Model 39 & .38 special values

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DLM1965

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Brand new to this forum. I just acquired a Model 39 in decent shape, but have not had much luck in finding information about it using the serial number. I was directed to a foundation website, that could not promise it could find information, but apparently one has to pay for a letter from them. Any advice on how to learn more about the weapon? And, access a manual? SErial number is 69000 series .... I also need information on a second gun I acquired, S&W .38 special with a serial number in the 248000 range ..... it has a holster stamped Detective L.A. Calif. Clark 37A-11.
 

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Depends on whether or not it is a no dash, -1 or -2.

39-2 is worth anywhere between $500-800 depending on the condition. Some of the premium -2's on GunBroker.com are over $1k.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk
 
Hello DLM, pic would help. Blue or nickel? Numbered box come with it?
Sn. would indicate your gun as a late 1960s mod-39. Steel or alloy(aluminum) frame?
 
Thanks for the quick responses. Sorry I didn't think to attach pixs up front. It is Model 39 with no dash or -2. Frame feels like steel. No numbered box.
 
Hello DLM, thanks for pics. Your frame is stamped mod-39, but you have a newer 39-2 slide fitted to it? Put a magnet on the frame with no mag in it. If it sticks you have a steel frame with a 39-2 slide. The original slide had a long, wider extractor. You have the improved short extractor.
 
Magnet test

gmborkovic said:
Hello DLM, thanks for pics. Your frame is stamped mod-39, but you have a newer 39-2 slide fitted to it? Put a magnet on the frame with no mag in it. If it sticks you have a steel frame with a 39-2 slide. The original slide had a long, wider extractor. You have the improved short extractor.
Click to expand...


I put a magnet on the frame, but not magnetic ... slide, yes, but not the frame
 
murphydog said:
Welcome! You may want to start a new thread with the revolver in question here (it's a guess on its age):

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/

By the way, the four letter gun company beginning with C made the Detective Special; there are several short barrel .38 Specials made by S & W.
Click to expand...


Here are a couple of pixs of the gun ... I misspoke when I attributed the word "detective" to the gun itself ... that word is stamped on the holster ... sorry about that ...
 

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DLM. ok, not a steel frame. I have seen mod-39s that sometime in the past
upgraded to the 39-2 slide. Some owners feared the long extractor may break while shooting, so they just slid a 39-2 slide on their existing frame.
No collector value, but a dependable 9MM auto. Not a clue as to value.
 
DLM1965 said:
Here are a couple of pixs of the gun ... I misspoke when I attributed the word "detective" to the gun itself ... that word is stamped on the holster ... sorry about that ...
Click to expand...

This one appears to be a .38 Chiefs Special, most likely stamped MOD 36 on the frame under the barrel with the action open. It dates to somewhere between 1957 and 1967, but if you can provide the serial number from the bottom of the grip frame we can tell you its age pretty precisely.
 
murphydog said:
This one appears to be a .38 Chiefs Special, most likely stamped MOD 36 on the frame under the barrel with the action open. It dates to somewhere between 1957 and 1967, but if you can provide the serial number from the bottom of the grip frame we can tell you its age pretty precisely.
Click to expand...


It is stamped MOD 36 on the frame as you suggested ... the SN is 248040
 
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