Model 39-2 Pros and Cons?

[FirebirdV8]

I am new to the mod 39 club, but can tell you they are great guns. My 39 no dash fits perfectly in my hand and shoot better groups with it then any of my other handguns. You will be hard pressed to find a better shooting gun then the 39 series. These were ground breaking weapons when they were introduced and did have some growing pains as a result. However, for civillian use, I don't think I will ever use my 39 to the point of breaking it.

 

[BillCa]

I have a chance to buy a LNIB 39-2 w/ all of the original factory paper work,box, magazines, original wax paper, etc. I have no idea what these things go for, prices seem to be all over the place. The serial# is #A3228XX, not sure when it was made. Is there anything to be concerned with from a mechanical standpoint with this gun? Any help at all would greatly be appreciated. The gun looks brand new. Thanks in advance for any help, I really appreciate it.
Respectfully,
SM1357

That pistol would have been made in '76-'77 by the serial number. If it is unfired, with the box, cleaning kit, two (2) magazines, manual, registration card etc. then $450 is about the going price on one of these. I expect the prices will continue to climb as people find out how good these guns are.

 

[george minze]

ASP purchase for a Judge i was assigned too.

I collect Model 39's I have pre-Model 39's, regular 39's, steel frame 39's, engraved 39's in both blue and nickel and a few custom DEVEL and ASP 39's. To me they are the best looking Smith&Wesson 9mm ever made. I carried one (39-2) off duty for 15 years, and it never let me down. Always fed/shot whatever ammo I used, and always hit what I shot at. You can never go wrong with them. They are also fun to collect.

Back in 77 or 78 I purchased a ASP for a judge took two years and a call to NY Attn. Gen to get delivery. I got to shoot it once was impressed with design but dbl. action was horrible even by 39 standards. Have you shot yours often and did it smooth out? I always thought that S&W did it right when they came out with the 3913-14-53 series. I had a 3953 that was worked by Actions by (T) internal, and the outside was worked by the late Joe Bonner of Novaks. I carried it for ten years and put it up for sale at local gun shop WOW it brought 1300. Even at that I was disappointed at myself for selling it. Novak's and Action by (T) are both lovers of the 39 series and both do a great action job if it for for serious carry. If just purchased for collection I would leave the 39 no dash and 39-2 as is. Just my opinion but I still don't understand why S&W just didn't do some slight action work on the 39's and sell them for ever. It is hard to find a better looking auto than the 39' as witnessed by the pictures on this sight. I try to purchase any pristine ones that I can afford at the time. As stated at 70 anything I purchase is going to outlast me. Retired cops never die they just lose track of their war stories and memories of deeds past...Or the mind in self defense embellishes the stories.....40 years LEO nad a shooter for all 40 years and still shooting. Eyes permitting

 

[SM1357]

That pistol would have been made in '76-'77 by the serial number. If it is unfired, with the box, cleaning kit, two (2) magazines, manual, registration card etc. then $450 is about the going price on one of these. I expect the prices will continue to climb as people find out how good these guns are.

Thanks for the reply, I really appreciate the help.
Respectfully,
SM1357

 

[Model39]

Reply

Back in 77 or 78 I purchased a ASP for a judge took two years and a call to NY Attn. Gen to get delivery. I got to shoot it once was impressed with design but dbl. action was horrible even by 39 standards. Have you shot yours often and did it smooth out? I always thought that S&W did it right when they came out with the 3913-14-53 series. I had a 3953 that was worked by Actions by (T) internal, and the outside was worked by the late Joe Bonner of Novaks. I carried it for ten years and put it up for sale at local gun shop WOW it brought 1300. Even at that I was disappointed at myself for selling it. Novak's and Action by (T) are both lovers of the 39 series and both do a great action job if it for for serious carry. If just purchased for collection I would leave the 39 no dash and 39-2 as is. Just my opinion but I still don't understand why S&W just didn't do some slight action work on the 39's and sell them for ever. It is hard to find a better looking auto than the 39' as witnessed by the pictures on this sight. I try to purchase any pristine ones that I can afford at the time. As stated at 70 anything I purchase is going to outlast me. Retired cops never die they just lose track of their war stories and memories of deeds past...Or the mind in self defense embellishes the stories.....40 years LEO nad a shooter for all 40 years and still shooting. Eyes permitting

I never shot my ASP. I bought it for my collection only. The gun came with 3 pairs of see through grips (white, black, Buffalo horn) 2 holsters made by K. Null (black leather, sharkskin) two magnetic mag pouches and a total of 5 ASP marked magazines, along with ASP marked zipper gun rug, and the original S&W factory box. I also got the ASP (Ruger) 5-shot 44spl revolver to go with it, both have remained unfired.

 

[george minze]

paris Theadore

The late Paris Theodore was quite the salesman. His ideas were very advanced. Holsters were way ahead of their time and beautiful in there simplicity. He sometimes came across as the greatest self promoter since PT Barnum but he had talent. I expect to see a movie about his exploits real or imagined before i go to the big agency in the sky. I would really love to hear the truth, maybe it is better not knowing. Was he smart I think so, to bad he died so young (by my standards) No question he influenced S&W into the sub pistol market. I didn't know ASP made a Ruger. a lot of things I don't know. The see trough grips were a great innovation especially when auto were first being used by Police. I am surprised more makers didn't copy that idea if nothing else. I think you have a part of gun history and should be proud that you purchased them while still available. Enjoy I envy your foresight.