Should I Buy This 39-2?

[Gearhead Jim]

I've always liked the model 39, but also like the firing pin safety on later versions, I believe the 39-2 has it.

In a local gun shop, I just found a 39-2 that is exactly what I "wanted", but didn't think I could find:

Looks absolutely brand new and unfired.
Has the small/rounded trigger guard.
Has the left-side only safety/decocker.
Has the small rear sight, adjustable for windage only.

I didn't know those features all came together on a 39-2, most of the ones I've seen are beaters, with the big trigger guard and wings around a big rear sight.

BTW, the front sight appears to be machined as part of the slide, instead of a separate part. Is that really true, or does this one have a very nicely fitted removable front sight?

The price is marked at $599 + tax, I don't think they will come down on that. In one sense, I think it's over-priced. But with the current demand for guns, and the condition/features on this one exactly what I wanted, maybe I should go for it. What do you think?

 

[ColbyBruce]

This is the last 39-2 I owned. I traded it for a 3953. I always thought the 39-2 fit my hand better than most pistols, but this is a gun that has been discontinued for 30 years, parts are scarce, and prices are ridiculous in my area. If that is what you want, by all means jump on it.

 

[t-bird]

Sounds a little high to me. But if the gun is nib and is what you have been looking for, then buy it. The front site is factory. I have never had a problem getting any parts for my 39-2 or 439. The 39-2 is one of the best 9mm guns ever made in my book. Best of luck and hope it works out.

 

[SPEEDGUNNER]

+1 t-bird. I have to check myself to NOT buy every 39 or 39-2 I run across. Great little pistols, old school but perfect for the modern day as well.

 

[Gearhead Jim]

Can the front sight be removed, or is it made as part of the slide?

And the 39-2 DOES have the firing pin safety, correct?

 

[t-bird]

The front site is made to the slide and can not be removed. I use red paint to dress my front site up on my 39-2.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Yes, the front sight of the S&W 39-2 can be removed...with a grinder. It is machined into the slide, not dove-tailed or pinned or screwed in.

As for the rear sight, years ago some company made one that was adjustable for both W&E. I bought one from Numrich for a nickel 59 in the mid 1980's.

 

[Gearhead Jim]

Any comment on whether the 39-2 has a firing pin safety. Previously, I was told that it does. But another thread says No.

I know the 39-"0" didn't have it, but thought the -2 did.

 

[BruceB]

I don't think the firing pin safety showed up until the 2nd generation 3 digit models.

That being said, I have no problems carrying a 39 or 39-2 with one in the chamber, hammer down and the safety off. It would have to leave me and fall hammer down on a hard surface for it to be an issue.

 

[Cyrano]

As the previous poster said,the 39-2 does not have a firing pin safety. That came with the second generations guns: 439, 539 and 639.

 

[sfowler]

I own a 39-2 and it does indeed have a firing pin safety. The safety bar hold the firing pin and on "safe" the firing pin is at 90° to the cartridge. In my eyes this in completely safe unless you take a largish hammer to the firing hammer.

 

[Gearhead Jim]

I own a 39-2 and it does indeed have a firing pin safety. The safety bar hold the firing pin and on "safe" the firing pin is at 90° to the cartridge. In my eyes this in completely safe unless you take a largish hammer to the firing hammer.

We may be talking about two different things here.

The "Safety" lever on the side of the slide shields the firing pin from the hammer, and may also lock the firing pin in place or move it so the hammer can't hit it.

But a true "firing pin safety" is completely separate from the "Safety" lever, and will prevent the firing pin from moving forward unless the trigger is pulled, regardless of where the "Safety" lever on the slide is set.

You can normally can't see if a "firing pin safety" is installed, but you can test:
Unload the gun, then put the "safety" lever in the Fire position.
Cock the hammer.
Use a thin punch, pencil point, etc to try pushing the firing pin itself forward. If the firing pin won't move, or moves only a small fraction of an inch; then the gun has a "firing pin safety". If the firing pin can be pushed foreward more than about 1/16", the gun does not have a "firing pin safety".

Using that test, what results do you get from a 39-2?

 

[xcpd69]

The 39 Series does NOT have a firing pin safety. I you follow the link, it shows pages from an original owner's manual. Note that under the rear sight, the slide is ONLY drilled for the magazine satey plunger and spring. The extra hole for a firing pin plunger and spring is NOT present.

Hope this clarifies things a bit.



http://www.milesfortis.com/church/images/pistols/semiautos/09/sw39_01.JPG

 

[smithman 10]

Model 39 Safety

I'll ask a question here maybe you guys can enlighten me. On a 39 there's a half-cock position, what's the safety function of that feature if any?

 

[t-bird]

Did you buy the 39-2 Gearhead?

 

[xcpd69]

I'll ask a question here maybe you guys can enlighten me. On a 39 there's a half-cock position, what's the safety function of that feature if any?

It is a "safety" only in the sense that it is intended to catch the hammer safely, if the thumb slips white cocking the hammer or lowering it manually, like the Colt 1911 design. Also like the Colt 1911, it is NOT designed or intended to use as a "carry" position. EXTREMELY dangerous.

 

[Gearhead Jim]

Did you buy the 39-2 Gearhead?

Not yet, and since it does not have a firing pin safety (according to xcpd's post); I don't plan to buy it. Maybe a 439.

 

[Gearhead Jim]

It is a "safety" only in the sense that it is intended to catch the hammer safely, if the thumb slips white cocking the hammer or lowering it manually, like the Colt 1911 design. Also like the Colt 1911, it is NOT designed or intended to use as a "carry" position. EXTREMELY dangerous.

Good explanation, here's one minor addition:
The half cock notch can also catch the hammer if the sear gets jarred out of the full cock notch by an impact or from someone doing a too-enthusiastic trigger job. On 1911's and Hi Powers, the rare occasions I had this happen, the half cock did indeed catch the hammer and prevented a "double" or full auto runaway. But don't count on it!

 

[t-bird]

Thanks for the info Gearhead. Best of luck on finding a 439. Hope it all works out for you.

 

[sfowler]

Yes, that is something different. You are right. Even firing pin safeties are not infallible. About 6 months ago a police officer in Austria shot himself in the foot with a Glock. He forgot to remove his trigger finger before holstering, and it was enough force to fire the weapon.