1st, 2nd and 3rd Generation S&W Pistols

UpNorthMN · Mar 9, 2013

I just found a very nice Nickel 39-2 with original box at a local shop. I had to choose between this one and a mint model 59. They were the same price and I hope I picked the right one.

Can't wait to take it to the range tomorrow morning.

Now I'm trying to research the differences and updates in the second and third generation single stack S&W autos.

Does anyone have a link to a page that summarizes the models and the changes through the generations?

TexasG · Mar 9, 2013

UpNorthMN said:
Does anyone have a link to a page that summarizes the models and the changes through the generations?

UpNorth - I know of no link other than a lot of internet/S&W forum searches. By far the most "consolidated" source for information is a book called: The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. The 3rd edition is the newest with a copyright 2006. It has most all the information you'll need to get a good grip on the differences plus information on scarcity/rarity of some models. A number of websites will take you to this book and let you preview pages.

If you hang around on this forum you'll learn great deal from a great group of experts, many of whom are S&W certified armorers, and experts in all things S&W. Not a day goes by that I don't learn something on this forum.

Printer · Mar 10, 2013

Hi UpNorth,
The Mod.39 went into development in the mid 1950's and the development of the 59 began in Aug. 1964. Both had a half cock notches on the hammer and no firing pin safety. The third gen guns, the 5906's etc. have a firing pin safety and no half cock notch as its not needed. Many other changes were incorporated into the 3rd gen guns like new grip configuration, new "Novak" fixed rear sights. The changes between the 1st (2 digit models), 2nd (3 digit) and 3rd gen (4 digit) guns are to numerous to mention here. Where to get that info I don't know but I hope the info I gave was helpful.
Bob St.George

shawn mccarver · Mar 10, 2013

UpNorthMN said:
I just found a very nice Nickel 39-2 with original box at a local shop. I had to choose between this one and a mint model 59. They were the same price and I hope I picked the right one.

Can't wait to take it to the range tomorrow morning.

Now I'm trying to research the differences and updates in the second and third generation single stack S&W autos.

Does anyone have a link to a page that summarizes the models and the changes through the generations?

I don't have a handy link without doing a search, but I will let you do your own search. The search feature is in the upper right hand corner on this forum.

Enjoy!

This is a start on your question of differences by generation in the single stack S&W autos:

1st Gen: Model 39, 44, 52, etc.

2nd Gen: Models 439, 539, 639, 645, etc.

3rd Gen: 3904, 3906, 3913, 3914, 4506, 4516, etc.

Value Series: 915, 411, 457, 457D, and the 10 round mag versions of the 9mm models, the Models 910, 410, etc. Some of these were available in stainless slide, silver colored alloy frames also, with an "S" after the model number.

I have mostly listed the numbers for the traditional double action only.

There is a chart listing all of the various model numbers for feature variations. Starting with 3rd Gen, they offered DAO, decocker, Performance Center, Value Series, etc.

There may be others, but searching for the generation, model number or features should find you plenty of threads and pictures.

UpNorthMN · Mar 10, 2013

Thank you for the direction. I am not much of a pistol shot as of yet, but was very impressed with the trigger and accuracy of the 39-2. In my first outing the 39-2 produced tighter groups than my HiPower and XD9.

A 3rd generation model will be in my future, I really like the feel of the single stack models.

Badpe48 · Mar 16, 2013

UpNorthMN said:
I just found a very nice Nickel 39-2 with original box at a local shop. I had to choose between this one and a mint model 59. They were the same price and I hope I picked the right one.

Can't wait to take it to the range tomorrow morning.

Now I'm trying to research the differences and updates in the second and third generation single stack S&W autos.

Does anyone have a link to a page that summarizes the models and the changes through the generations?

I just ordered "The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" from Amazon.com at a price of $25.47. This book should answer all of your questions.

1st, 2nd and 3rd Generation S&W Pistols

UpNorthMN

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TexasG

US Veteran

Printer

US Veteran

shawn mccarver

UpNorthMN

Member

Badpe48

Member

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