Model 39 (non -2) Picture Thread

[Cyrano]

I've heard of, but never experienced, the older 'figure 8' barrel bushing coming apart. I have one that's a little bent and may let go some day if I fired it a lot.

 

[Kavinsky]

The extractor configuration is what differentiates the two.

The 39 has a large extractor that serves as its own spring and is retained partly by that intrinsic tension, but mostly by butting up against the safety lever.

The 39-2 has a smaller, more conventional extractor that requires a small coil spring underneath to function and a transverse pin to both hold it in place and serve as a pivot point. Counterintuitively, this latter design was adopted as being supposedly more satisfactory from the standpoint of durability.

and I can tell you from experience that the one on the pre dash is probably more fragile than the dash 2 as it broke on my fathers steel framed one from 62 about 5 - 10 years ago after its first box of ammo in probably 30 years.

Thankfully though out of dumb luck we bumped into an ex smith and wesson employee at a local gunshow who just so happened to have a spare pre dash style extractor and its worked perfectly ever since with that part, think we actually picked up a spare just incase as well.

 

[FirebirdV8]

I heard the problem was due to the amount of shooting and using hot ammo. I personally figure if I don't shoot any +P or +P+ 9mm ammo and don't shoot a ton of ammo through it every week that I'll be fine. That all being said I have a couple of shooter grade -2 models that live in the range bag and the no dash only gets shot every few weeks so I don't think I'll have any issues for a while.

If someone is worried about their extractor breaking, I have seen a complete parts kit (everything but the frame) for a Model 39 no dash for a reasonable price.

 

[Goony]

If someone is worried about their extractor breaking, I have seen a complete parts kit (everything but the frame) for a Model 39 no dash for a reasonable price.

Complete with the extractor? Including grips, too? Tell us more!

Thankfully though out of dumb luck we bumped into an ex smith and wesson employee at a local gunshow who just so happened to have a spare pre dash style extractor and its worked perfectly ever since with that part, think we actually picked up a spare just incase as well.

That seems to be incredibly good fortune. My understanding is that they've been generally unavailable for quite a few years now.

Are reproductions being made by anyone? It'd be a tough part to replicate, I'd think, as the tempering would have to be just so.

Edit: I see that the Model 39 style extractor can now be readily bought through Numrich. I'm presuming (since at one time it was an unobtainable item) that this can't be original S&W material, but rather is a reproduction. Anyone know more about this, or can testify as too how well the currently available part fits and works?

 

[FirebirdV8]

I was doing a search for a model 39 on gunbroker and found an auction for a parts kit built from a demilled pistol. It was a reasonable price and may still be for sale.

 

[Kavinsky]

Complete with the extractor? Including grips, too? Tell us more!



That seems to be incredibly good fortune. My understanding is that they've been generally unavailable for quite a few years now.

Are reproductions being made by anyone? It'd be a tough part to replicate, I'd think, as the tempering would have to be just so.

actually I might have his contact info around here somewhere as he's always had a booth at the local gunshow for quite some time, so I'll post it here if I can find it.

 

[grif684]

First pic (not a very good one) is my no dash, which has the rearward slide serrations and optional fully adjustable rear sight, next two pics are my nib dash two transitional with the optional dust cover, mentioned in the earlier posts, just thought i'd throw that in, as you don't see pics of them too often, and rarely mounted......I purchased it this way and just left it alone....

 

[Rapidray]

Very nice photo's everyone! Lots of great information also.

 

[vrichard]

My s&w mdl.39 with a mdl.459.
Dick

 

[grif684]

Dick, that looks like a factory adjustable sight model 459, but that sure don't look like the factory sight....what is it?

 

[vrichard]

Dick, that looks like a factory adjustable sight model 459, but that sure don't look like the factory sight....what is it?

I really don`t know the make of the sight,it has a square box with 3 oblong boxes with small o at the bottom of the square box stamped on the sight.Also has a ivory insert in the front sight.I bought it because it was a little odd.
Dick

 

[grif684]

That sounds like a Millett adjustable, I have never seen one like that, very different and very nice, for sure.....

 

[vrichard]

That sounds like a Millett adjustable, I have never seen one like that, very different and very nice, for sure.....

You are correct,it is a Millett sight,have a Millet sight on a Browning HP.
Dick

 

[mbliss57]

Here is my one and only no dash shipped Jan 1959 from S&W letter. SN 6129. I have a nice box for an early pre 39.. I am still waiting for the Pre 39 pistol to fill it!

 

[loeman]

Pre Model 39 Pictures

These pics were posted earlier as thumbnails, but I just learned how to post larger images at the end of my text. I guess you'd say I'm practicing.

 

[flagman1776]

I traded into this 39 no dash... 660XX I've been told it dates to Jan / Feb 1966.

 

[cougar015]

Nickel Model 39

Goony. Here's a nice 4 digit serial # Nickel Model 39. They do exist.

 

[NDFRC]

Here's mine... #7175

 

[drgrang06]

My pre-39

Good find???????
Serial 13xx

 

[hkcavalier]

Since we're showing off pre-39s

Good find???????
Serial 13xx

Terrific find! I wish I had a box for mine.