39-2 vs. 59...***BOTH FOUND!!! .Help me make the choice! ***PICS ADDED***

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.
 
policerevolvercollector said:
Considering that the condition is basically equal, which should I get?

I have a 459,5906, & 915. So, magazines would interchange w/ the 59.

The 59 is priced @ $290 and the 39-2 is $325.

Each comes w/ 1 factory magazine.

As my list indicates, I don't have any 1st generation guns. However, many years ago, I had a 39 that I bought new and liked it very much. It was sold/traded probably 25 years ago.

I am putting this out there for input from y'all. Which one should I get? At present, the "gun fund" is such that both are not an option.

Thanks!!

Charles
Click to expand...

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.
 
mauser9 said:
Yeah $255 is a super deal in any condition. Truly minty ones have gone for at least $450.
Click to expand...
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.
 
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.
 
RWJ797 said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
Used gun pickings are pretty slim around here so the auctions are my best source. Keep looking and watch and you can come up with some great deals. My last four pistols have all been purchased from the same auction house in the last 3 years (a Legend, Legend Target and two 952-1 pistols) have increased in value, and most importantly have been able to enjoy them to the fullest.
 
Wnhew! I'm glad that cluster got solved.
Good on the 39.
And money to spare.
What more can you ask for?
I traded a 39-2 and a 439 a lot of years ago. I still cannot remember why.
But I snagged a decent 39-2 this spring and got in for only a few sheckels more than I went years ago.
I must be blessed.
 
My first auto in the 70's was a new M39. I love it! My go to gun for many years.

290.00 and 325.00???? Unless they're junk... I'm sorry you can't afford both. I'd hate to buy one and leave one...especially at that price. Take the 39 if money is a factor. It's a great gun!

I tell you...out here, at those prices, both would be snapped up so quick it would make you head spin. Even quicker if I was there.

What a choice to have to make at bargain prices.

I just saw your purchases... I responded too quickly to your original post. Nice score.

Maybe do your own Cerakote or the like. That could be a fun option.



...stu
 
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:)
policerevolvercollector said:
Considering that the condition is basically equal, which should I get?

I have a 459,5906, & 915. So, magazines would interchange w/ the 59.

The 59 is priced @ $290 and the 39-2 is $325.

Each comes w/ 1 factory magazine.

As my list indicates, I don't have any 1st generation guns. However, many years ago, I had a 39 that I bought new and liked it very much. It was sold/traded probably 25 years ago.

I am putting this out there for input from y'all. Which one should I get? At present, the "gun fund" is such that both are not an option.

Thanks!!

Charles
Click to expand...
I would go with the 39-2 at that price and if it is in good shape, I would be all over it. That's just me, I bought my first one and they just kept multiplying on me now I have 4 of the buggers. I think S&W went a long way with this shooter nice and thin not overly heavy and is a great shooter all the way around.
I had Robar Guns do an over haul one and it looks great, satin silver on the slide and black on the frame with rosewood grips, make for a great carry weapon. I guess you can tell which one I am partial to. Go for it my Friend you won't be disappointed.:):):):)
 
RWJ797 said:
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.
Click to expand...
I know how you feel, all the nice looking 39-2's and even the 59's are in the upper $450 to $650 range. The 59's are a little less but if you not getting some rolled over junk pile your still in the $475 range. About the time I find a nice one for a cheap price is ten minuets after the auction closed. The old saying just after I found it somebody moved it, go figure.:eek:
 
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