I'd like to see S&W re-issue the Model 39. I always liked the way this gun felt in the hand. The original 39s had some reliability issues but both ammo and gun manufacturers have now overcome many of the problems associated with using hollowpoint ammo in an autoloader.
Model 39 re-issue
- Thread starter federali
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Colokeb
Member
You say the 39 had feeding issues.... did the 59 share that problem?
OP
federali
Absent Comrade
Colokeb...
I no longer remember the specific problems associated with the Model 39 but Smith did come out with the 39-2 to correct some of the initial faults. I don't recall if the same issues plagued the Model 59 and I would defer to anyone having experience with the model.
Regarding feeding issues, the first JHPs offered for semi-autos often had exposed lead tips, just like revolver ammunition. Lead has a high coefficient of friction and feeding issues were common in all semi-autos. This caused, first gunsmiths, then manufacturers, to pay more attention to the feed ramp, either polishing, or re-contouring it a bit. Eventually, JHPs intended for semi-autos and with exposed lead contacting the feed ramp slowly faded from the scene.
I no longer remember the specific problems associated with the Model 39 but Smith did come out with the 39-2 to correct some of the initial faults. I don't recall if the same issues plagued the Model 59 and I would defer to anyone having experience with the model.
Regarding feeding issues, the first JHPs offered for semi-autos often had exposed lead tips, just like revolver ammunition. Lead has a high coefficient of friction and feeding issues were common in all semi-autos. This caused, first gunsmiths, then manufacturers, to pay more attention to the feed ramp, either polishing, or re-contouring it a bit. Eventually, JHPs intended for semi-autos and with exposed lead contacting the feed ramp slowly faded from the scene.
