I acquired this over the weekend. I did some reading but I am no expert on S&W 39's, pre-39, pre-dash, etc.

It would seem that I have a pre-dash 39 that was part of the "transition" phase. However, I would like to have you guys weigh in on it.

Here are some pics. Let me know what you think.

Attached Images

	forum 1.jpg (155.2 KB, 106 views)
	forum 2.jpg (166.4 KB, 131 views)
	forum 3.jpg (166.4 KB, 127 views)
	forum 4.jpg (158.1 KB, 91 views)

You have a beautiful, probably mid sixties vintage, model 39.

Sorry I forgot to mention the serial number is 60xxx.

What a great find. Thanks for the pics and info. Best of luck with your new toy.

Wow! Looks to be in excellent condition.

Outstanding pictures! WOW!

IO have a 39-2, and it fits my hand better than any of my other Pistols or Revolvers, with my new 19-4 being a close second.

I have to congratulate, that 39-2 is in beautiful condition, and I do believe that they will be the next Smith and Wesson product to go up in value.

Can I be nosy and ask what you picked it up for?

To me $550-$600 is reasonable for a nice 39-2 like that, retail with that nice holster.

Either way - very, very nice find, you did well

Tom R - I did get it for a good price - $475

Still would like to know for certain exactly which "category" this one falls into and particularly why it qualifies to be in such "category".

It is definitely a Model 39, and not a 39-2, as I re-look at it. It came before the 39-2.

It has a longer extractor, and on the left hand side of the frame it says 39 NOT 39-2.

From what I have read there were some problems with the original extractors on those, but after getting the part replaced, there was not an issue.

Your looks to be very lightly fired, so it may have the original extractor. Either way, you may want to order a replacement extractor, so you have it on hand.

Congrats again on a very, very nice pickup.

Shoot it, and enjoy it in good health.

The more pics I see of 39's like yours, the more I think I need to get me one! Nice score.

__________________
Lounge Lizard Extraordinaire

I consider it to be late second variation. The first variation is of course the earliest of the pre-39s. No "Pat's Pending" on the slide. Then the later pre-39s and first true 39s have the gripping grooves on the slide almost surrounding the safety lever and the "Pat's Pending" to the rear of the ejection port like yours. The third and final 39 has the grooves forward of the safety and the "Pat's Pending" under the ejection port. All three variations have the flat extractor. Of course if you want to be really technical, it would be the first variation as the pre is not really a 39.

IMHO the extractor breakages were mostly when a user would place a round directly in the chamber and drop the slide.

Dave

There are three "categories", or versions. The first is the pre 39, which does not have a model number stamped on the frame, then the 39, which is what you have, and is stamped as such, and the last is a 39-2, which is exactly what is stamped on the frame. There were steel framed versions of the model 39, and these were also stamped "Model 39", which are not common, and have pre 39 features, such as the short tang and safety...

Very nice! You got a fine gun at a fine price. IMHO the 1st Gen 39s are aesthetically the finest semi auto S&W ever produced. I have a pre Md 39 that never fails to grab my attention each and every time I look at it. Congratulations.

By the way, I saw an 80% or so shooter grade example of a 39-2 in a LGS last week with a $459.00 price tag hanging on it.

Thanks for all the information guys. She is a beautiful gun. I will get her out shooting over Easter weekend and let you know how she does.

A little back story.... A 39-2 was the first pistol I ever bought as soon as I turned 21. A few years later I sold it to buy a different pistol. Before I went to this past gun show my Dad and I made a "bucket list" of firearms we wanted to find for purchase. The first pistol on my list was a 39-2. Although I didn't exactly end up with a 39-2 I am plum tickled to have this one.