Many decades ago I owned a really nice early Model 39 S&W, in the original box with papers. But I went stupid thinking I really didn't need another 9mm, so I sold it, and immediately had seller's remorse.
Since that time I've always kept an eye out for a 39, but they just kept going higher and higher for nice ones over the decades! Then last week I was asked by a mutual friend to go look at his friend's reloading supplies with the thought of buying them. As I walked into the gun room I noticed a glass front large rifle case and sitting on a shelf up high was what looked like a Model 39!
I didn't want to immediately go crazy, and change direction so I kept my focus on the reloading equipment and supplies. But once we'd done that I asked the son if I could look at the handgun on the shelf and he said sure. After unlocking the cabinet I grabbed the handgun and immediately knew my guess was confirmed; it was a almost like new S&W 39-2! Tough to conceal my excitement, and I likely didn't. I asked what his plans were for the firearms, and he said he'd been taking them 4-5 at a time to a local gun shop, and was happy with their prices. I told him if the 39 was going there, I was going to follow him over and try to buy it as soon as he was done selling it!
He stopped for a moment and asked me what I'd sold my previous Model 39 for, and I told him $300, but that was probably 30 years ago! He then told me if I wanted to give him the same it was more than the gun store offered and it could be mine! I quickly grabbed my wallet and paid him!
It feels like reconnecting with an old friend after decades apart, and the 39 has always just fit me like a glove. I own a model 59 I've always loved, but it's just a little different grip feel, and I love it also, but not quite like the 39. I took it all apart, and internally it appears as new as the outside is!
Haven't had this to the range yet, but hoping it's as accurate as my old 39 was!
Since that time I've always kept an eye out for a 39, but they just kept going higher and higher for nice ones over the decades! Then last week I was asked by a mutual friend to go look at his friend's reloading supplies with the thought of buying them. As I walked into the gun room I noticed a glass front large rifle case and sitting on a shelf up high was what looked like a Model 39!
I didn't want to immediately go crazy, and change direction so I kept my focus on the reloading equipment and supplies. But once we'd done that I asked the son if I could look at the handgun on the shelf and he said sure. After unlocking the cabinet I grabbed the handgun and immediately knew my guess was confirmed; it was a almost like new S&W 39-2! Tough to conceal my excitement, and I likely didn't. I asked what his plans were for the firearms, and he said he'd been taking them 4-5 at a time to a local gun shop, and was happy with their prices. I told him if the 39 was going there, I was going to follow him over and try to buy it as soon as he was done selling it!
He stopped for a moment and asked me what I'd sold my previous Model 39 for, and I told him $300, but that was probably 30 years ago! He then told me if I wanted to give him the same it was more than the gun store offered and it could be mine! I quickly grabbed my wallet and paid him!
It feels like reconnecting with an old friend after decades apart, and the 39 has always just fit me like a glove. I own a model 59 I've always loved, but it's just a little different grip feel, and I love it also, but not quite like the 39. I took it all apart, and internally it appears as new as the outside is!
Haven't had this to the range yet, but hoping it's as accurate as my old 39 was!
