New to me 39-2 and springs

[csdmann]

A couple of years ago I had a model 39-2 and sold it. I can't even remember what I sold it for but I always regretted not having a 39-2. Well, last month I walked into my local Pawn Shop and spotted a Blue cardboard box. I asked the owner if the box had what I thought was in it. He smiled and said "yes that just came in". An unfired model 39-2 with 2 factory magazines. Needless to say, I bought it right there.

I called S&W and it was manufactured in 1973. Being unfired do I need to worry about any of the original springs? Should I replace the recoil spring, magazine springs? Any input would be appreciated. I am going to shoot this gun. I love the way it feels in the hand and look forward to taking to the range.

 

[squidsix]

You neednt worry about the springs. Think of it like this:
If a car sat in a museum for 40 years and you drove it, would its suspension need new springs? They dont wear by sitting under tension.

 

[hoytx10]

What a beautiful pistol!!!! Congrats on the great find!

 

[gmborkovic]

Mr. csd, go shoot with a box of std. 9mm rounds. I have several from the 50s and 60s that function perfectly. Pls load from the mag and no +P
ammo as a steady diet. Nice find.

 

[squidsix]

I found mine to shoot to point of aim with 147 grain standard pressure loads.

 

[stansdds]

Coil spring wear comes from use, not from sitting in one position. No need to worry about those 1973 vintage springs unless they have rusted.

 

[mauser9]

Lucky You!! Finding a NIB one is a real score. My 39-2 may have been made in 73 also. I bought it new in 74 I recall. Am sure you paid more than the $125 I paid back then but you got one heck of a nice gun. Sounds like a model that will always be in big demand.

 

[federali]

Spring to Action

I recently bought a Model 39-2 in excellent condition. The gun proved to have extraction/ejection issues with factory loads. A replacement extractor spring from Woolf Springs solved the issue.

Many guns, particularly those bought for home defense following a well-publicized dastardly crime, may get one or two trips to the range followed by a lifetime in the sock drawer. Judging by your description, your gun is in new condition and if it ain't broke, you need not fix it.