Model 39 compensated range report

[David LaPell]

I tried the Model 39 with the simple bushing style compensator today. It seemed to help a little although this is also the first time I shot it since I changed the grips to these slighter thicker grips which are more comfortable than the originals. I shot the first magazine from some sandbags at 25 yards. Those are most of the shots that went high since it seems to shoot high with Federal FMJ's. The second mag I shot at 10 yards and that group seemed more centered and the recoil which was pleasant before is very nice. Some day I will take it out and try it with and without the compensator to see how much of a difference it makes.

 

[jimbo728]

The set up looks interesting. It looks like you are having fun with this project.I might have considered doing the same thing at one time. In fact I did but with a Colt Gold Cup. I lived to regret the changes I made but I wanted to compete in IPSC and that was the driving force.
If knowing then what I have learned since I would have built up with an expendable gun.
Your 39-2 is a very early 39-2. It has the stubby safety, hole in hammer and the early 39 slide design. It is an interesting part of the transition from the Model 39 to 39-2.
I would , if it were my pistol, left it completely stock and experimented with a later 1st or second Generation Smith 9mm to avoid any possibility of damage.
It`s your pistol. I hope you have good luck with it but I hope it does not get damaged. A short safety would be hard to replace if needed.
Best of luck
Jim

 

[44wheelman]

Certainly looks cool. Just needs to be blackened (I'm guessing it's stainless).

 

[Manuuel24!]

I tried the Model 39 with the simple bushing style compensator today. It seemed to help a little although this is also the first time I shot it since I changed the grips to these slighter thicker grips which are more comfortable than the originals. I shot the first magazine from some sandbags at 25 yards. Those are most of the shots that went high since it seems to shoot high with Federal FMJ's. The second mag I shot at 10 yards and that group seemed more centered and the recoil which was pleasant before is very nice. Some day I will take it out and try it with and without the compensator to see how much of a difference it makes.

I tried searching for that compensator but don’t seem to find it…

Gun looks so sexy !!! Love it!

Any help someone?

Recently acquired my grandpas 39-2 and had it restored and think I would like that compensator.

 

[gmborkovic]

Mr. Manuuel, pls. detail restoration.

 

[AJ]

Back in the late 1980's/early 1990's I shot IPSC. I used both a custom made compensated M1911 in .45 ACP and a standard M1911 in .45 ACP. Both shot about the same for me. The compensated pistol had a slightly less felt recoil to me. However, not enough for me to keep it when I was offered twice as much as I had paid for it. My duty side arm was a Government Issue M1911A1, guess I was just use to the recoil. My compensated pistol was made by Jim MacDonald of Mac's .45 Shop of Seal Beach, Ca. Good man and gunsmith, wish he was still with us!

 

[Manuuel24!]

Mr. Manuuel, pls. detail restoration.

Mr. Manuuel, pls. detail restoration.

Go to my profile and search for yesterdays post about

Restoring my grandpas Rusty S&W Model 39-2