Model 39 no dash question UPDATE 1/24/25

[DoubleNickel]

Update 1/24/25 Historical letter. Posted below
Update 1/3/25: reply down below with pictures

I’m looking at a model 39 no dash serial number 66xxx
My question is can a slide and barrel from a 39-2 be installed on the 39 frame?
I saw one in the gun store today and have spent all evening trying to learn about this model.
The hammer is not drilled. The magazine that is in it fits, but I don’t think it’s original. It has a red follower and the smith Wesson stamp is different than both the39 and 39-2 magazines Ive seen.
I wanted to take pictures but was not allowed.

 

[gmborkovic]

Yup, done it. Slides right on. At least mine have. Mag is wrong.
Hammer should have a hole, mine do.

 

[cougar015]

The slides will interchange however the mag is the wrong one although it will function. Model 39's all had holes in the hammer up to around s/n 180,000 but with S&W anything is possible.

 

[DoubleNickel]

Yea I’m gonna go back and study it more on Thursday. It’s very clean. A really nice looking gun.
I actually paid for it but luckily the state police background check portal is down for maintenance until tomorrow. Gave me a last minute chance to do research
If it’s just a mag issue I can deal with it. But if the slide and all is not correct I will ask for my money back.
In hindsight I should have researched before paying. I got excited

 

[Sevens]

I will guess around 1966 for a 39 no-dash with a 66xxx serial number.

Whatta you say, Mike?

 

[DoubleNickel]

Final question
Considering the non OEM magazine, if the slide turns out to be a 39-2 slide, would it lower the value much? Asking price is $500
I was torn between this model 39 and a mint nickel plated 29-2 8 3/8” that was next to it for $1000. However, the 29-2 had a Pachmayer rubber grip.
I think best case scenario is I end up with $500 store credit on the 39.

 

[gmborkovic]

Yes, m-39 with a -2 slide has value as a shooter only. A 1966 39 that is all correct and NIB, has collector value. For $500, walk away.

 

[stansdds]

Final question
Considering the non OEM magazine, if the slide turns out to be a 39-2 slide, would it lower the value much? Asking price is $500
I was torn between this model 39 and a mint nickel plated 29-2 8 3/8” that was next to it for $1000. However, the 29-2 had a Pachmayer rubber grip.
I think best case scenario is I end up with $500 store credit on the 39.

If it's a Model 39 receiver with a 39-2 slide, I'd wonder why this was done. $500 for a mixmaster 39/39-2 mashup would be a "no" for me.

 

[cougar015]

Final question
Considering the non OEM magazine, if the slide turns out to be a 39-2 slide, would it lower the value much? Asking price is $500
I was torn between this model 39 and a mint nickel plated 29-2 8 3/8” that was next to it for $1000. However, the 29-2 had a Pachmayer rubber grip.
I think best case scenario is I end up with $500 store credit on the 39.

It lowers it's collector value it but might still be a good shooter. If it is a 39-2 slide, maybe someone just wanted a slide with the improvements over the 39 slide. It raises the question is the barrel also the improved one without the "hump" the 39's had? Here is a picture of a 39-2 slide.

 

[smithman 10]

Are you buying it as a collector or to carry and/or shoot?

Wish I had not sold my 39-2 some years back. If you want a shooter and the gun is in good shape I say buy it, regardless of the slide issue.

 

[gmborkovic]

As stan stated, its a mix-master. Why bother. Its like drinking bourbon
that almost tastes like Jack. But cheaper. Life is to short.

 

[Sevens]

As stan stated, its a mix-master. Why bother. Its like drinking bourbon
that almost tastes like Jack. But cheaper. Life is to short.

Not a great argument. I would think if you are trying to sway someone to get the real deal, you would set your sights higher than Jack.

If the OP is not looking for a 99% perfect mint collectible to display in a glass case and wants an enjoyable and historically significant pistol to shoot, he might have a fantastic pistol right in front of him.

 

[gmborkovic]

Sevens, forgive me. Just a simple country boy.
Nah, disagree. Its till a parts gun. 39 frame with a -2 slide.
If it still has the long extractor, buy it and shoot it. Charge from the mag.

 

[toroflow1]

Not a great argument. I would think if you are trying to sway someone to get the real deal, you would set your sights higher than Jack.

If the OP is not looking for a 99% perfect mint collectible to display in a glass case and wants an enjoyable and historically significant pistol to shoot, he might have a fantastic pistol right in front of him.

Yes, Jack is a cheap booze that tastes like s*** and induces hangovers. Spend $5 more a bottle and drink decent whisky/bourbon!

 

[Sevens]

Sevens, forgive me. Just a simple country boy.
Nah, disagree. Its till a parts gun. 39 frame with a -2 slide.
If it still has the long extractor, buy it and shoot it. Charge from the mag.

Maybe I will argue from a different angle.

Suppose you wanted a cool old S&W shooter from back in the day. There were two options in front of you, same price range and assume similar condition.

39 frame with 39-2 slide or 439.

For me the answer is sooooooo easy!

 

[gmborkovic]

No problem. Neither one . Dont like either one.

 

[Beemer-mark]

Just pretend it's a 39-2. Tough to find a decent one for $500. If your looking for a safe queen you should check Rock Island Auction. A nice 39 with box just went for over a $1000.

 

[Sevens]

Did it hammer at $1,000 ?

From Rock Island Auction, if it hammered at $1,000 HOLY FREEKIN’ MOSES only knows how much that sucker would end up costing you.

Peeee-UKE.

 

[GFU]

Here is a 39 no dash, steel frame for reference. 61xxx range. Carried and well used for many years.

 

[cougar015]

Did it hammer at $1,000 ?

From Rock Island Auction, if it hammered at $1,000 HOLY FREEKIN’ MOSES only knows how much that sucker would end up costing you.

Peeee-UKE.

Add 20% fee, $100 packing & shipping. Insurance and state taxes. Easily another $300+