Model 39-2 steel frame
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SW_shooter
Member
I just bought one for $550 and feel I did well. (watch, now others will point out I over paid 
)
)
Engine49guy
Member
Im no expert on 39's but I didnt know they made an all steel 39-2.
They did make an all steel pre model and an all steel 39 no dash and then the 2nd gen all steel 539...
Are you sure its a 39-2 and is all steel ?
Can you post some pictures?
They did make an all steel pre model and an all steel 39 no dash and then the 2nd gen all steel 539...
Are you sure its a 39-2 and is all steel ?
Can you post some pictures?
Model39
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Steel Frame Model 39
I collect Model 39's and have several variations of them in my collection, including a steel frame. None of the documented steel frames were ever Model 39-2's. Also the known steel frames were in three different serial number ranges, none with an "A" pre-fix, the first and rarest range was in the 39000's the second and most common range was 60000 to 64000 which my gun was from, and the last range was in th 81,000 to 82,000. There were special order steel frames, so if you gun is really a steel frame, you might have something very special. Pictures would really help. Most steel frames sell between $1500 to $2000 depending on condition of course, and special serial number range/and or special order documented guns. All the Model 39-2's I have encountered have alloy frames. I'm sure other forum members beside myself would like to see pictures of your gun. It would be something really unique if it is what you say it is.
I collect Model 39's and have several variations of them in my collection, including a steel frame. None of the documented steel frames were ever Model 39-2's. Also the known steel frames were in three different serial number ranges, none with an "A" pre-fix, the first and rarest range was in the 39000's the second and most common range was 60000 to 64000 which my gun was from, and the last range was in th 81,000 to 82,000. There were special order steel frames, so if you gun is really a steel frame, you might have something very special. Pictures would really help. Most steel frames sell between $1500 to $2000 depending on condition of course, and special serial number range/and or special order documented guns. All the Model 39-2's I have encountered have alloy frames. I'm sure other forum members beside myself would like to see pictures of your gun. It would be something really unique if it is what you say it is.
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First off, welcome to the forum.
The serial number indicates it ought to be a Model 39-2. But all the steel frame versions in the company records are earlier Model 39's. I know of no documented Model 39-2 with a steel frame.
The serial number indicates it ought to be a Model 39-2. But all the steel frame versions in the company records are earlier Model 39's. I know of no documented Model 39-2 with a steel frame.
Engine49guy
Member
Where are my manners...
WELCOME aboard...thats some entry .
They brought the all steel model back in the Model 539 but it
seems we are all stumped about an all steel dash 2.
Thought it maybe could be a transitional model but thats a fairly early serial for a transitional second gen and pretty high for a transition from the no dash...
Here is an all steel 539 top compared to a 39-2 center and early transitional 39-2 (bottom)
WELCOME aboard...thats some entry .
They brought the all steel model back in the Model 539 but it
seems we are all stumped about an all steel dash 2.
Thought it maybe could be a transitional model but thats a fairly early serial for a transitional second gen and pretty high for a transition from the no dash...
Here is an all steel 539 top compared to a 39-2 center and early transitional 39-2 (bottom)
Brad, have I ever shown you my Steel Frame 39-2, high capacity ? I have one I wanted to show you but then I fell ill. It's SN:627xx (in one of the Model 39 steel frame SN production ranges). IIRC it lettered as a steel frame "39-2" in the same time period as the serial numbers for the 39 steel frames. The letter had no other designations other than steel frame 39-2. No mention of the high capacity frame. This is an approximate 50,000 serial numbers (and several years) before the release of the standard capacity production version 39-2 was manufactured and commercially released.
Best I can describe it is to think of a 147A steel frame stamped Model 39-2 (instead of 147A) with a Model 39, long extractor type slide, and a pair of 39 stocks artfully trimmed and narrowed that were cut to fit the straight grip of the high capacity frames instead of the more rounded grip frame of the 39, 39-2 and all 52s.
I have it about 20 years purchased from a jeweler and gun dealer in Springfield, Mass, Rick Carlson, who has since passed.
I read in Roy Jinks History of S&W mentions (IIRC) a batch of about 100 stainless steel frames made for a high capacity 9mm for the US Navy which never came to be. I also found out through other reliable sources that when the 39 revisions and variants as well as others after were in development they had assigned in house temporary model numbers to pistols in development. The 39-1 and 39-2 model numbers while in development were assigned to models that became the 147A, the 52, 52A and possibly others.
I'm thinking this was likely one of the 100 =/-- frames that were manufactured for the US Navy then used on other projects, special order, or in-house or employee guns. As far as I have researched the past 20 years there are none others that have surfaced.
It passed inspection to the ooohs and aaahs of the unofficial board of Directors ...LOL ... Member of the Tulsa group club meeting when I brought it to show in appx 1997. I'd like you to see it. Sal
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Here is some food for thought .... shipped June 1965 to Camfour, Inc., a S&W distributor just a few miles (as the crow flies) from the factory at 2100 Roosevelt. Camfour was known as the shipping destination for employee guns. Also, the owner of Camfour liked special guns but didn't want to pay "special" prices. Seems many of the factory crew hung out at Camfour to socialize.
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Jim, this is the post I noted to you. Sal
Zombie thread - anyone here weighed the frames? I have two, 3.3 oz different... both 39-2's. That seems like a huge difference in alloy composition - one alloy and one steel?
Tried and true way to determine of it's steel is to put a magnet on it. As many have said before, no known Model 39-2 steel frames.
Comment #9 above you... and several other threads suggest otherwise. Is there something I'm missing?
I did the magnet test (didn't even think of that - duh!) - it's definitely not steel, but it's heavier. Both marked 39-2... different metal composition? Different alloy?
kwill1911
Member
Post #9 was a one-off prototype.
That is interesting. I have 10 model 39-2's in both Blue and Nickel and have never weighed the slides or frames to see if there is any difference.
Check and see if the back strap is of the steel variety. They dont have the lanyard loop tab cut with a hole.
