Model 39s on 3/9 Anybody?

[OutAtTheEdge]

Technically A Model 39

I was going to include this one when I started this thread yesterday, but decided to wait and toss it in today.



I own a bunch of .22 rifles, but when I need pinpoint accuracy, this is the gun I grab. I have this 39A topped with a 6X Burris compact, and the partnership just plain works.

 

[Goony]

A pre-39 serial number 1185 shipped in July of 1955. It came with this unnumbered but clearly correct box, and has all the distinctive early features, including the stubby safety lever and corresponding stocks without the relief cut at the rear of the left panel.

 

[cougar015]

A pre-39 serial number 1185 shipped in July of 1955. It came with this unnumbered but clearly correct box, and has all the distinctive early features, including the stubby safety lever and corresponding stocks without the relief cut at the rear of the left panel.

It shipped on July15, 1955 to Wm Pattertson in Tn.

 

[cougar015]

Here's one of my favorites. A factory engraved 39-2

 

[BAM-BAM]

Have had 3 or 4 over the years..... when I haven't had one I want another.... never carried one due to the overblown stories back in the 80s on the extractors breaking.

Today have a nice one in the box ,in the safe...... but for carry I'm all in on the heir to the 39 the 3913 with nice Hogue checkered wood grips, the grips are a bit more hand filling and have an arched backstrap like the original 39s.

 

[Goony]

Steel Frame 39's

Attached below is a pic of a steel frame 39, accompanied by a military magazine and dust cover. Another version of this concept is embodied in my https://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-semi-auto-pistols/201142-frankennine.html which was built on a 639 frame (I do also have a stock 639). My grail 39-type at this point would be a 539 with fixed sights.

 

[cougar015]

Attached below is a pic of a steel frame 39, accompanied by a military magazine and dust cover. Another version of this concept is embodied in my Frankennine which was built on a 639 frame (I do also have a stock 639). My grail 39-type at this point would be a 539 with fixed sights.

Did they make a 539 with fixed sights? I have six 539's and they all have the adjustable winged sights. I have never seen one without them.

 

[Goony]

Did they make a 539 with fixed sights?

Yes, but it was a short run within the limited number of 539's produced overall. I suppose you could cheat and make your own up via the simple expedient of substituting a 439 fixed sight slide.

 

[cougar015]

Yes, but it was a short run within the limited number of 539's produced overall. I suppose you could cheat and make your own up via the simple expedient of substituting a 439 fixed sight slide.

Changing the slide would in theory create one. I have looked for them over the years to no avail and assumed there weren't any. Based on your information, I will continue the search. Just like my 639's, I have six of them an no 2 are the same. There are variations with the sights, trigger guards, extractors and ambi-safety. This is what makes collecting so interesting.

 

[Tntcwg3]

There are variations with the sights, trigger guards, extractors and ambi-safety. This is what makes collecting so interesting.

One could make it a life mission to collect every variation within a S&W series. But it's hard to stay focused with so many options, I'm weak when it comes to disciplined gun collecting!