Model 39-2 = which 3rd Gen?

[Frank53]

In conversation with a buddy...I was telling him, in my humble opinion, the 39-2 was probably one of the best "fits in your hand pistols"...he is looking to get something in a new gun that has a similar fit...so my question...what current production gun would come close to feeling as good in the hand as a 39-2?

 

[bionic218]

The only current production that I can think of isn't a
S&W. The closest current production pistol that would mimic the "feel" of a 39-2 would be a Sig P220, IMHO.

 

[18DAI]

= The 3904. To an extent it also is the 3906, but the 3906 is all steel.

The 3904 uses the 39-2 formula of aluminum frame, single stack, 9mm, thin with superior reliability and accuracy.

The 3904 did away with the removeable barrel bushing, putting the standard 3rd gen fixed bushing in the slide.

I do wish the 3904 had used the rounded trigger guard of the 39-2. Never cared much for that hooked guard. Regards 18DAI.

 

[Palmetto Sharpshooter]

In my opinion, the only pistol that fits my hand as well as a M-39 could be a 1911 but I doubt it. This is someone speaking who has sold his 39s and 1911s.

 

[handgunner356]

The only one still in production would probably be the PC 952. Not many full size single stack 9mms' out there.

 

[mlk18]

If we are talking strictly feel, and it needs to be a 3rd Gen, then also consider the 909. It's the budget 3904/3906 but would have the same grip. They can still be had in new or like new condition.

 

[Fletchman]

I agree with Palmetto Sharpshooter. I own a 39-2 and a Kimber TLE II 1911. When I pick up either one of these pistols they feel as if they were made to fit in my hand, although I bought them 25 years apart. S&W makes some excellent 1911s and I would look in that direction.

 

[UCLALAW]

What about the half inch shorter barreled 3913?

 

[TAROMAN]

I would rate the Kahr T9 as being real close. That's the premium all stainless gun, not the polymer one.

 

[UCLALAW]

I would rate the Kahr T9 as being real close.

The grips are dead on, not sure about the rest.

If we are talking strictly feel, and it needs to be a 3rd Gen, then also consider the 909. It's the budget 3904/3906 but would have the same grip. They can still be had in new or like new condition.

That's close in looks at least. Makes me wish S&W would come out with a retro line, something like Colt did with the series 70. A state of the art model 39-2, I'd be first in line.

 

[big50_1]

The PC952 is it! Same contour, target gun, of course, but same butt contour.

 

[S&Wman]

The PC952 is it! Same contour, target gun, of course, but same butt contour.

The 952 maybe the closest currently available from S&W but is very different especially in it's action.
Dimensions:
39 4" Barrel
952 5" or 6" Barrel

Action:
39 DA
952 SA

Price:
39 about $400 - $500
952 about $1000 - $1500

The 909 is the closest "recent" production from S&W though discontinued now. The 3904, 3903 are close and lastly the 3906 because it's all stainless and a little heavier.