Model 39 Question

[Landman]

This is my first post so I want to say hello. I've enjoyed reading all the great information the forum. I have a question regarding an older Model 39 I recently purchased. I have seen a lot of Model 39's but I have never seen one with a front sight insert. This pistol has the insert on the front sight and it definitely looks like it came from the factory like that. I have sent off for a letter on it from Smith & Wesson but in the meantime I was wondering what anybody can tell me about it. Was this front sight offered on some of the Model 39's or would it have been a special order? Below are two pictures of it. Thanks for your help.

 

[snw19_357]

Welcome to the forum! Beautiful Model 39 you found!

Usually front sight inserts are an after market thing. But, the factory did install them if requested.

one of mine has the insert also.

here's another one for you mlk18

 

[T.Webb]

I'm not knowlegable on S&W autos by any means, but that front sight looks like the front sight on my 1973 model 27-2.

 

[FirebirdV8]

snw19_357 has it right, the insert was available as a factory option, but it had to be ordered that way. Just like the rear sight on his Mod 147A was an option that could be installed on a 39-2 or 59. They aren't very common but I have seen a couple of these factory options floating around out there.

You have a very nice Mod 39 no dash, enjoy and take good care of it. Of all my 39's my no dash model is my favorite.

 

[gunluvver]

I thought one of the changes that came along on the 39-2 was the larger extractor, yet the 39 pictured has one. I take it the extractor was enlarged on the late 39 no dashes?

 

[BruceB]

Actually, it's the reverse.

The long extractor as pictured on Landman's 39 no-dash is the old style, while the example posted by our esteemed Moderator is the later , new-style extractor.

There was evidently an issue with the old ones breaking. My no-dash in the 31xxx range is still on it's original extractor, but I have a couple of spares now.

BTW Landman, very nice 39 !
I'm with FirebirdV8 - the 39 no-dash is my favorite shooter.

 

[j38]

Beautiful 39! I love the grip panels on that one.

Thanks for the post & Welcome to the Forum!,

Jerry

 

[gunluvver]

Thanks for the clarification, BruceB. I had a 39-2 but sent it to my son in Kalifonia so he would have an under 10 rd dependable pistol there. I replaced it this past weekend with a 6904, which makes a nice concealed carry piece.

 

[Landman]

Thanks for the compliments and the information.

This 39 is a real pleasure to shoot. The single action trigger is great. Very light and crisp.

I prefer the 1911 platform and most all of my pistols are 1911's but the look of this 39 caught my eye. It looked beautiful, felt great in my hand and luckily for me it shot great because I bought it on a whim.

When I get the letter on it I will post it if it has anything interesting in it. Thanks again for your help.

 

[Landman]

I forgot to ask one thing. Since the long extractor seems to be the weak link in the 39 (no dash) I wouldn't mind finding a spare just in case. Can anybody recommend where I might find a spare? Thanks.

 

[george minze]

I forgot to ask one thing. Since the long extractor seems to be the weak link in the 39 (no dash) I wouldn't mind finding a spare just in case. Can anybody recommend where I might find a spare? Thanks.

What a gem you found. If you are going to use it for a self defense pistol get the improved extractor. This is a very well informed site someone will know. I would call Smith they should be able to tell you. I have always felt the 39 series was the best smith ever offered..........You hit it over the fence........I have a mint 39-2 with an action job by "Actions by (T) Sugar Land Texas. I wouldn't trade it for anything,,,,Well maybe....Heck I'm 70 so I wouldn't even trade for what I was thinking about....Good shooting and congrats to you and welcome to the best gun blog I have found.

 

[jdwhite2003]

Numrich Gun Parts Corporation

I forgot to ask one thing. Since the long extractor seems to be the weak link in the 39 (no dash) I wouldn't mind finding a spare just in case. Can anybody recommend where I might find a spare? Thanks.

 

[Landman]

Thanks again.