A semi-early Model 39

DCWilson · #1 04-23-2014, 03:09 PM

Even though older revolvers are my primary collecting interest, I appreciate classic semiautos as well. When I had a chance to acquire this first-decade Model 39 last year, I didn't hesitate.

Number 38681, shipped September 1963. I'd put condition at about 98-99%

This may or may not be the original box for the pistol. The serial number on the label is correct, but appears to be written over a different number that I cannot decipher. Still, it is an appropriate box.

Inside the lid of the box is a label identifying an Infantry Capt. James M. McDuff. I take it Capt. McDuff was the owner. This pistol was apparently not shipped as part of a military order, so I suspect it may have been sold through a PX where he was stationed.

This is one of the alloy-frame 39s, not a rare steel-frame specimen. It does not appear to have been fired very much at all. I suspect I will have it at the range sometime to put at least a few more rounds through it.

Engine49guy · #2 04-23-2014, 05:12 PM

My 1966 Model 39 no dash has the best trigger of all my S&W autos,
I have heard its Achilles heel is dropping the slide on a round already in the chamber as it could break the older extractor which is apparently no longer available....Nice package !

mbliss57 · #3 04-23-2014, 07:30 PM

Very nice Model 39. They are IMHO the only truly collectable semi autos for the aesthetics and performance. Many collect other semi autos for lots of reasons..(I was working on a full 10mm set) but they don't have the classy look of a 39.
I also like them for their performance. Very smooth action on my 39-2. I don't shoot my 39s very often due to possible extractor breakage. David..it's nice to see you venture outside your comfort zone occasionally.

DCWilson · #4 04-23-2014, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Engine49guy

My 1966 Model 39 no dash has the best trigger of all my S&W autos,
I have heard its Achilles heel is dropping the slide on a round already in the chamber as it could break the older extractor which is apparently no longer available....Nice package !

Thanks for the warning. I was unaware of this trait. (Not that knowing about it would have stopped me from buying the pistol in the first place.)

whitestang · #5 04-23-2014, 09:01 PM

Very nice 39. I like my 39-2 a lot and have shot about 1200 rounds over the years. It was my duty gun when I was a Deputy many years ago. It looks rough from all the holster time but shoots great.

jimbo728 · #6 05-02-2014, 05:01 PM

Nice pistol. The other occurrence the early 39`s had was having the safety break in 2 and fall out. I have seen this happen with a friends 39 after reading about this problem many years back.
This wouldn't have stopped me from buying a 39 like yours. Enjoy!
It`s a great pistol.
Jim

loeman · #7 05-03-2014, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbliss57

Very nice Model 39. They are IMHO the only truly collectable semi autos for the aesthetics and performance. Many collect other semi autos for lots of reasons..(I was working on a full 10mm set) but they don't have the classy look of a 39.
I also like them for their performance. Very smooth action on my 39-2. I don't shoot my 39s very often due to possible extractor breakage. David..it's nice to see you venture outside your comfort zone occasionally.

mbliss57,
Your statements regarding the aesthetics and performance of the model 39 are my sentiments exactly. I am fortunate to have a pre model 39 that I don't believe has ever been fired. It was shipped in 1955. I've always thought it was the finest looking gun I have ever owned. However, I have long wanted to find a Md 39 to shoot. That happened a couple of days ago when I found one (39-2) in a pawn shop for $350.00. It's in beautiful condition, maybe about 95%, but not so perfect that it won't be going to the range with me. I'll post some pictures of it real soon.

Smith-Nut · #8 05-03-2014, 01:47 PM

I often read that the 39 is refered to as a collectors item. It might be old but if you are comfortable with 9 mm I think it is a super great carry gun. Besiddes the fact that many newer autos have High capacity magasines I find the 39 just as good as any other 9 mm made today. I must admid I will prefere my Glock 19 but I would not loose any sleep if I could only carry a 39. I think you have found, not a collectble item, but a super carry gun.

BAM-BAM · #9 05-03-2014, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Engine49guy

My 1966 Model 39 no dash has the best trigger of all my S&W autos,
I have heard its Achilles heel is dropping the slide on a round already in the chamber as it could break the older extractor which is apparently no longer available....Nice package !

Which is the reason I sold my minty pre-39; one of the first 1500 made it was too nice to shoot let alone the risk of breaking a irreplaceable part...... hope it's enjoying it's new home.....

it's since been replaced by a mint (just as it came from the factory) 4" 34, a nice 3" 65....... and 2 CZ rifles a .22lr FS (mannlicher) and a .17hmr Varmint.....

Smith-nut have to agree......if it wasn't for the 3913/14s in my life.... I'd be carrying a 39-2 a lot!!!!

mbliss57 · #10 05-03-2014, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAM-BAM

Which is the reason I sold my minty pre-39; one of the first 1500 made it was too nice to shoot let alone the risk of breaking a irreplaceable part...... hope it's enjoying it's new home.....

it's since been replaced by a mint (just as it came from the factory) 4" 34, a nice 3" 65....... and 2 CZ rifles a .22lr FS (mannlicher) and a .17hmr Varmint.....

Smith-nut have to agree......if it wasn't for the 3913/14s in my life.... I'd be carrying a 39-2 a lot!!!!

Bam Bam that pre 39 was just shown at our NE Ohio Bunch meeting today. Thanks for finding me,, it is gorgeous. I didn't say it but they are great shooters. I have 2 39-2s that I shoot often. If I had a holster for one I would carry it as well.