Steel Frame Model 39 Picture Thread

[Goony]

To start this off, here's one in the low 63000 range, with a dust cover and military magazine. Note the short tang.

[Model39]

Steel frame Model 39 with military mags, and dust cover. The GA stocks were added later. Gun is NIB.

[Cyrano]

Model39: What are GA stocks, please?

[Cyrano]

Here's mine. SN 60147 from the second batch, which I seem to remember is the largest. Does any Model 39 fanatic have a sample from all three batches? Also pictured is the box label, showing "Steel".

[Model39]

Originally Posted by Cyrano

Model39: What are GA stocks, please?

GA is short for Goncalo Alves (type of wood).

[carguy714]

Sorry for showng my lack of knowledge regarding the 39 (I just picked up my first recently) but are those open "military" magazines really that scarce? I saw one on Gunbroker a week or so back and it was something like $400! Second what use is a dustcover (obviously for keeping the pistol dust free as the military were going to use it) but how does it work? Where does it go?!

[Toyman]

Model 39 steel frame wearing Keith Brown grips. Serial 60XXX

[Cyrano]

Model 39: (knocking forehead on desk) Goncalo Alves, of course.

[Goony]

Originally Posted by carguy714

Sorry for showng my lack of knowledge regarding the 39 (I just picked up my first recently) but are those open "military" magazines really that scarce? I saw one on Gunbroker a week or so back and it was something like $400! Second what use is a dustcover (obviously for keeping the pistol dust free as the military were going to use it) but how does it work? Where does it go?!

The military magazines are not common. That said, there's a lot of stuff on GunBroker that's priced to sell only to the desperate, uninformed, or filthy rich.

The dustcover is essential - I never shoot a Model 39 without one mounted! Just kidding, of course. You're right that this accessory reflects a military preoccupation with keeping debris out of the action, but that's about where the need ends. If you look closely (and this is easier to see in the photo posted by Model 39 than in mine), there is a groove on each side of the frame just below the slide and running back from the front to the vicinity of the slide stop cutout. The lower lips of the dust cover fit in there. It is then anchored by the protruding pin of the slide stop lever on the pistol's back (right) side.

[Goony]

From the standpoint of felt recoil, you've got to love the extra heft of a steel frame, whether it be a 39, 539, or 639. To add even a bit more weight, you need one of these - a steel backstrap. These were made for the Model 52, albeit with a silly tab sticking out at the base that on a 39 series gun would be the lanyard loop. In this case, years ago I went to a local machine shop and had the center of the tab milled out. I also used one of these steel backstraps in putting together my Frankennine, although for that gun I removed the tab altogether.

[smitholdtimer]

Are the G A grips rare or special order? Never see them for sale, thanks.

[Model39]

Originally Posted by smitholdtimer

Are the G A grips rare or special order? Never see them for sale, thanks.

The particular GA grips I have on the steel frame Model 39, where hand selected by a former (now retired) Smith&Wesson employee because of their color and grain (the picture does not do them justice). I was able to buy them from him a few years ago, to put them on this steel frame because the contrast of the wood against the bright blue steel finish is great.
The GA grips as well as Rosewood grips were available as a option from the parts department, similar to revolver grips. Most Model 39's were generally shipped with Walnut checkered grips. I have seen/noticed that some Model 39's had been shipped with other than Walnut grips especially engraved models, and special order guns.
There are alot of Model 39 grips for sale on many different websites, so you probably could find a pair of similar to these for sale. I was lucky that the gentleman who sold these to me had a good eye, and was able to pull these for himself through employee sales.

[fastwally]

Been asked to post pictures of my brothers 39 steel that has lived in a box for the last 30 yrs.

[fzandome]

Here is mine. Serial 62231 bought in in seventies.

[Goony]

Originally Posted by fzandome

Here is mine. Serial 62231 bought in in seventies.

Very nice. Is that a red insert I see gracing the front sight? If so, did it come to you that way? And, were you fortunate enough to have gotten the original box with it?

[mbliss57]

These are really nice. The steel frame 39 is one of my Grail guns. Someday
I have a wanna- be 539..and although they are scarce they don't have the mystique of the steel 39's. I am really impressed with these!

[fzandome]

Originally Posted by Goony

Very nice. Is that a red insert I see gracing the front sight? If so, did it come to you that way? And, were you fortunate enough to have gotten the original box with it?

I never thought about the red insert. Thought all of them had it. That's the way I bought it. Got the factory letter. Shipped Oct 66 and delivered to Arthur Cook Supply Co, MD. Does not indicate the red insert was on the gun.

No box, wish I did.
PS If anybody has info in Arthur Cook, please share.

[squekydad]

I will never understand the obsession of NIB hide in the safe for 30 years, maybe just me, just seems like a hell of a waste. I see these really nice 39's and just want to rip through a few mags till its smoking hot, maybe whoop *** on a table full of bowling pins.

[fzandome]

Was able to get a dust cover on ebay for my 39 steel frame yesterday. Still looking for a military Mag. Something to do when it get cold outside.

[mbliss57]

I forgot about this thread. My post above states this is one of my Grail Guns.. and maybe someday...Well someday came!!
I picked this up from Lee at one of his auctions. As are all of his guns it is pristine. came with a original box and vapor paper.








The Steel frame is in the upper right quadrant. The others are a 39-2 LNIB, a Model 39 no dash from 1958 and a steel frame 539.

[Cyrano]

It should be noted that the slide stop crosspin is a little longer on those pistols grooved for the dust cover. It sticks out more to give a positive grip on the dust cover. Perhaps someone will publish the length of the two pins; till that happens, here's a picture of the short and long crosspin.

[perrazi]

very nice looking boxed steel 39. looks bored to death though, being stuck in a safe since forever. looks like it wants to get some exercise.

[BrianE]

Originally Posted by Cyrano

It should be noted that the slide stop crosspin is a little longer on those pistols grooved for the dust cover. It sticks out more to give a positive grip on the dust cover. Perhaps someone will publish the length of the two pins; till that happens, here's a picture of the short and long crosspin.

I ended up with one of these longer slide stops from numrich for my 39-2 and didnt work.

With all these pictures and this thread brought back to life, I may have to auction a kidney.

[gmborkovic]

Cyrano, ref. slide stop pin lengths. For the dust cover, part #6141, my notes indicate a LOA of 1.225". The std pin length is 0.915".

[OFT II]

I'm afraid that Cyrano won't be able to reply. I'm sad to say that we lost him a few months ago.