Model 39-2

LaVistaBill · #1 08-26-2015, 11:44 AM

In late July, I took delivery of a Model 39-2 that had belonged to a former LEO. He had passed away and a friend was helping the family to sell his guns. I wanted the Model 39 as I'd had one in the late 70's and had regretted selling it. This one was in very good shape and had some really nice, smooth coco-bolo wood grips. I took it to the range with some standard pressure 9mm ammo and it acquitted itself well at a distance of 10 yards, shooting very near point of aim. I've always found the Model 39 to be a natural pointing handgun and it did well when I shot at a silhouette target at 5 yards from a point-should stance. I'm not sure when it was made, so if some of you out there have Model 39 production dates, it is serial #A187523. Thanks.

loeman · #2 08-26-2015, 12:08 PM

Congratulations! It appears your 39-2 is from 1973-1974 (propably '73). I'm a huge fan of the first gen. 39s. I have a pre '39 and a 39-2. I don't shoot the pre 39 buy my -2 is an awesome shooter and they are, IMO, the finest looking S&W semi-autos ever made. Enjoy yours! Best regards from a former Hoosier.

gmborkovic · #3 08-26-2015, 12:39 PM

Glad to see another shooter appreciating the best auto of the period.
They are still a bargain down here in SoFo. I have several and they ingest any type of ammo I can get. And they carry and shoot great. We will see the prices begin to creep up as more people re-discover them. Im buying everyone I can find. Good shooting.

LaVistaBill · #4 08-26-2015, 02:04 PM

You're a former Hoosier and I'm a former New Mexican. I had no hiccups when I took my 39-2 out shooting. The only jams I had years ago with my first 39-2 was with Speer 125 gr. soft point cartridges, as the lead nose would catch on the feed ramp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by loeman

Congratulations! It appears your 39-2 is from 1973-1974 (propably '73). I'm a huge fan of the first gen. 39s. I have a pre '39 and a 39-2. I don't shoot the pre 39 buy my -2 is an awesome shooter and they are, IMO, the finest looking S&W semi-autos ever made. Enjoy yours! Best regards from a former Hoosier.

petepeterson · #5 08-26-2015, 03:20 PM

That's a great grab. I don't shoot mine nearly enough.

racemi · #6 08-26-2015, 04:20 PM

As one of the many resident 39-2 lovers here I have to say you "did good". Many have sold their 39-2's and regretted it. You got another one, yeah, they're that good. I'm so happy with mine it will not be sold until long after I'm gone. I've fired a lot of the new plastic guns, and I feel sorry for the new comers who will never know how great the first generation of S&W semi-autos are. I've already started to see the price edging upward here in New England for the 39-2's. Glad I've got mine, (and a few spare parts to keep it running for a long time). Love to see people discover or re-discover the 39-2's and tell us how well they fit in the hand or how they digest any ammo we feed them, and how accurate they are. It's all true. I know you will enjoy your 39-2.

DCW · #7 08-26-2015, 05:16 PM

My son-in-law, still in his 20's, is a brilliant programmer who, for relief, shoots competitively, handguns to shotguns and ARs, and is quite good at all.

During a recent visit, the family trudged to the local shooting range and have at it; the SOL getting a full measure of taste with one of my 39-2s. He raved. Had never held one, much less fired it. Told me of it's "comfortable, natural pointing position in the hand."

I've seen that term used before as applied to the Model 39, but never encountered it in person.

He did some rather remarkable shooting with the 39-2, loving it every minute. And, no, I wouldn't part with my favorite carry gun.

Each time I buy a No-No, a 39 or a 39-2, I just tremendously enjoy its feel in the hand.

Later.

PALADIN85020 · #8 08-26-2015, 05:25 PM

Of all the guns I've handled and shot, only two stand out as being nearly ergonomically perfect. One was the Remington-UMC Model 51, and the other was the S&W Model 39. They are both classics in every sense of the word. They point naturally, function reliably, and are aesthetically pleasing.

John

gmborkovic · #9 08-26-2015, 05:34 PM

A Rem mod 51? in 380. In the the same class as a Mod 39?
Im going to stop here . Pls. rethink and I know it is your personal opinion.
And the Walther PPK did not deserve a mention. OK, Im done.

Wyatt Burp · #10 08-26-2015, 05:47 PM

Three years ago I decided I wanted a "modern" autoloader in 9MM, but it had to have classic status (I'm into classic sixguns) so I chose a nickel 39-2 in excellent condition with box and all papers locally for $425. I had a vision of what it had to look like and the Grashorn elk bone (not antler) grips achieved that. Here it is with the 3913 I owned but gave my son as a gift when he was discharged from the Marines in 2005. You scored a fine gun with that 39-2. The smooth stocks look great.

PALADIN85020 · #11 08-26-2015, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmborkovic

A Rem mod 51? in 380. In the the same class as a Mod 39?
Im going to stop here . Pls. rethink and I know it is your personal opinion.
And the Walther PPK did not deserve a mention. OK, Im done.

Didn't say they were in "the same class" except that they were ergonomically near perfect and that they operated reliably and looked good. As for the PPK, the grip is too short, the sighting radius is tiny, and it has a tendency to bite the hand.

Well, I'm sure you know what they say about opinions!

John

gmborkovic · #12 08-26-2015, 06:31 PM

YEA, I got one. An elbow, is that what you meant?