Model 39 Info Needed

[greg911]

My wife has a Model 39 (no dash) that was given to her by her father when she was MUCH younger. She never has shot it much. Just took it with her in a fanny pack when she went walking or hiking. The rest of the time it was kept in a soft case on the headboard of the bed. Well she wants to start carrying full time and wants a smaller gun (She's really likes the Shield 9). I am getting her whatever gun she wants for our 13th anniversary on 9/11. So she is thinking she wants to sell the 39. The S/N is 88XXX and pics are below. It is is excellent condition and shoots very well. I am looking for some idea of the age and approximate worth. No box. No papers. Just gun and 2 mags.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Oh, BTW, first post. Seems to be a plethora of knowledge here. I'm more of a Ruger fan, but am warming up nicely to the S&W.

 

[Rapidray]

Do not sell that 39. Her dad gave her the gun. Keep it in the family. That is a no dash. You are going to buy her a gun anyway. Pass it on to your kids!

The serial dates to before 1970! As yours has no A at the beginning of the serial! They came out in 1966 so in 1970 they ended at 115000. The interesting thing is the 39 model was made as far back as 1955, all steel models! Then the alloys were made second but sold to the public first!

 

[kwill1911]

Welcome to the forum. The best way to ascertain current value on most guns is to go to GunBroker.com and search completed auction. It's easy to do and will show you actual transactions, which is better than someone's guess, IMHO. There have been several Model 39 (no dash) pistols sold lately in the $450 - $600 range. Given the condition but the lack of the box and papers I think you'll be closer to the low end of that range.

Regards,
Kevin Williams

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Had a buddy when I as a kid who had not one but two Colt Bisleys hanging in a buscadero rig on his closet door. Given to him by a relative. Was never revealed to me why he had kinfolks like that and I didn't.
Do not sell that gun! Pass it down.

 

[Goony]

First off, welcome to the forum. The nice photos are appreciated.

I echo the thought that you will later regret disposing of this gun, especially given its family history. The Model 39 is a true classic semiautomatic pistol.

As to age, it really could date to almost anytime in the late 1960's. Other examples in this serial number range have been documented as shipping in 1968 or 1969, with some being purchased by the military.

 

[johnsonl]

I concur that you should not sell the 39. I have one in the same condition, same serial # range, made in 1968. Keep it in the family and get your wife whatever she wants.

 

[W.E.G.]

NIB no-dash with box and papers recently sold on that auction site after 17 bids for almost $1000.

There is another one that looks like it is at least as nice as yours, without box/papers that finally sold for around $900 after many re-listings.

You need to take a lot of really good pics if you want to get top dollar for it.

 

[taxifolia]

Greg - I'm with the others - don't sell it - lots of us would like to have it - you do - so keep it.

 

[grif684]

It's a classic American gun!!! Hang on to it at all costs (especially considering what you have in it) and pass it down as a cherished heirloom.......I can promise you will regret selling it, if you do.....

 

[wlp624]

Absolutely agree with the "Keep It" advice.

 

[greg911]

Thanks so much for all the advice. Don't need to hit me upside the head too many times before I get the message. We will be keeping it. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all the information about the 39. Great community you have here.

 

[Rapidray]

And welcome to the forum! Glad you will be keeping it!

 

[taxifolia]

Thanks so much for all the advice. Don't need to hit me upside the head too many times before I get the message. We will be keeping it. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all the information about the 39. Great community you have here.

Wise choice Greg. We all congratulate you.

Be careful with the Forum - you might find yourself avoiding all of life's responsibilities