Bitten by the S&W Generation Gap

[demkofour]

Way back when, my first semiautomatic pistol was a Model 59, followed by 469 Mini-Gun. Both were traded off for something “newer and better…”
I was able to replace both guns for my collection (accumulation?) not long ago with very nice early examples, to go along with the 439, 459, 3904 and other neat 1st, 2nd and 3rd Generation models I’ve found.
But recently I got an itch for the Model 39 platform, a rabbit hole I wasn’t expecting to go down. With the help of a friend or two here and at the SWCA Forum (you guys know who you are!) it’s a go!
Here’s the first one received. It’s a relatively early (1965\6) model marked 39, which shipped on January 03, 1966 to Williams Gun Sight, Co. in Davison, Michigan. Unit price was $52.25 (which translates to about $520 in 2025.)

Anyone else here have some cool old school Smiths to show off? Let’s see what you have…

 

[BAM-BAM]

Nice........
Reminder; do not drop a round in the chamber and then drop the slide!
That method could result in a broken extractor, and no replacements are known to be available!

Alway load from the magazine.

I've owner 3 or 4 over the years; don't shoot them, trade them off and then get the urge to get another!! Been carrying 3rd gen guns since 1989.

Traded my 469 for the first 6906 I saw!

 

[cougar015]

I've posted some of mine over the years and just picked this one up. Factory Engraved Class 'B' Nickel

 

[ogso]

Jack First has both first gen long extractors and 39-2 short extractors. I bought a long as a spare when I found out about his website.

 

[gmborkovic]

Mr. OP, nice looking m-39. Im guessing its a late 60K Sn.?
I have several, and shoot them. Just charge from the mag.
Good hunting, they are addictive.

 

[Tntcwg3]

"Bitten by the S&W Generation Gap", congratulations and condolences are in order. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Gen single -stack nines are both the most eloquent and addictive of all the Smith semi autos. Don't even get me started on the PC models! Sorry, there is no known cure, however new acquisitions can provide short term relief!

 

[Manuuel24!]

Nice........
Reminder; do not drop a round in the chamber and then drop the slide!
That method could result in a broken extractor, and no replacements are known to be available!

Alway load from the magazine.

I've owner 3 or 4 over the years; don't shoot them, trade them off and then get the urge to get another!! Been carrying 3rd gen guns since 1989.

Traded my 469 for the first 6906 I saw!

Got my grandpas 39-2 restored and it looks so nice.

So in Love that learned about the model 6906 and bought it to just because of better conceal and capacity .

Salute brother!