639.....To buy or not?

[safearm]

I carried a 639 as a duty gun for a couple of years in the early 80's. Used +P+ loads in it without a single problem. Sold it to a friend of mine who was in the Air National Guard; he gave it to his son who is a police officer today. It's just like the Energizer bunny; it keeps going and going.

 

[conn ak]

Taking the 639 completely down several times, I'm thoroughly convinced the M639 could last for 100 or more years. A true tank, I recently replaced the recoil spring and magazine springs. Neither needed replacement, but the springs are cheap. Literally thousands of all type 9mm has been shot through my 639 with one (1!) stove pipe on a reload. I was so shocked I threw the crunched round in the pistol box 8 or 9 years ago where it remains. My 639 has popped off countless rounds of +P as well. With the newer 9 round 39 S&W mags and the ability to carry another safely in the tube, the 639 is still a pistol holding its own in the tupperware era. Just wish it held 16 or so.

 

[Karnivore]

Here is the 639 I was talking about, doen anyone know when it may have been made and the best place to buy some extra mags. BTW, I ended up at 325.00 OTD, is this a fair price?

Thanks, MH

PS, I'll just have to get used to that phillips screw....

http://i493.photobucket.com/albums/rr293/ghop/mm004.jpg

 

[conn ak]

Very good price. Midway USA sometimes has the S&W 39 (fits) magazine with 9 round capacity for $33 Your 639 is the twin brother of mine. The squared trigger guard I think came out in the late eighties. It's a great gun, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. The used 639 goes for $350-375 before taxes around here. The trigger will feel "crunchy", but that's normal. The only pistol I've ever owned (bought it used in 1991) that has had no problems whatsoever.

 

[Karnivore]

You are right, the trigger is "crunchy". I will shoot it for fun only at this time. It does seem bullet proof.

My 639 has a magazine disconnect, will not fire with the mag out.

Thanks, MH

 

[conn ak]

Yes, no fire without the magazine. Crunchy is good, it's never been a problem and every other 639 I've handled has that weird trigger feel. The trigger breaks clean, you'll be on target. Let's have a range report when you take it out. Like mine, yours has fixed sights as opposed to the adjustable sights on many 639 models. My 639 has been on target since I bought it with no adjustments needed. I believe the rear sight can be carefully drifted if required. You've purchased a classic Smith & Wesson built when plastic was for kid's toys and stainless steel and wood were the state of the art.