Model 39 question

[scmachine]

Hello members,

I have recently inherited several guns and am trying to evaluate if any are especially valuable. This particular one is a Model 39 serial # 30559.

From what I've read, it is not the steel frame version and so I'm guessing it's not "rare" other than the fact that it's a fairly early production Model 39. Can anyone tell me anymore based on the serial number?

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[824tsv]

Hello and welcome to the forum.
We will need some help narrowing your serial# down to pinpoint a particular year. The serial number tables in the Standard Catalog of S&W 3rd Edition, are vague before 1970. Production of the Model 39 started in 1954 and shared the same serial# range with other semi-auto's. After 1970 the serial# data is defined year by year. Another forum member will have to chime in with a pistol with a close serial# to yours to get a close year of manufacture. The steel frame version from what I've read were made in the mid 50's, but not assembled and put into inventory until the mid 60's. It included some 900 or so frames. There are many knowledgeable forum members here and they will be along shortly to help out. You have a very nice and desirable pistol there and if you get a chance, please post some pictures. That will help to give you a reasonable evaluation as original condition means everything.

 

[scmachine]

Here is the best picture I have for now. I guess I'm interested in the forums' assesment of value based on the manufacture date and condition. I don't want to use this gun for a shooter if it is valuable. Thank you for your feedback.

 

[t-bird]

I would shoot it and enjoy it while knowing that I am shooting one of the best 9mm's ever made. Best of luck and hope it works out.

 

[Jimstr]

Have fun at the range

I took my model 39 to the range when qualifying for my CCW...our class and instructors were awed with the accuracy...
you will get more joy shooting it than looking at it!

IMO

Jim

 

[824tsv]

Hello again,
I'm not all that familiar with the 39. I own several S&W auto's including a Model 59, but not a 39. If your looking for opinions, this is mine. Your pistol looks like it is in nice shooter grade condition. The bluing wear on the slide (holster worn?) near the muzzle and the wrong stocks places it in this category IMHO. I don't believe it is particularly rare, although I may be wrong. I see Model 39's for sale frequently in the same condition as your's selling in the $400-$500 range. Maybe slightly more if you have the original stocks and box with all the contents. Collectors are looking for pistols that are in practically new unfired condition, in the numbered box with all the contents. I personally havn't seen one like that, and have no idea what kind of premium would be added to the price. You still have a very nice pistol that is still desirable. Does anyone else care to chime in?

 

[scmachine]

Thanks for your input. That's exactly what I needed to hear.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

Hello members,

I have recently inherited several guns and am trying to evaluate if any are especially valuable. This particular one is a Model 39 serial # 30559.

From what I've read, it is not the steel frame version and so I'm guessing it's not "rare" other than the fact that it's a fairly early production Model 39. Can anyone tell me anymore based on the serial number?

Thanks in advance for any help.

1962-3 ship range - Jinks for ship date

 

[SPEEDGUNNER]

They are wonderful pistols, and you should take it out and shoot it, enjoy it, cherish it. Not sure of the tie to your ancestor, but if a father/grandfather/brother the gun becomes priceless. You will never go wrong with a 39, they shoot forever and handle as well as any modern polymer gun.

How about a picture of the other side? Does it have the long extractor? It should be easy enough to find the correct grips, they turn up here in the Classifieds section every now and again.

Enjoy. Thanks for sharing.

 

[scmachine]

It turns out I found the original grips in a box of spare grips. The only issue is that there is some green tarnish on the round S&W insert. Not bad...just on edges. Any suggestions on how to clean these up?

 

[t-bird]

A little bit of Never-Dull will work and won't hurt the wood.