ser#7175! Do you still have it? It’s so close it would at least make a good conversation peice, I mean a box that’s 20 off is better than no box or just some random box! No?
Keith
OP
Keith, I rarely sell anything but one day soon I should start selling some. I did not sell it but at this very moment I cannot place it. I found 1177 (which is a much later type box with paper label) and 8392 (white crayon numbers on bottom) in hand (of the early 39 boxes that are only boxes) so 7195 has to be here somewhere. It too has the white crayon numbers on the bottom. You're welcome to come visit to help look. Email me via regular email. Sal
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OP
I saw that one, too. I can write now, after the fact, the seller did not respond to a request I made over a week ago for close-up pictures of the grip frame, with the grips removed, and close ups of the mag well area. I asked as Serial number: 39 did not leave the factory as a nickel gun.
Even considering the known detraction (not shipped in nickel) ... and the sellers failure to respond ... I went as far as I felt comfortable and may have gone further if not for the last few counter bids that seemed completely out of context.
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hkcavalier
US Veteran
Wow only 4 off from mine (1173). I 100% assume I'll never see matching boxes to any of my guns, but you never know...
Lots of mystery on nickel #39. To much contradiction. I saw a nickel gun in a blue box imprinted as a blue gun but an end label with an N in the fin box. Plus a letter indicating it shipped as blue. Any thoughts?
