Strange Model 39
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It has the appearance of an alloy frame model 39, but with the obvious non-factory serial number, missing model stamp and mismatched finish to the slide I would be concerned about the authenticity and legality of this one.
No way I'd own that gun.
I guess it could be an aftermarket frame, but it looks to me like someone removed the finish and used an end mill to obliterate the original serial number.
Photo swiped off the web.
The choice of serial number is interesting too. The S&W 9mm Automatic (pre-model 39) was introduced in 1954 at serial number 1001. I think the "B" prefix was exclusive to the Escort.
I guess it could be an aftermarket frame, but it looks to me like someone removed the finish and used an end mill to obliterate the original serial number.
Photo swiped off the web.
The choice of serial number is interesting too. The S&W 9mm Automatic (pre-model 39) was introduced in 1954 at serial number 1001. I think the "B" prefix was exclusive to the Escort.
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gwpercle
Member
Did you ( your friend) buy it from a FFL Dealer or out the trunk of some guy's car on the street at night ?
If FFL Dealer purchase ...keep it .
Gary
If FFL Dealer purchase ...keep it .
Gary
squidsix
Member
This was my thought also. If it entered the bound book of an FFL, and the price was right, who cares? Keep it as a shooter.
kwill1911
Member
Running the gun through an FFL does not suddenly make it legal. It may be low risk but why take ANY risk of a felony conviction on a piece of junk?
Mainsail
Member
Just about everyone in here is going to be more knowledgeable than me, but nobody thinks it might have been a test article or prototype?
Send off for the letter. It might tell you a lot about that s/n.
Send off for the letter. It might tell you a lot about that s/n.
kwill1911
Member
0% chance. There are copies of the factory ledger on prototypes around. S&W used X and T prefixes on prototypes. The history of the S&W 9mm Automatic Pistol is well documented. I think it is clear that someone stripped the anodizing, milled out the serial number and stamped a bogus number on the frame. It is even a silly number.
Don't waste your money. That pistol is not legit. If anyone thinks its okay to own because it might have been entered into an FFL dealers bound book, walk into your friendly BATFE office. I'll be right behind you watching the fun!
edubbie
Member
Ghost Gun?
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq1TXEE_QK4[/ame]
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pq1TXEE_QK4[/ame]
I can not understand why anybody that is a gun guy would even stop
and look at a gun that bogus. With todays gun climate, the boys are just looking for a gun like that. And the guy who buys it.
and look at a gun that bogus. With todays gun climate, the boys are just looking for a gun like that. And the guy who buys it.
squidsix
Member
By this rationale, any used gun bought anywhere could be potentially not legit. Think of it like this:
You buy a used pistol. You arent super familiar with handguns, but its a good price at your local gun shop.
You bring it home, shoot it a little, clean it, put it away.
You have no reason to expect the fuzz is coming to lock you up for owning this thing.
According to this thread, you have EVERY reason to expect the fuzz to come take you away.
Why? Because the serial number has been re-stamped? How is that criminality on the part of the new owner?
You buy a used pistol. You arent super familiar with handguns, but its a good price at your local gun shop.
You bring it home, shoot it a little, clean it, put it away.
You have no reason to expect the fuzz is coming to lock you up for owning this thing.
According to this thread, you have EVERY reason to expect the fuzz to come take you away.
Why? Because the serial number has been re-stamped? How is that criminality on the part of the new owner?
Sir, great logic. Use it in court. Let me know how you do.
edubbie
Member
Ask the guy on here that posted about his legit laser etched serial numbered gun that he polished and polished some or all of the serial number off. Not sure he did anything but try to make his gum bling.
squidsix
Member
Again, how would it get to court? The buyer has not committed a crime. He has bought, from a dealer, with a background check, a used firearm. Several forum members have told their tales of being called by their local police or their FFL holder saying "hey that gun I sold you was discovered to have been stolen. Please bring it to the police station…"
None of those people went to court or to jail for this. They delivered the firearm as required, and maybe even got their money back from the dealer or if not, were out a few hundred bucks.
None of those people went to court or to jail for this. They delivered the firearm as required, and maybe even got their money back from the dealer or if not, were out a few hundred bucks.
kwill1911
Member
Yes, it is entirely possible to innocently buy a used gun with a bogus serial number. That's why the law includes the word "knowingly." However, if/when the buyer becomes aware that the serial number has been altered he has a legal requirement to turn the gun in.
Sirs, My point is why subject yourself to a Federal inquiry? And expense.
How do you end up in court? Easy. You use the gun in a justified home
invasion and shots are fired. Cops take the gun. Or, on the way home
from the range, and you are T-boned at an intersection. You are in an ambulance and the cops inventory the car/truck? And your range bag.
By the way, if you get stopped and have a carry permit, it shows up on
the squad car screen. So buy the fuzzy gun cheap and enjoy. best
How do you end up in court? Easy. You use the gun in a justified home
invasion and shots are fired. Cops take the gun. Or, on the way home
from the range, and you are T-boned at an intersection. You are in an ambulance and the cops inventory the car/truck? And your range bag.
By the way, if you get stopped and have a carry permit, it shows up on
the squad car screen. So buy the fuzzy gun cheap and enjoy. best
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Holy Cow, Run, Run from that as fast as you can. A" reasonable man" could observe the milled " slot" where the serial number used to be. Bubba must have stamped the made up serial number, IMHO.
I remember many LEO friends issued M-39's back in 70's. My first impression( no pun intended) was it Could Be A Stolen LEO issue 39.
I remember many LEO friends issued M-39's back in 70's. My first impression( no pun intended) was it Could Be A Stolen LEO issue 39.
Engine49guy
Member
Its not a "39" its a 39-2 from the early 1970's.
The original serial began with the letter "A" and was clearly milled off.
The original serial began with the letter "A" and was clearly milled off.
Trooper224
Member
If someone unknowingly buys a stolen or altered firearm, the worse that will happen is they lose the gun. It's niether uncommon or a big deal. Regardless, the overall condition of that gun should be all the redflag a buyer needs.
the big guy
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Did the OP say if it was alloy or steel? The frame that is.
kwill1911
Member
He did not but, given that it is a Model 39-2, it must be alloy.
Mainsail
Member
Serial Number B01001
B for binary?
Binary code 01001 = 9
9mm?
B for binary?
Binary code 01001 = 9
9mm?
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"A reasonable man familiar with S&W Model 39's" would but your average Joe wouldn't know that slot wasn't factory.
Why are we having this conversation?
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