39 vs 39-2 - what is the difference?

[LSUDVM]

I am keeping my eyes open for a 39 to replace one I sold a years ago. But i see a lot of 39-2s so am wondering is the difference between the 39 and 39-2? thanks. I googled but didn't find an answer.

 

[candjhorses]

The two differences that I can think of are the feed ramp and shorter extractor.

 

[t-bird]

Also the 39 has a steel frame. Best of luck on finding your new 39.

 

[kwill1911]

Also the 39 has a steel frame. Best of luck on finding your new 39.

Rarely. The vast majority have alloy frames.

 

[tom-tom]

The two differences that I can think of are the feed ramp and shorter extractor.

I'm no expert on the early ones, but I believe the member's correct. The no dash had a feed ramp that changed angles going up to the chamber - steeper then less steep, so there was a visible break where the pitch changed. Also, the extractor on the early 39s was a tempered spring rather than the pivoted bar to which we're used.
As far as the frame material goes, I believe I had a dash 2 NIB w/ a steel frame. There were less than 1000 made.
Both design aspects caused reliability issues and were corrected in the -2. Pix garnered from the web.

 

[grif684]

The steel frame versions were model 39 no dash pistols, made early in the model 39's production but not sold til years later (mid sixties, I believe). The dash 2 was never made with a steel frame. Back to the original question, there are quite a few subtle differences, including the mentioned barrel feed ramp and obvious extractor, but also the model 39 and early dash 2 models shared the "hollow" hammer, as well as the non relieved front strap shown here, with the 39 on the left and 39-2 on the right. The magazines were also different, with the model 39 having a longer baseplate. After the frames were relieved just above the magazine opening the magazine baseplates became shorter. Some early dash 2 models were not relieved and shared the same longer magazines as well as the no dash hammer. The slides also had differences beside the extractor, the model 39 recoil spring was captured by the barrel bushing, while the later dash 2 models were captured by the slide itself, as the hole was smaller and allowed only the guide rod to fit through, taking all the spring pressure off the barrel bushing. Both versions can be found on very early dash 2 models.