The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture.

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Got this in a trade some time back, she ain't pretty...excellent firearm.
 
I'm loving this thread!

I had a 39-2 years ago, picked it up in a pawn shop in a small MT town. A Deupty Sheriff was forced to use it in a fatal altercation. Long story short he couldn't stand the guilt and quit LE and sold the gun. Everyone thought it was bad JuJu but I bought it and loved the heck out of it.

Sadly we parted ways but I bought one here on the forum, I'm going to pick it up next week. I'm looking forward to it as the 39 is one of the best semi autos made. And for me the fit is second to none.

I'm loving this thread but I have a question: Model 44 semi auto? I need a picture!
 
model3sw said:
Mike,

That Jack Webb story is an old one. I hope it's true. There were a few others, too but just now I can't remember the hearsay on those. e.g. J. Edgar Hoover (what a waste that would have been) and a some other prominent people.

I have only "heard" of a handful given out as promotion gifts by S&W and one that Roy owns. Perhaps we should ask Roy if he "really" has an early pre-39 and if he could add any info on the early issues and / or pre-release 9mm autos out there or it is just another S&W rumor.
Click to expand...

See attached link:
Jack Webb/Dragnet Model 39
 
Hey, Sal....

I just found this thread. And I haven't read all the posts yet, but until I do, I'll post my only current Model 39, a 39-2. Here's a quick shot of it:

les-b-albums-some-of-my-s-and-w-automatics-picture17194-model-39-2-nib-all-tools-box-paperwork-except-swab.jpg


I'll be back later, after I have a chance to read all of the posts. I think this one has a cool serial number, and appears ANIB, or pretty darn close!!

Best Regards, Les
 
hkcavalier said:
Quote:
Originally Posted by NDFRC
So when do you think the nodash 39s went to the longer safety tang and the resulting left grip cutout? I think I have seen 4 digit M39s that have that feature earlier than my 4 digit, is that possible?
Supposedly it was around #2200.
Click to expand...

That erroneous "2200" number has been around quite awhile and repeated frequently even though various corners of the S&W collector arenas have over the last five-to-10 years recognized higher serial number ranges for the "Pre-39," such as the below pictured S&W "Automatic 9mm," whose pedigree is established and which presently resides with this collector.

dcw-albums--family-pics-picture11014-air.jpg


The present thought line is the SN 26xx+ range is likely at the top end of the Premmie's issued serial numbers, but this collector truly has no clue even though he'd love to learn, in time, that his is the final such Pre-39 produced.

To that end, precisely determining the breadth of the Pre-39 serial number range has for years been among this collectors highest goals, he having four Premmie's and multiple four-digit Model 39s.

The serial number sequences of those which this collector finds and, if possible, purchase are slowly but surely narrowing the gap. Four of the six Pre- and Model 39s presently en route to this collector's "39 Safe" bear numbers that help facilitate that end but do not definitively close that gap.

Hopefully, with The Good Lord's willing and Modern Medicine's facilitation, I'll be able to close out that search before kicking the bucket.

Nevertheless, one can see the future now:

Ol' DC is on his death bed whilst racing to him from halfway around the world is reputed "S&W Model 39 Serial Number 2614."

Finally reaching the medical facility where Ol' DC's leg is tensing for that final kick at a nearby bucket, the courier races through a labyrinth of confusing hospital hallways with S&W M39 No. 2614 in hand.

Finally reaching Ol' DC's closed-door patient room where dozens of friend and family have gathered awaiting Ol' DC's final flinch - all of whom all the while making like members on The Chicago Board of Trade's commodities floor, actively making and taking odds as to whether Ol' DC will see the S&W before making his final move - the courier knocks loudly on the door.

Walking through the now-opened door and expecting a somber mood from those inside, the courier couldn't help but be somewhat dumbfounded at the in-room commotion, someone nearby screaming, "$200 at 20-to-1!"

Walking through a crazed atmosphere well beyond belief, the gathered parted for the advancing courier as did the Red Sea for Moses - the advancing courier finally catching first sight of Ol' DC's death bed.

"What's with that falling bucket?" he asked no one in particular.

Later.

P.S. Addendum to Psalm 27:2; " . . . as each take shots in the knees with my S&W M&P 2 .40"
 
Prior to NOW seeing 2623, I had reported to BBGV that the Pre-39s are in the 1001 to 2605 (apx) range. ( I have 2605).

I'll amend that data to now include "up to" (appx) 2623.

As a personal opinion, I don't think that S&W woke up one morning and started to stamp model numbers. I'd venture to consider there are likely some overlapping serial numbers in the range, with and without the MODEL 39 designation ... similar to the end of the MODEL39 and the commencement of the MODEL 39-2 series .... I KNOW there are many overlaps that bounce both ways between the MODEL 39 and MODEL 39-2 some 1000 serial numbers ( or more ) as I cited in one of my prior posts here.

Thank you !
 
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The highest pre 39 I've observed is 2624. The lowest Model 39 I've recorded is 1434, believe it or not. There was a batch of Model 39 pistols that shipped way out of sequence (1969-1970) and had very low SNs.
 
model3sw said:
Prior to NOW seeing 2623, I had reported to BBGV that the Pre-39s are in the 1001 to 2605 (apx) range. ( I have 2605).

I'll amend that data to now include "up to" (appx) 2623.

As a personal opinion, I don't think that S&W woke up one morning and started to stamp model numbers. I'd venture to consider there are likely some overlapping serial numbers in the range, with and without the MODEL 39 designation ... similar to the end of the MODEL39 and the commencement of the MODEL 39-2 series .... I KNOW there are many overlaps that bounce both ways between the MODEL 39 and MODEL 39-2 some 1000 serial numbers ( or more ) as I cited in one of my prior posts here.

Thank you !
Click to expand...

You are most welcome, Sal.

Further, after having seen your contributions, I'm tickled pink we're finally starting to gain some traction on this subject.

As to your thought that S&W didn't one morning awake, etc., methinks one four-digit Model 39 in my collection will buttress your idea. Maybe even beyond your wildest expectations.

I'll post some pics of it in a couple-or-three hours and, of course, verbiage with it (rarely am I at a loss for written words, though I tend to "listen," which is distinct from "talk," for disdained in this quarter is a running mouth without stoppage)

Oh, BTW: Jesse Harpe . . . I visited his store more than a few times, starting long before I was allowed to drive . . . well, at least on public highways. AW Peterson's store in Eustis is another longtime dealer - gunsmith of considerable 19th Century historical note, too - that drew the attention of those with whom I rode. It remains in the Peterson family's ownership and I suspect most anyone who'd pick up the phone there could either vividly recall or immediately call someone else to the phone who could recall Harpe details.

Now, I'm gonna do some "shooting."

Later.
 
Cunningham's Law states "the best way to get the right answer on the internet is not to ask a question; it's to post the wrong answer."

Please note I used the words "supposedly" and "around" since very little about older S&Ws is definitive, particularly with S/N ranges and model variations. Also note I was referring to the safety/grip panel style change, not the pre-39 S/N range.

I'm not a collector in the lofty levels as many on here, but I try to help. What makes this forum great is the continuous learning process.

Does anyone have a pic of a pre-39 with the longer safety and grip panel cutout? Or a 39 with the short safety/no cutout?
 
The Model 39 was developed at the request of our military during WWII because the 1911 was determined as junk and the Joint Chiefs of Staff want a 9 mm ,9x19 luger round, that was much more effective in pistol fighting distances as it was faster and penetrated much better than that .45 caliber flying ash tray. Here you go:

Smith & Wesson Model 39 - Wikipedia
 
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The Model 39 was developed at the request of our military during WWII because the 1911 was determined as junk and the Joint Chiefs of Staff want a 9 mm ,9x19 luger round, that was much more effective in pistol fighting distances as it was faster and penetrated much better than that .45 caliber flying ash tray.
Click to expand...

Wow! Are you intentionally trolling with the 3-4 provocative assertions in that statement?
 
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