Model 39 Trigger

[Willyboy]

I am thinking about getting a model 39-2. I have a 4506-1 that I really like
but the trigger has the “click” in single action. I have not had the 4506 worked on as it still shoots very well. Is the trigger on a model 39-2
similar to the 3rd generation pistols? Or is it a “better” trigger due to earlier
production specs or quality levels? Thanks in advance, Willyboy

 

[Jeppo]

My personal experience is that the 39-2 has one of the finest production triggers...period.

 

[whitestang]

I have a 39-2 that I carried as a Deputy Sheriff and it has a great trigger in both single and double action. Mine is from about 1979.

 

[Gunhacker]

Well... the 39-2 has less going on during the trigger pull, as it lacks the firing pin block safety in the slide, that the 2nd & 3rd gens have.

Since there is no firing pin safety lever, that the disconnector engages to depresses a spring loaded plunger in the slide to deactivate the firing pin safety, that's a whole lot less mechanical stuff to "influence" the pull in the 39-2.

 

[stansdds]

It really depends upon the specific pistol. S&W used forged steel and machined the fire control parts until the advent of MIM. Some of those machined hammers, triggers, and sears are really, really good. Some are as rough as a corncob.

 

[WR Moore]

I expect that the click you hear is the trigger play spring telling you it needs adjustment/replacement. It's a little spring on the top of the trigger bar that's supposed to keep the trigger in contact with the trigger bar.

 

[Willyboy]

model 39 Trigger

Thanks for all the input and suggestions. Willyboy

 

[Sevens]

I have a number of these from 1-2-3rd Generation, including MIM and pre-MIM 3rd Gens. In my experience and opinion, they shake out like this:

Double action, best to worst:
1) MIM 3rd Gens have the best DA pull, smoothness and feel
2) 1st Gens
3) pre-MIM 3rd Gens
4) all 2nd Gens are usually “bad or train wreck”

Single action, best to worst:
1) 1st Gens, usually built by a craftsman who cared
2) MIM 3rd Gens, MIM parts are precise
3) pre-MIM 3rd Gens
4) 2nd Gens

2nd Gens are interesting guns and I have a few and I don’t count the 745 in my ratings above because 745’s are much different than all the other 2nd Gens but my short answer is that 2nd Gens, by and large, deliver a less wonderful package all around than 1st & 3rds.

My theory? 2nd Gens are the least wonderful because of the newly added (but unrefined) firing pin lock, and 2nd Gens came from an era at S&W where production volume was taking precedence over quality and attention to detail. This didn’t necessarily change in the day of the 3rd Gen, but by then the small parts were better and more precise so the net result is a pistol with less touch from a craftsman ends up a better package due to more precise parts.

These are merely my opinions.

 

[growr]

A 39-2 in Chicago?
I must be dreaming........jump on it before anyone else can.
You will NOT regret it!!

Randy

 

[sledvet77]

well, now I'll have to get me a first gen. I'm new to pistols and I picked up a 439. I got used to the long pull on the trigger but thought that the reset overcame that first shot and then it was smooth and fast and now I love it. Like I said i'm new to pistols and I saw a 39-2 for 399.00 so I may have to jump on that one. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[stansdds]

My Model 439 does have a bit of a "cruncy" double action pull, but yes, the single action pull is crisp and the reset is very short.

 

[84Carrera]

The trigger on my 39-2 is much better than 3 out my 5 Gen 3 guns. The two that are equal if not a tad better are my Shorty Fortys.