Model 39

[KCJ13]

I just got my hands on a Model 39 and I've researched it to the best of my abilities but I can't quite date it. The serial number is in the 33 thousands which I know is pre- 1967 but i was just curious. Also, does anyone know where i can get some cheaper mags than whats on the Smith website. Thanks.

[hunter3705]

I always try to look on Gunbroker, Auction Arms, and Gunsamerica for mags before I buy new ones. You can usually find what you want on one of these sites. 39s are great guns, enjoy, and good luck finding mags.

[310Pilot]

Congratulations, you have a great gun. The 39 is one gun that fits almost every hand perfectly, and they are lots of fun to shoot. You can get cheaper mags, but the key part of that word is CHEAP. You can save $8-10 per mag, but they will cost much more in malfunctions and frustration. The only aftermarket mags I know of for the 39l are by Pro-mag, and they do not enjoy a stellar reputation for performance or reliability. If Mec-Gar made them for the 39, I would buy some in an instant, but I've not been able to find any, don't believe they make them. Stick with and S&W mags and you will shoot happily.

[Raider]

I have had good luck finding original model 39 mags on both Gunbroker and on Ebay. Cost ran between $14.00 and $25.00 not including shipping. No problems with any that I bought. Some were not pristine but a little steel wool and oil brought them back to looking good.

Charlie

[W.E.G.]

You can't get NEW S&W magazines that are correct for the 39.

The only new S&W mags that will fit the 39 are the ones that have a big clunky plastic baseplate, hold and extra round, and stick out the bottom.




I've tried the Pro-Mag in my 39-2.
No malfunctions whatsoever.
Don't like the way the extra-long floorplate protrudes.
Gonna fix that with a Dremel one of these days.




There has GOT to be a mother lode of these stashed somewhere.

[Craig19]

I need to find a nice 39. I think it is one of the nicest looking pistols ever made. Congrats.

[sw44spl]

I run into mags for sale at gunshows.I got one last gun show for $20 it was in a bin of odd mags.

[KCJ13]

Do you have any idea when yours was made by any chance?

[Goony]

I will give an "guesstimate" on your 39 being made around 1960. You probably really ought to letter it.

I have found plenty of model 39 mags over the years, sometimes very much on the cheap. They are not especially scarce. The correct ones for your era gun will have "S&W" and "9MM" on the baseplate, and will have a skeletonized steel follower. However, the later ones with just "S&W" on the baseplate and the plastic follower will work just fine. I personally see no reason to use anything but the genuine article in this regard.

If you are going to shoot it a lot, be warned regarding the 39-style extractor - it may look big and beefy, but they can fracture. Replacing one is problematic, on account of originals being pretty much dried up and I don't think anyone has ever made a reproduction. If you can ever score a 39-2 slide, you might consider using that for your shooting sessions - it will mount and function without any difficulty.

[Armyphotog]

310Pilot has it right. Stick with the one who brought you. Factory mags are always a better choice, and used magazines no matter who made them are usually a no-no. Ask yourself one question, how come they want to get rid of a "good" magazine?

[Goony]

The Model 39 might be the exception regarding used magazines. Of the many I've accumulated over the years, I've had no problems whatsoever. Granted, I pick nice ones, none caked with rust or appearing to have been repeatedly ejected onto concrete or had the lips obviously adjusted with pliers - but I think, in general, you can confidently purchase previously owned 39 mags (and as someone pointed out, that's basically all there is to be had,anyway).