Model 39 Quandary

[martyd]

Hi,

I need help in identifying a barrel.

The Blue barrel is from a Model 39-2.

I do not know what Model 39 series the stainless barrel belongs to.

Both barrels are straight - NO bulge at the muzzle end.

*********************
Note how the slope of the base of the barrels are different around the lock lug.

The blue barrel has a slope and the lock lug is smooth the the base of the barrel.

The stainless barrel has no slope to speak of and the lock lug is proment.

The stainless barrel Does Not fit in a Model 39-2.

Questions Are:
1. What Model 39 series does the stainless barrel fit?
2. What Model 59 series does the stainless barrel fit?

Thank you,
Marty

 

[armorer951]

There is a possibility that an exact model determination from this photo alone would not be possible.

Based on your description, and the photo, my guess is that the stainless barrel is from a 639 or 659.

 

[stansdds]

Just a SWAG, but I'd say the blued barrel is either from a Model 39, 39-2 or 59. I'm not sure when S&W made the switch to stainless barrels, but I don't recall seeing blued barrels in the x39 or x59 pistols.

 

[martyd]

Thank you for your assistance.

I have 2 of the stainless barrels, I was told they are new barrels, which have threaded extensions for silencers and want to sell them. Now that I have a good idea which model they would most likely fit I will sell them.

 

[stansdds]

I doubt the threaded barrels are genuine S&W, but are more likely to be from an aftermarket manufacturer.

 

[martyd]

The barrels are Smith.
I purchased them from a retired Smith dealer/gunsmith.
I had the extensions added to the barrels.
My plan was to build up a couple of guns for myself but the wife put the whammy on my build desire.

 

[stansdds]

The barrels are Smith.
I purchased them from a retired Smith dealer/gunsmith.
I had the extensions added to the barrels.
My plan was to build up a couple of guns for myself but the wife put the whammy on my build desire.

Oooooooh, okay, that explains the threaded part.

 

[jeffrefrig]

"Wife put the whammy on your build," pistols with silencers; I'm going to quit thinking about that!!

 

[Racer X]

Just a SWAG, but I'd say the blued barrel is either from a Model 39, 39-2 or 59. I'm not sure when S&W made the switch to stainless barrels, but I don't recall seeing blued barrels in the x39 or x59 pistols.

My 439 has a stainless barrel, even though the slide is blued.

 

[stansdds]

My 439 has a stainless barrel, even though the slide is blued.

My 439 also has a stainless barrel. I don't know if S&W started using stainless barrels with the introduction of the 2nd gen or if it was near the end of 1st gen production or if some carbon steel barrels were carried over into some early 2nd gen pistols. I know S&W did not like wasting parts.