39-2

[BrianE]

Im looking into possibly buying a 39-2 and its definitely going to be shot, not stuffed in a safe. Looks like it needs to be reblued etc... Can these still be repaired if need be by Smith & Wesson or....? Ive always wanted one, but have read that there were issues with firing pins breaking and should always have extras etc.... Any and all information would be greatly appreciated as soon as possible.

Thanks to all!!

Brian

 

[310Pilot]

The 39-2 is an excellent gun, and is very enjoyable to shoot. In my experience, the primary wear items are springs, notably the extractor spring and the recoil spring. Replacing them is not terribly difficult, and will cure 95% of extraction/stoppage problems. I notice that you mentioned the gun you are considering needs re-bluing. The frame is aluminum alloy, and was anodized, rather than blued. S&W will no longer refinish any alloy frame guns prior to current production generation guns, so a trip back to the factory for a re-blue is out of the question. If the anodizing process is not correctly done, it is not unheard of for the frame to melt during it, so you want to have it done by a pro who is experienced and careful. Fords is one of the few who will refinish them, and they usually do a superb job. Check out their prices for refinishing, and don't forget they charge extra for aluminum frame guns. Take that into consideration when negotiating price.

 

[JSR III]

If you are going to carry it and shoot it alot, I would not worry about the finish. I have 2 model 59's that I carry and they are not beautiful, but that is not their purpose. Clean it up and put a good coat of Renassiance wax on it and don't worry about the look.

The original 39 had some issues IIRC, however they were corrected in the -2 version. I would suggest not dry firing it and you probably won't have any issues with the firing pin. I once dry fired a Colt 32 ACP and watched the firing pin fly down range. I have never dry fired a semi automatic since. JMHO.

 

[GF]

I've owned this one for 27 years, it's the first gun I bought when I turned 21.

It's in good shape for a carry gun. It rode in a pistol rug under my truck seat for about 10 years straight. I've put the wood grips back on it and still take it to the range once in awhile.

Buy the one your looking at, don't worry about a re-blue or anything breaking. It'll stand up to what ever you put it through.

GF

 

[BrianE]

GF that is a beautiful 39-2... Id love to get my hands on one in that condition. I think Im jealous............... No, I am, no thinking needed.

 

[bulletproof-791]

Im looking into possibly buying a 39-2 and its definitely going to be shot, not stuffed in a safe. Looks like it needs to be reblued etc... Can these still be repaired if need be by Smith & Wesson or....? Ive always wanted one, but have read that there were issues with firing pins breaking and should always have extras etc.... Any and all information would be greatly appreciated as soon as possible.

Thanks to all!!

Brian

buy it .....you will be happy with it...love mine...also mine is NOT a safe queen i do shoot it matter of fact it shoots very well and for being made in 1975 mine is still in VGC....take care of her she will take care of you...scott

 

[Prefixingto]

Im looking into possibly buying a 39-2 and its definitely going to be shot, not stuffed in a safe. Looks like it needs to be reblued etc... Can these still be repaired if need be by Smith & Wesson or....? Ive always wanted one, but have read that there were issues with firing pins breaking and should always have extras etc.... Any and all information would be greatly appreciated as soon as possible.

Thanks to all!!

Brian

Duracoat is a very inexpensive means to refinish a gun.....I posted up some before and after pics in the gunsmithing section of my 39-2

 

[TAROMAN]

Great guns. Be sure to check barrel end shake. try to pry the barrel forward through the ejection port when in battery. More than a couple thou movement is bad for accutacy.
Another possibility if you want to refinish is Black-T. Extremely durable. The FBI Hostage Rescue Teams use this process for their gear.

 

[UCLALAW]

Buy it!

Im looking into possibly buying a 39-2 and its definitely going to be shot, not stuffed in a safe. Looks like it needs to be reblued etc... Can these still be repaired if need be by Smith & Wesson or....? Ive always wanted one, but have read that there were issues with firing pins breaking and should always have extras etc.... Any and all information would be greatly appreciated as soon as possible.

Thanks to all!!

Brian

Mine is an early (39-2) manufacture and I've had zero problems, just routine maintenance, mainly springs. If it needs parts you can find some on gunbroker.com or Numrich - Numrich Gun Parts Corporation. Some M59 parts are also compatible. They're not that difficult to work on, any gunsmith can take care of whatever it may need. In fact you can do much work yourself if you have the tools. I have some repair manuals if you need them.
Take it out to the range and shoot it, the M39 is a pistol everyone seems to love. I think the 39 will become very collectible in the near future - so if you're considering having it refinished remember that it devalues the collectible value.
Whatever the case...you'll love it.