39-2 vs. 59...***BOTH FOUND!!! .Help me make the choice! ***PICS ADDED***
- Thread starter policerevolvercollector
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loeman
Member
I own and love both the 39 and 59. However I'd also recommend getting the 39. It was noted above at how plentiful these guns are. Well they might once have been but I'm not seeing that many, anymore. Especially ones in superior condition. Sure wish you could get 'em both as they have very attractive prices. Good luck.
Haha, while it is true that we all see whatever it is that we see, it is NOT reality in my world that 39-2's are scarce. And I will notice every single metal 1-2-3rd Gen in any room, I don't accidentally overlook them.
Pick any S&W 1-2-3rd Gen model out of a hat, go do a Gunbroker search. Now, do a simple 39-2 search.
Mr. Jinks said nearly 400,000 of these were made. They are not scarce in most any way we might typically argue the relative definition of "scarce." And for every guy who regrets the one he had way back when who bought one yesterday to rectify that... there is a widow that just dropped one off at the local gun shop.
I'm emotionally attached just like you guys -- just not to the point that it clouds reality.
Pick any S&W 1-2-3rd Gen model out of a hat, go do a Gunbroker search. Now, do a simple 39-2 search.
Mr. Jinks said nearly 400,000 of these were made. They are not scarce in most any way we might typically argue the relative definition of "scarce." And for every guy who regrets the one he had way back when who bought one yesterday to rectify that... there is a widow that just dropped one off at the local gun shop.
I'm emotionally attached just like you guys -- just not to the point that it clouds reality.
scoobysnacker
Member
My guess regarding prices- things will always go up, and I think that it will go up more for the 39-2. I don't think there was ever a real problem to correct, that the 2nd and 3rd Gen fixed, for the single stacks.
For the 59, there were issues, and the newer gen's addressed it.
While that isn't relevant as a carry option since you won't be carrying these, it will figure into demand.
I'm not sure you will find a lot of 39-2's at the price you listed, but I think you will find more 59's at that price.
For the 59, there were issues, and the newer gen's addressed it.
While that isn't relevant as a carry option since you won't be carrying these, it will figure into demand.
I'm not sure you will find a lot of 39-2's at the price you listed, but I think you will find more 59's at that price.
The 2nd Gen single stacks definitely addressed a problem-- lack of a firing pin lock and some reports of hammer block failure. Was it an epidemic? No, not in any measurable way, but I don't believe it was non-existent either.
I totally love my 39's and one of them gets a lot of use, but I wouldn't choose to carry one, either.
I totally love my 39's and one of them gets a lot of use, but I wouldn't choose to carry one, either.
Ed Fowler
Member
Carried this one for over 7 years, always reliable, factory refinished her, George Maynard did some accuracy work as one if the engravers did the engraving.
Wore out the shoulder holster I made for her, need to make another. Had two, but one disappeared as they sometimes do.
Wore out the shoulder holster I made for her, need to make another. Had two, but one disappeared as they sometimes do.
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OP
policerevolvercollector
Member
The decision is made.
I searched the gun auction sites and found several other 39-2s & 59s that will be even less expensive than the pair I was looking at originally. So...I can actually get BOTH.
But, y'all knew that was going to happen anyway...right??!!
Pics will be posted when everything gets here.......
Best,
Charles
I searched the gun auction sites and found several other 39-2s & 59s that will be even less expensive than the pair I was looking at originally. So...I can actually get BOTH.
But, y'all knew that was going to happen anyway...right??!!
Pics will be posted when everything gets here.......
Best,
Charles
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The decision is made.
I searched the gun auction sites and found several other 39-2s & 59s that will be even less expensive than the pair I was looking at originally. So...I can actually get BOTH.
But, y'all knew that was going to happen anyway...right??!!
Pics will be posted when everything gets here.......
Best,
Charles
Always the right decision, if you can swing it. Congrats.
OP
policerevolvercollector
Member
Here's the 39-2. .I got it @ $255 + tax. (It is not the original one I posted about earlier. That one was already sold.) This one was in an online auction that was posted by a dealer about an hour away. So....no FFL fees or shipping costs.
I'm still deciding on which 59 I'm going to get. There are several out there at decent prices.
Best,
Charles
I'm still deciding on which 59 I'm going to get. There are several out there at decent prices.
Best,
Charles
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Ed Fowler
Member
I was watching that one myself, please let us know how she shoots.
scoobysnacker
Member
Wow, $255 is an absolute deal for that pistol. Congrats!
TheSharkMan
Member
Well, thanks a lot guys! I'd been thinking a 3rd-gen for my next auto-loader. Now you've got me seriously wishing for a 39! ;-)
So, now the search begins.
So, now the search begins.
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Personally, I would get the 39-2. If S&W has ever made a finer looking semi-auto, I am not sure what it is.
They should reintroduce a retro version of the 39-2 in their Classic Line, updated with a firing pin safety, but otherwise pretty much like the original, wood stocks and all.
Anyone like that idea?
I would think considering all you have that you are missing out on one of S&Ws 1st and finest 9mm semi autos. The model 39 and variants. I have both 39 and 59 in differing generations. fBut the model 39-2 is a sweet pistol!! I have had the enjoyment of owning and shooting the pre model 39, 39 39-2 439. 539. 3914, 3954, 3914LS,..and others I am forgetting at the moment.. I like the 59 series, I love the 39 series.
RWJ797
Member
Where are you guys finding decent 39s/39-2s for less than $400? And 'minty' ones for less than $500?! Every clean looking 39-2 I've seen for sale online in the last two months went for $450-$575 plus shipping/FFL fees, etc. 'Minty' with box: $600 at least. I watched and bid on a near mint nickel plated 39-2 w/matching box, papers, & two mags go for over $1,000, which was too much IMO, but it was an exceptionally beautiful pistol and obviously not too much for somebody else. My high bid was over $800 and I probably would have had buyer's remorse if I won. Right now, I see a blue 39-2 NIB similar auction; over $975 and ending today. So I'm wondering, where are the deals on clean 39s? I must not be looking in the right places.
racemi
Member
RWJ797,
I think you are looking in the wrong places if you are looking at online auctions. Online auctions have one BIG problem; they are seen by people all over the U.S. That means that someone in an area where the overall price of guns is higher than where you live will pay what looks to you like a very high price.
You need to look locally. You local gun shops and pawnshops are where you will find the best prices. I watch the online auctions all the time and I see what I feel are ridiculous prices paid for almost all the guns. I've lucked out locally more than once by waiting and looking. You have to be consistent about it, you have to stop in about once a week and be ready to jump on a deal when you find one, if you wait, you will loose the gun. It's happened to me a few times and I kick myself for hesitating.
Best of luck, you will find one if you watch and wait.
I think you are looking in the wrong places if you are looking at online auctions. Online auctions have one BIG problem; they are seen by people all over the U.S. That means that someone in an area where the overall price of guns is higher than where you live will pay what looks to you like a very high price.
You need to look locally. You local gun shops and pawnshops are where you will find the best prices. I watch the online auctions all the time and I see what I feel are ridiculous prices paid for almost all the guns. I've lucked out locally more than once by waiting and looking. You have to be consistent about it, you have to stop in about once a week and be ready to jump on a deal when you find one, if you wait, you will loose the gun. It's happened to me a few times and I kick myself for hesitating.
Best of luck, you will find one if you watch and wait.
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Small shops and private owners. I grabbed a 98% 39-2 with all original packaging for $300 around 2 yrs ago from a small LGS. My 59 came with original box and 3 mags for $300, as well, but with a good bit more wear. Both of my carry 3rd Gens? You guessed it- $300 or less (my 915 was $275, about a month or so ago.) The smaller shops aren't interested in nostalgia, and are willing to let them go for less.
Yep gotta agree with two above posts. Will always pay more for those online guns. Seen those bidding wars and someone with deep pockets that want a certain model will usually come back if they want it bad enough. Those nickel 39s sure were a beauty and the price often reflects it.
scoobysnacker
Member
I agree that online auctions are almost always too much, BUT- the OP states that is where he ordered his 39-2.
Which has us all in a tizzy
Which has us all in a tizzy
