A Model 39-2 Trade

[elkhunt]

I have been offered a nice (pictured below, I have not seen it in person) 39-2 with two mags in trade for my Bodyguard .380 I have never owned any other SW semi auto pistol so I have no frame of reference. I bought the .380 used to trade, and this has been offered. I am thinking it's a trade I will make, any thoughts, comments, value? Thanks

 

[310Pilot]

I wouldn't wait to make that trade! The 39 is a great gun, and fits the hand like no other! To say nothing of it being an all metal (aluminum alloy frame and steel slide) gun, vs. plastic, and in a much more effective caliber than .380. The 39 is more likely to increase in value over the short term than the .380 Bodyguard, as well. Go for it, before the other guy changes his mind!

 

[UpNorthMN]

I just picked up a Nickel 39-2 a few weeks ago with original box for $425 at a LGS. Most are listed online for north of that number. Could not be happier. In my untrained hands it is more accurate than my XD9 and Hi-Power. I know nothing about the .380 you have, but I would not hesitate on a 39-2. Love mine.

 

[Fairlane67]

I would do the trade in a New York minute!

 

[Raider]

You cam't go wrong with a Mod. 39. Go for it!

Charlie

 

[Boox]

That's a no-brainer...get it and run away before the other party changes his mind...

 

[zerbertz]

Run very fast before someone changes their mind!

 

[Wraith_K]

I'd make the trade. You can always buy another .380 BG, but you'll always regret passing on the 39!

 

[elkhunt]

Yes, I made the trade. Will get the pistol when our cross pass out here in Oregon. Sounds like these have a nice little following.

 

[Silversmok3]

I looked at a 639 once, saw a $325 price on the item, and thought "naa , whatever".

Don't make the same mistake I did. I own a 539 now and would turn down an offer by Midas himself to keep it.

 

[olwogo]

I fell into a trade like that. Never had heard of a 39-2, much less shot one. I put it up for sale. Before I got an offer (that afternoon) I shot it. SWEET! Needless to say, my girls will do something with that gun-after I die! You will love that weapon! ENJOY!!!

 

[elkhunt]

I picked up the 39-2 this past Sunday. It was made in 1977, and it's in pretty nice shape. Here are a couple more pictures. Thanks for the input.

 

[georgesmith]

Looks good to me. I have one and it is going no where. It is very accurate. I had a rear sight problem and found a used site in Numrich WEB.

 

[hunter3705]

The 39 is one of the all-time greatest handguns ever. I think you made a good trade, and I think you'll be very happy with your 39.

 

[gtoppcop]

Just like Ben Stiller's character in the Starsky and Hutch remake: "DO IT"!

I just got a 1973 (S/N A21###) Model 39-2 in 98% condition. I have 9 other 3rd Gens. This "First Generation" is one of the sweetest handling of ALL of my Smith autos.

I never knew they were such a wonderful pistol. What's cool is that the newer 9-round 3906/3904 mags work perfectly. That brings your capacity up to 10-rounds in a wonderfuly flat package, whether it be for HD, Duty or CCW. Stoke it with the NYPD load, 147gr HST +P or the 9BPLE (for nostalgia) and you have one of the best SD pistols extant.

They are minute-of-felon accurate (not up to a Model 52 standard) for most use(s).

The (new) Bodyguard is the ham-handed S&W attempt to secure the sub-compact polymer market. S&W should just leave that market segment to Walther and their excellent PPS.

Lastly, MidwayUSA has a mutitude of parts for the 39-2 offered for decent prices. Parts can also be had at Numrich.

I plan to accurize mine by having a spare barrel bushing Hard Chrome-plated (and re-plated) to increase the I.D. of the bushing (.002-.004"). I will then have my gunsmith turn it down to tighten the barrel/bushing fit without impacting reliability.

I will send off the slide to Tool Tech in Michigan to have a Trijicon Tritium vial installed in the front sight. Tool Tech was the sub-contractor for Trijicon back in the late 80s and early 90s when Beretta offered a factory night sights on their 92FS pistols. I had them do this on one of my 92s. They drill a hole thru the muzzle end of the front sight, install the vial and bond it using a strong epoxy. Permanent install with a 1-year warranty.

They are very strong pistols. The Illinois State Police (ISP) had them for years and used the Federal 9BPLE (9mm +P+) without any failures. The frames, although they are aluminium, are very hard and stand up to thousands of rounds.

Make the trade and be done with it. The 39s are starting to fetch big prices. The Bodyguard will go the way of the Cadillac Cimarron...