A very small gun store 1 mile from me has a '55 S&W 39 with 1 mag, no box for $720. I would rate the gun in good condition. (I'm pretty picky so may be a tad better) Action was very smooth compared to a 669 they had sitting there. Trigger was also very good. I have a 910s & 410 that I have replaced with new springs & polished up, this trigger was better.
I feel $720 might be a tad high.
Thoughts?

The 39 has a following and is in demand, at least here, that is not unreasonable in very good condition, but you can usually knock the asking price down. They can be found slightly cheaper but perhaps not often or in as good of condition as you are looking at.

1955… this would be a 4 digit s/n, non model marked “pre-39”?

If so, I would say that’s a good deal.

After the steel frame 39’s, I’d say this is the next collectible “39”.

Had to read up a little on the "steel frames" Didn't know about the differences

Somewhat hijacking my own thread, I forgot they did have a 909. I've never held one of those. I didn't realize they were single stack 9 round. They wanted $549 for it, 1 mag no box.

Buy them both...........

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

"55 S&W39"


If it's 1955 it's a Pre-39 "S&W 9mm".... 1st year production.

About 1600 built 1955-57..... Bought one for $350 and sold it about 15 or so years ago for $1,400 Serial # range 1001-2600.

Careful with the extractor....... they can break and there are no replacements!

I will definitely go back & examine it further armed with that knowledge. Also, I'm going off their tag saying 1955, I don't know what the serial was

Do you have a " Standard Catalog S&W"??

See Page 342

Edited first post......

No I do not have that book. May need to look at getting it. Which edition or does it matter?

Need the Sn. Some people look in the lid at the printed date" April 15,1955". Its the date of the warranty. Common mistake.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Newest one is 4th Ed.

By the way, if you charge the chamber from the mag, as instructed, the extractor will function perfectly. If you charge the chamber by just dropping in a round, the extractor has to snap around the rim. Not designed to function in that manner.
If the Sn. has an "A" prefix, it is post 1970. Not a 9MM/Auto.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Be aware the 909 may have a polymer magazine catch - look for the molding mark down the middle. The updated metal catch is no longer available and somewhat hard to find.

Attached Images

909catch.jpg (63.1 KB, 22 views)

Was able to get the serial.
Stated #63xxx

Sir, thanks for Sn. You are looking at a mod-39. Mid to late 60s. mfg.
$750 price not out of line if in nice shape. And what mags come with it.
A far cry from 1955 and a pre 39.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Awesome. Thank you all for the information. Wonder why they labeled it '55. Just to try & sell faster to an unknowing(like me)

I told you. Every counter monkey has been told that all m-39s were from 1955! That guy at the shop dont know poop about guns. We, all your brothers here on the Forum, know their gun stuff. Trust belongs here.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

That's a $xxx mistake...on the shop's part!

Glad we got it straighten out for you!

Mr. Bam, why is it a mistake? The m-39 could be a dog. Have not seen any pics.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

This was a pic of the 909

Attached Images

20240412_134830~2.jpg (46.0 KB, 32 views)

YUPPER!!!!