Opinions please: S&W 39 or Colt Commander 9mm

S&W 39 or Colt Commander 9mm

  • S&W 39 and variants

    Votes: 33 66.0%

  • Colt Commander 9mm

    Votes: 17 34.0%
  • Total voters
    50
Duke426

Duke426

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I have owned a dozen or so 1911's in my lifetime, all in 45acp. I eventually sold them all off and focussed on S&W revolvers exclusively. Now I am thinking about getting a semi-auto pistol but I'm not interested in getting back into the 45acp. I think I'd like to try the 9mm.

There are really only two guns I am considering, the S&W model 39 and the Colt Combat Commander 9mm. I have no experience with either. The Colt would be a natural fit with my experience but I don't know how the 9mm performs in the 1911 platform.

I am not interested in any of the following: CZ-75 (great weapon but I don't care for the cheapy looking Rustoleum like finish), Beretta 92 (had one and liked it but I'm looking for something new to me), Glock/S&W M&P/S&W Sigma/Springfield XD etc. (all fine weapons but plastic is just not for me).

Any opinions and personal insight on the two guns in question would be greatly appreciated. I know this is THE S&W forum so I can imagine the direction the thread will take. However, I also know the members here are experienced and insightful when it comes to the pros and cons of many different weapon systems and are capable of objective analysis. Thanks in advance.
 
You give no indication of intended use or the area you live in. The original model 39, no dash, had/has issues. The later 439/639 or 3906 versions would have a wider availability of parts (changes in extractor and feed ramp profile) and benefit from ongoing product improvement.

The 9mm in the 1911 frame requires dedicated magazines, there have been improvements in the design of the magazines to eliminate feed issues. You'd need to stick with the newly developed magazines to eliminate feed issues.
 
I like both

Howdy,
I like both. I like the double action, hammer down carry of the 39 series for E.D.C.
Both are great guns if you get a good one.
Thanks
Mike
 
I'm not a colt 1911 fan at all, othere makers 1911's are fine but no colts for me. Having said that I'd go the model 39 route, they are harder to find and i think classier looking and it's a S&W of course.
 
I own a 439, and it just feels "right" in my hand. 439 is the alloy frame replacement to the 39.
 
Not one of your choices, but I would suggest having a look at the Springfield Armory EMP 1911.
 
I picked the 39-2 for a couple of reason: 1) I like the DA feature of the 39-2 and, 2) the ergonomics of the Model 39 are about as good as you can get in a semi (IMHO). This is probably because the gun fits my fairly large had so perfectly that it makes aiming and shooting the piece second nature.

The easy answer is, of course, to buy both.

Good Luck with your decision,

Jerry
 
I know that the 39 no dash models have had some problems with the extractor, but I have not seen that in my gun. I do take it easy with it due to the lack of parts available, but I still have fun with it. It aims naturally for me, looks great, and has been reliable so far. 1911's are nice, but I am not a fan of the SA only style semi-autos.
Really the choice in my mind comes down to if you like the SA or TDA trigger group.
 
Pity you don't want a CZ 75B. I love mine. It is made in s/s if you don't like the standard finish. And with a conversion it becomes a .22LR. The conversion is not cheap, but nor is life.
 
The original Model 39s are near collector status these days and by modern standards are dated in design, execution and features. They were great pistols in their time, but better designs and manufacturing techniques - the evolution of the line, if you will - has resulted in better pistols from S&W.

If you are thinking of 'getting into' 9mm pistols I can offer no better suggestion than a 5906. There are plenty of good used examples (police trade-ins) available. They are well made, rugged, reliable and accurate. Thousands of them still fill law enforcement holsters across the US, so parts and accessories are readily available.

You can not do any better than a 5906 to start your adventures in 9mm!
 
I do not understand down calibering a Colt... the piece is designed around the ACP cartridge. If one wants to experience the joy of 9mm (or any other caliber) I feel the most efficient use of space & weight is the max caliber for the piece... except for a .22 trainer or conversion.
39 series certainly fits the bill... the Star BM I'm currently slicking up...
I don't think I could make this choice looking at pictures... I'd have to handle a few and see what lights my fire.
Russ
 
I have not had much success with the Colt pistols. I do have a SW 3913 that I've carried off and on for about 10 years. It has never malfunctioned and the action is quite smooth. It conceals well also. Carry guns are a very personal thing. What works for one person doesn't work for some one else. So, the best option is probably to try both and go with the one that suits you best.
 
I think the colt combat commander 9mm is an excellent weapon, I can't stand any auto smith makes, I don't know why, I just don't like them. Now a revolver is a whole different story:D
 
I bought my 39 no dash in 1967. It shot fine with round nose but jammed with Supervel hollow points. I polished the feed ramp based on a recomendation from Lee Juras, the developer of Suprvel. No problems since, but I did buy an extra extractor just in case. I have not needed it yet. The fit and feel to my hand is as good as it gets, and it is super accurate for a standard production pistol. I also have a Performance Center IDPA 5906 4" which I consider best all around 9mm. Then I like other Performance Center 9s: the 9 Recon, the 5906 PPC 5", and the IDPA 5906 5". It all started with the 39 about 42 years ago. As for recommending a 9mm, probably the 5906 or 6906 if carrying. I wouldn't consider the Colt in 9mm, but I do have it in the 10mm.
 
If by a Commander you mean the LW series,buy that.
They are worth over $1000 in nice shape. Otherwise buy the 39 for the double action capability.

Ive read further and find your are discussing the Combat Commander, not the Commander
 
Model 39 (39-2) hands down. I own both, but had carried a Model 39-2 off duty for about 15 years. You can't beat the hammer block, trigger disconnect safety. It's safer to carry than cocked and locked, plus you can render the gun safe with a round in the chamber by removing the magazine (if you have children/grand children) Mine always shot where I aimed, and I NEVER had any trouble with it. Hope that helps.
 
Thank you all for your valuable input.

The gun would just be for fun range use. I have no plans to carry it for defense or use it as a house gun.

One of the concerns I have with the 39 or 39-2 is the availability of parts if something should break.

The concern I have with the Combat Commander revolves around magazine issues.

You have brought some other options to my attention such as the 439, 5906, 3913 and how could I have ever overlooked THE classic 9mm, the Browning Hi-Power.

Thanks for the food for thought. I will try to shoot all the potential guns before buying one and will post pictures of whatever I decide to get.
 
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