Hello All,
found this forum when I was doing some research on a trade I was thinking about. Just traded a used but in good condition 642 with custom grips for a like new in box 39-2. I couldn't tell if it was even fired. came with 3 mags, box, paperwork, cleaning tool and an extra set of dark hardwood grips. one of the mags looks a bit like it's missing part of the follower but it works as good as the others. I took it to the range today. do these things need a break in period ? cause out of 250 rds I had like 10 FTE/stove pipe. I was shooting federal champion 115 fmj, remington umc 115 jhp and winchester white box 147 gr jhp. it hated the winchester most with about 1/2 the fte/stove pipes on that box of 50.
Anyway it's a really good shooter, very tight groups with a pretty good trigger. Most likely a keeper but I wouldn't feel comfortable to carry it yet till it's in flawless working order. Now I might be looking for a 457. I guess the madness never ends...Few pix below

When I hear "stovepipe" in the context of an older gun in new hands, I think sticky extractor.

If the extractor is sticky, the chance of stovepipes goes up.

Drown the extractor real good in Break-Free CLP.
Make sure there is no goo stuck under the claw.

While you're at it, pull the selector and the firing pin.
See Model 39's at AIM - which "European police" dept?

Hose out the mag-disconnect plunger.
Blow the excess CLP out of the cracks and crannies.

Get back out there and re-test.

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WWSSD?
What would Skeeter do?

First off, welcome to the forum.

You may be indeed experiencing some break-in issues with the gun if it was truly unfired. Also, after sitting all this time, it may need a fresh set of springs to really be up to snuff. But that is a lovely example - the grips in particular are a wonderful dark, well figured walnut, better than standard 39-2 issue, and I see you have some black pearl(ite) ones for it, too.

The magazines are fine - you have the earlier type with the steel "skeleton" follower and a later style with the black plastic follower. Both should function equally well.

The Model 39 aficianados here would like to know at least a partial serial number (use X's for the last two or three digits if you wish).

In any case, that's a keeper, for sure.

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

That's a creampuff. Extra smooth grips also? You did well. The followers are both complete. The one on left is older style....one on right is newer style.

FTE can be caused by a few problems. Weak or chipped extractor, tired springs, rough chamber etc. Clean and oil it well and bring it back to the range with the ammo that performed best. Congrats on a nice acquisition.

thanks for the replies and welcome everyone. it's a ser # A284XXX. I'm from the research i've done that puts in made around 1977-79 or so

I think your gun most likely shipped in the Bicentennial year of 1976.

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"