Pre-Model 39 with pix (part II to 1st post)

[DETECTIVE1108]

Okay this is part II to my first post yesterday. I am asking your help to establish what condition this is in. There is a slight handling mark on the fron of the slide, otherwise it looks like it is in good condition. Please look @ the pix and give me your rating. Based on the previous posting from other members, it looks like a got a good deal ($200). BTW- I also bought a 1903 Colt .32ACP auto at the same time. Both nelonged to her Father-in-Law.

Any responses would be greatly appreciated. You guys are GREAT!!!

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[DETECTIVE1108]

Okay this is part II to my first post yesterday. I am asking your help to establish what condition this is in. There is a slight handling mark on the fron of the slide, otherwise it looks like it is in good condition. Please look @ the pix and give me your rating. Based on the previous posting from other members, it looks like a got a good deal ($200). BTW- I also bought a 1903 Colt .32ACP auto at the same time. Both nelonged to her Father-in-Law.

Any responses would be greatly appreciated. You guys are GREAT!!!

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[george minze]

The frame looks like steel? if so you got a heck of a deal. If not you got a heck of a deal. When you break it down check for corrosion on operating parts. I bought a a.most new in box papers etc. It had been in a bankers gun safe for years. I sent it off to Actions by T and had trigger work and guts polished. shoots like a dream now. They were famous for a heavy double action first shot stage. T reduced double action from 19.5 to 9.0 lbs and single action to 4.5 lbs. However mine has alloy frame. IMHO they were one of the best designed pistols Smith ever made. to bad they didn't keep it in production and install the action they used in 3913 . Smile on your good fortune........Lucky....Ill. State Police carried them in the 60s their pistol smiths new how to smooth them out. They carried them for some time...

[DETECTIVE1108]

The frame is alloy with a alloy backstrap. Broke it down before I took the pix. No corrosion at all, just a lil bit of surface rust on the top of the slide, which came off with a swipe of break free. The left front part of the slide has a very slight scuff mark

[jrplourde]

You'll need to play around with the proper lighting. It's difficult to take photos without light glare. Also shots at all surfaces. You mentioned rust on the slide so possible pit marks.

But I doubt it is anything else but a pre39. It only has to be in good condition (not mint) to be of serious value.

Bob

[DETECTIVE1108]

No pitting at all, it was just a little bit of surface rust on the top of the slide, which wiped off with no marking at all.Here are some more pix.

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[shooboy]

Gorgeous !!! And I thought I stole my 39 at $275 ! You should do the right thing, turn yourself in for theft and send me that gun before you do. Nice find, lucky dog, Shoo
P.S. Let me know if you ever want to sell that fine pre-39 !!!

[wilshire1412]

I like it! Even has the short lever safety which must have been on only the earliest 39s. My estimate as to a percent number would be a 95% based on the photos and your description. I would pay double the amount you gave without hesitation, and probably more since it is such an early piece.

[DETECTIVE1108]

Appreciate the positive comments. I looked in several different guides to kinda gauge a price, but it is really only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it. One guide (S&W Catalog is btn $650 to $800), the other guide (Blue Book says its btn $175 to $315)... Dont know what it is worth.

[CTPete]

I paid around $475 for a pre-39 serial # 15xx about a year ago. But yours is in better condition.

[CTPete]

Well, here's a guy who thinks they are worth a lot more!

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=120492560

For the sake of my personal collection of 39s, I hope he's right!

NOTE: Not the correct box for this gun. It is for a later mfg. Model 39, not a pre-39.

[DETECTIVE1108]

WOW! Gotta keep an eye on that auction. Thanks guys for all of your comments and help!

[jrplourde]

The Blue Book is dead wrong. You can't buy a 39-2 for that money. I'd say $800 no problem.

If you intend to shoot it be aware that they had a history of fragile extractors hence the new shorter one.

bob

[Frank53]

As you may already know, S&W didn't start stamping the "39" on the gun until 1957. With that serial number, I'd bet with some certainty yours was in the first year of production of that model. Sweet looking example.

[mlfox]

Very nice pistol, and congratulations on the great buy. I'd like to know if the original box and contents were with the pistol. I'm interested in knowing what was included from the factory. Also, what follower does the magazine have, and what is stamped on the base plate?

Thanks and best regards,
mlfox

[shovelwrench]

Lets see some pics of that 1903 too!!!!

[p0838]

The one on gunbroker also has the wrong left stock and possbly a later safety.

[DETECTIVE1108]

Okay here they are... $400 for both. What you see is what I got. No boxes or papers. They were stored in a drawer for many years. The Pre-39 has the short safety and the bottom of the mag is stamped 9mm S&W. The 1903 Colt was made btn 1911 to 1915 based on the serial number. It has been refinished but overall great shape for being 90+ years old.

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[p0838]

Also the frame of the pre 39 is slightly different than Model 39 and 39-2

[bobbyjack]

You need to run out and buy a lottery ticket today ,cause you are on a roll!

Somebody must love you a lot.

Bob

[Goony]

I also have one of these, bought years back, so I don't remember what I paid, but if it had been really expensive, I'm sure I would. #11XX, NIB, complete with shell deflector & a "cut out" open-sided magazine (only one of those I've ever seen).

I carried a 39-2 in the course of my employment (now retired) for 25 years. Tried a Glock 17 at one point, but it didn't compare in accuracy, reliability, or handling with the S&W, so I went back to it. Had to rebuild it once (quite a quantity of range rounds through it by then), & it was better than ever after that. Still my "bedside" gun that I'd stake my life on in the middle of the night.

[p0838]

I believe you have the makings of an original Hushpuppy, a Navy Seal Pistol.
The magazine and dust shield are very valuable.
Ive been collecting for many years and have never seen a dust shield.The mags, I have had a few.