First year production Model 39
- Thread starter ARAK1547
- Start date
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Hello Mr. ARAK, nice early mod-39, with 4digits. Its not first year. Its post 1957 because it is model stamped. $679 is a fair price with 2mags. I would be in at that price, but I collect them. The early series is known as 9MM/DA
or pre-39. Buy it and shoot it.
or pre-39. Buy it and shoot it.
Thank you!
Mags are later not 1957 vintage.
Engine49guy
Member
Nice early Model marked 39.
There were several changes (improvements) implemented by the time your gun was produced, the ones that jump out the most are the long safety lever and relieved left side stock top to clear it, the other is it's long tang to eliminate slide bite when held too high with chubby hands.
There were a few other little changes as well but those are the biggies.
If you want to start a 39 collection that would make a nice beginning piece, if you are strictly looking for a shooter I would recommend looking for a 39-2 mostly for its improved extractor, there are no replacements for the older style wide extractor if it is ever broken.
Ps, the magazines appear to be correct style with the metal figure 8 follower for that era gun.
There were several changes (improvements) implemented by the time your gun was produced, the ones that jump out the most are the long safety lever and relieved left side stock top to clear it, the other is it's long tang to eliminate slide bite when held too high with chubby hands.
There were a few other little changes as well but those are the biggies.
If you want to start a 39 collection that would make a nice beginning piece, if you are strictly looking for a shooter I would recommend looking for a 39-2 mostly for its improved extractor, there are no replacements for the older style wide extractor if it is ever broken.
Ps, the magazines appear to be correct style with the metal figure 8 follower for that era gun.
Last edited:
I don't collect them, my old man likes them and was just curious. Google research landed me on some "facts" of the pistol. He has a few 39-2's already
Engine49guy
Member
I just edited my post to add the magazines are correct from what I can see from the side.
The metal figure 8 follower changed to a plastic flat follower very early in the beginning of the 39-2 IIRC.
The very earliest guns had a flat metal follower.
The metal figure 8 follower changed to a plastic flat follower very early in the beginning of the 39-2 IIRC.
The very earliest guns had a flat metal follower.
The early 39 mags had 9mm and S&W stamped on the bottom of the baseplate. They discontinued stamping them 9mm when the Model 52-A came out in 1960 as they used the same baseplates. The mags for the gun you posted should have the 2 line baseplates.
Early magazines would have had a metal follower, the plastic follower started with the Model 39-2 around serial number A200000. Is it worth $679? I think it is as Model 39's in the condition pictured are few and far between.
Mod-39, 2730, early 4digit, was shipped with 2mags. Flat follower, long base plate and 2line marked, 9MM/S&W.
Engine49guy
Member
One of the "good" things about OCD is it makes you hyper sensitive to little things, but then you can't unsee them.
Having OCD myself I usually notice little things but have to admit I have never focused on the baseplate rollsyamps or noticed that the okd ones are stamped 9mm.
Just pulled Pre Model 39 Blue, Serial 1644 shipped July 1956
Model 39 , Blue
Serial 68490 shipped Oct 1966
Both have the 9mm stamp, while both came to me with only 1 magazine the 56 ones likely original as it has a flat steel follower, the 1966 gun has the figure 8 follower but there's no way to know if that one came with that magazine from the factory or not but it came to me that way.
Having OCD myself I usually notice little things but have to admit I have never focused on the baseplate rollsyamps or noticed that the okd ones are stamped 9mm.
Just pulled Pre Model 39 Blue, Serial 1644 shipped July 1956
Model 39 , Blue
Serial 68490 shipped Oct 1966
Both have the 9mm stamp, while both came to me with only 1 magazine the 56 ones likely original as it has a flat steel follower, the 1966 gun has the figure 8 follower but there's no way to know if that one came with that magazine from the factory or not but it came to me that way.
The mag and baseplate for the Pre with the flat follower and 9mm stamp is correct. The mag for the M39 with the 9mm stamp might have shipped with the gun if they found one at the factory and just included it. As you know, back then they weren't worried about what was "correct" they were just shipping guns. Whatever the reason it's a good mag to have. I also have a few mags with the figure 8 follower and 9mm on the baseplate.
Plus the early 2line mag base plate is 15/8" long. As Rich stated the 2line was dropped when the 52A came out. This length continued up till A180000, when the small relief was cut in the bottom front of the grip.
They still had the X steel follower. Now at A200000, the 11/2" plate and plastic follower were added. Brad, do a spell check and proof on entry #14.
They still had the X steel follower. Now at A200000, the 11/2" plate and plastic follower were added. Brad, do a spell check and proof on entry #14.
Engine49guy
Member
Interesting 39 tidbits !
Mike between my poor eyesight, fat fingers and that I only post with my smart phone I often miss my frequent errors.
Most common one is when I miss the "L" and hit the "K" so spell old as okd...
Getting okd sux
Mike between my poor eyesight, fat fingers and that I only post with my smart phone I often miss my frequent errors.
Most common one is when I miss the "L" and hit the "K" so spell old as okd...
Getting okd sux
Brad, glad you enjoyed the 39 titbits. Your eyes will get worse and your fingers fatter. OCD , I dont have.
