S&W model 39

[gutterman]

Don't know why, other than I think it's a good looking gun-the nickel plated version of the model 39 is holding my interest. I have a small collection of S&W revolvers (13), but have no autos in S&W. My autos consist of a Kimber Pro Carry 45 ACP and the Kimber 9mm Aegis. I also have a Ruger Mark 2. I've been told that there were feed problems with the earlier 39's, and that the problem was "fixed" when the model#'s changed to 3 numbers. I've been watching the prices on the 39's, and they range from $450 to $800 depending on condition. But it seems they are selling for $500-$600. Before I get serious about persuing the 39, any comments or suggestions on what to look for, and what I should really pay for a nice nickel 39?

 

[bigmoose]

The 39-2 is a great auto. Everything you would want in a 9mm auto. A real classic, you will love it. Not sure on nickel prices, I have two blued ones.

 

[XAVMECH]

I have a number of S&W semi-autos. None feel better in my hand than my 39-2. It's a nickel version, and it's a beauty for sure. My 3906 is more of a work horse - a nice range pistol. They both shoot well and I've had no issues with FTF or FTE on either of these fine pistols, shooting a broad variety of ammo.

 

[M29since14]

I vaguely recall complaints about 39s and Super Vel ammo, but that was a long time ago. That is about all I can think of. With modern ammo, I would expect very good reliability with a 39, assuming gun and magazines are in good condition.

 

[Cyrano]

I got some Super Vel for my Glock 17 and it wouldn't feed. Gave them to a friend with a Model 39 and they worked great in his pistol.

 

[bennettfam]

Had a friend who owned a very early all steel 39 in mint condition. Always hoped to talk him out of it. He passed away and the gun disappeared, along with his recipe for the best pancakes on the planet.

I think the early steel 39s hold extra collector value, but as shooters they should be able to handle hot ammo better than the alloy jobs I would think.

 

[skyking749]

I have an old, well worn 39 that I picked up from AIM for $235. The trigger is better than the 3 or 4 digit guns and it is fun to shoot. Being single stack, the grip is nicer to me than the newer ones. I like it enough that I would like to have another one. (or two).

 

[cwo4uscgret]

Not a 39-2 but a Model 59 Nickel; shoots as well as it looks!

 

[Colhogan]

39's are great pistols.
Often overlooked today because of the "limited" round-capacity,they are wonderful shooters,and usually very reliable.
I feed mine mostly 115gr reloads,and there are rarely any issues.
Accuracy is as good as any other regular production auto-loader that I have used,and better than a few of my revolvers!
My particular 39 is from 1960,and when I first bought it I was quite suprized to see a guide rod in it. Smith & Wesson must have been one of the first companies to do that with auto-loaders..

 

[kz5bcn]

Bought my first model 39 while I was stationed in the Canal Zone in 1970. Had to sell it to another GI when I transferred to the States. Now have two 39-2's I've had for years. Great pistols, fit my hand well and shoot well!

 

[Fletchman]

I have a 39-2 and when I first bought it I had problems big time. FTFs about every 3rd round. I tried about everything I could think of then called S&W sometime in 1985. They said mine had been recalled. I sent the pistol to them and they put in a new barrel, barrel bushing, recoil spring, guide rod and tuned it. It came back about 6 weeks later and it has not had a failure to feed, eject since it came back. The recall was limited to a certain run. Mine is a blued version and I paid 350 for it back then. It has been an outstanding pistol since it came back. Although I am a fan of the 45acp and carry both a full size 1911 and a CS45, the 39-2 is such a nail driver that I dont feel under gunned when I carry it.

 

[CajunBass]

I've owned four 39's over the years. Three were -2's, the other probably was, but I didn't know about such things back then. I traded the first two off for other things and kicked my butt for it right away.

I've got two now. They're the only semi-auto's I own, other than a MK II, 22 that's actually my wife's. Great guns. Very comfortable in the hand and to carry.

1971 (l) 1978 (r)

 

[jhde69]

I'm more of a revolver fan. I picked up a 39-2 in a lgs one sunday and after some range time I have become a fan of the 39-2. The pistol fits my hand and shoots well. I don't think you can go wrong with a 39-2.

 

[Model39]

Nickel Model 39-2

I collect Model 39's. I have always thought they were the best looking of any of the S&W autos made. The ratio of Blue finish to Nickel finish Models 39's is quite high since the process of nickel plating alloy frames was alway more difficult. I bought this nickel Model 39-2 many years ago. The gun looked somewhat dull with the peanut butter colored walnut grips that came on it, so to perk it up I got/put these nicely figured smooth Rosewood grips on it which really make the gun jump out when you see it.

 

[loknload]

I think the 39 was one of the nicest autos S&W produced. I have my 39-2 for a number of years and love it.
Had the chance some time ago to pick up a minty nickle plated 39-2 for $325. I thought about it to long and my Dr. grabbed it!
My only other Smith auto was a CS45, I didn't like it so I gave it to my son, he liked it!
For the most part I'll stick with my revolvers

 

[cwo4uscgret]

Someday I'd like to buy and shoot a Model 52; would probably trade my Model 41 (minty condition) for one.

 

[Armyphotog]

I vaguely recall complaints about 39s and Super Vel ammo, but that was a long time ago. That is about all I can think of. With modern ammo, I would expect very good reliability with a 39, assuming gun and magazines are in good condition.

I can imagine so. Super Vel was a +P ammunition before it's time. We used it in some of our police Model 10's and they had to be rebuilt and tightened after a steady diet of Super Vel. Great stuff for when you needed it, but not for every day shooting.

 

[Armyphotog]

Had a friend who owned a very early all steel 39 in mint condition. Always hoped to talk him out of it. He passed away and the gun disappeared, along with his recipe for the best pancakes on the planet.

I think the early steel 39s hold extra collector value, but as shooters they should be able to handle hot ammo better than the alloy jobs I would think.

The 39's are alloy jobs. All frames were alloy. Ophs, forgot about the 39's with no dash.

 

[ispcapt]

The 39's are alloy jobs. All frames were alloy.

There were a few less than 1000 steel frame Model 39s made. They bring premium prices.
The 39 was my first issued duty gun. When we went to 439s I bought my 39. It's a tack driver.

 

[saemetric]

I can imagine so. Super Vel was a +P ammunition before it's time. We used it in some of our police Model 10's and they had to be rebuilt and tightened after a steady diet of Super Vel. Great stuff for when you needed it, but not for every day shooting.

Great stuff. I've had this box for 30+ years. Would look good with a nice M39-wish I had one Bruce