38 SA prototype

[Aussie Collector]

Here is a picture of a prototype, during the development of the 52.
Characteristics of the 41 and 39 can be seen.
Photo is from a S&W report from 1960 prior to the 52 release.
Anyone have more information on this pistol?

 

[Sevens]

How very cool — appears to be a fixed barrel design, now I wonder what kept S&W from doing this instead of what the 52 ended up being?

Surely there are limits to a fixed barrel semiautomatic, but I have one in .32 Wadcutter and it shoots like an absolute dream.

How did you find this picture? I would also love to hear more about this.

 

[gwpercle]

Interesting ... I have never seen this one before ...
the first thing that popped into my mind was ...
it has a passing resemblance to the High Standard Supermatic ...
Not a bad looking design at all ...
Very Cool ... Thanks for posting !
Gary

 

[sw702]

OH BABY !!!!!!!!!!

 

[kmk008]

Looks like a P38.. it wouldn't surprise me - if I remember correctly the M39 was designed because the military wanted a competitor to the P38 and then chose to stick with the 1911.

 

[gmborkovic]

Kind of resembles a Baretta Jaguar?

 

[Aussie Collector]

How did you find this picture? I would also love to hear more about this.

I collect S&W catalogs and printed documents, have quite a lot. This prototype was in a 1960 report to shareholders.