smith 39-2

[revolverfan2]

what info can anyone give me on this fire arm?
39-2 in mint condition, photos don't do it justice

 

[ab4ka]

I'll give you some info...I wish mine looked that good!

 

[revolverfan2]

it looks new ,inside is spotless I was amazed at it when I got it
whats it worth, when did they stop making it?
how dependable is it for a ccw

 

[Art Doc]

Developed for military trials around 1951 or so.

Army stayed with 1911.

Offered for police and civilian sales but sales were slow.

IL. State police first to adopt DA auto and the 39 was it.

Maybe 1,000 built with steel frames.

Early ones had small safety lever.

Led to the hi-cap M59 which sparked police change to autos.

I like the 39. Feels good in my hands.

Don't know what else to say.

 

[revolverfan2]

this has the big safety/decocker and its got to be steel frame, its got some weight to it
but its so clean and such great condition I almost hate to carry it
when did they stop making it?

 

[dpmac83]

from what i gather they stopped making them in 1980 or 81???? there is a way to find out when your particular gun is made by using the serial number, but I dont know how. As far as how much it is worth, I have seen them as cheap as 325$ and as expensive as 2300$. They are supposed to be great shooting guns. I am trying to buy one off a friend of mine. His, unfortunately is not in as good of shape as yours appears to be.

 

[FirebirdV8]

The 39-2 is an update to the original 39. These were the first double/single action semi-autos made in the US, similar to the Walther P38. It has a nearly perfect grip angle for most shooters and is very reliable. They even made the 39 into a double stack and called it the 59. This is what started the "wonder 9" craze that got the Police departments to switch from revolvers to semi-autos.
You have a great looking 39-2 there. It will take care of you if you take care of it.

Note: There is one thing you should be aware of. The first gen semi-autos 39/39-2/59 did not have a firing pin block. This may or may not be a problem for you, but you should know that it isn't there.

 

[ab4ka]

If you want to find out when it was made, just call S&W customer service and they'll tell you right over the phone.

 

[Frank53]

Does the Serial Number begin A22XXXX? (Kind of hard to see in the photo) If so, would put it in the 1973-1974 range of shipping.

 

[Bear Claw Chris Lappe]

They are great guns, as was mentioned earlier, here in IL. the State Police used to carry them, until going up to the higher capacity model 59.

I used to have a former ISP trade in 39-2, (which mine had an aluminum frame, not steel) and it was a great shooter, very accurate and reliable, even after many years as a police gun.

 

[Art Doc]

All 39-2s should have alloy frames. The early 39s had some with steel frames and same with small levers. The -2 was the final version.

Mere's mine from around 1970. Bagged it at a police auction in CA around 1989.

 

[revolverfan2]

a22xxxx is serial

 

[Art Doc]

A22XXXX? Gee... paranoid much?

1973-74.

 

[PALADIN85020]

You might want to check a recent article I wrote on the Model 39 in the October, 2009 issue of Dillon's Blue Press. Click on the link, and go to page 40 (if you can tear your eyeballs off the cover).

http://www.bridleandbit.net/ebooks/bluepress/bluepressoct09/oct09/object_files/main.swf

John

 

[p0838]

The original Pre 39 was different than the 39 in at least three areas.
1. The frame was different. The beaver tail was longer
2. Smaller safety
3.Different left stock

 

[Big45]

Model 39

The best info I can give you is NEVER PART WITH IT.........One of the finest made...

 

[revolverfan2]

good reading on the 39 and it feels good in your hand

 

[george minze]

Probably the most innovative pistol Smith made. Absolutely ergonomically beautiful. Double action was a little stiff by today's standards. why Smith gave up on this piece of art is beyond me. I have one that inside action was done, smoother and jeweled by Actions by (T) would not sell it period. Shoots great. First got one trough connection wit ISP in the 60s. While a greater St. L investigator. I also was a three gun NRA shooter and had a Giles M52 target 38. I loved the resemblance and grip. Unless it is flawless I would use it, and enjoy the workmanship. They just don't make plastic frames like the alloy and steel. I'm old fashioned...So sue me. The 59 had just a little bigger grip that my small hands couldn't adjust to. I to have seen them go for 300 to 900 depending on condition and seriel number.

 

[george minze]

You might want to check a recent article I wrote on the Model 39 in the October, 2009 issue of Dillon's Blue Press. Click on the link, and go to page 40 (if you can tear your eyeballs off the cover).

http://www.bridleandbit.net/ebooks/bluepress/bluepressoct09/oct09/object_files/main.swf

John

Great article after I got past the first page. I'm 71 but just looking at first page! and page 40 I feel a little younger. Takes a bit to figure out how to zoom the pages. Well the gun story... I got the first page with out any problem. All kidding aside it is a great and informative article well worth the read. I especially liked the connection to the 52 as I always thought if you liked the 52 you would love the 39. I had never heard about the 44 single action only...Thanks for the info. Now! about that magazine???

 

[j38]

One of my favorites - perhaps the most ergonomic semi-auto going (for my hand at least). Find a way to shoot one and you'll know for yourself.

Jerry

 

[Mortech]

If it wasn't for the fact they are not easy to find I'd carry mine more than my 3913

 

[Cushman/52]

Mag. for a 39-2

I`am in the market for a 39-2, and have my eye on one, but it only comes with one magazine. Now don`t all of you, much smarter than I am people, fall out of your chair`s LOL when I ask, are any of the magazines associated with the model`s mentioned in the other thread`s IE #`s 439,539,639,3904/06,3913 etc. that are single stack, compatible with the 39-2? To the point, will they work?

 

[GJH77]

magazines

Promag makes an 8 round magazine for the 39-2, and they work good in mine. I did find that I can get them cheaper in a local gun shop and got another at a gun show this weekend than by internet.
Supposedly the 9 round mags fit and work, but they leave a gap.

 

[Frank53]

Mags for the 3904 and 3906 should fit