The seductive Model 39s as collectors' subculture.

[model3sw]

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have helped educate me and provide great research over the years, first and foremost, Richard McMillan, Kevin Williams and Roy Jinks up in the top tier, whom without their help this would not have been possible.

And, in equal appreciation all who have contributed including, Les Boggess (les.b), Sam Tovar (MODEL 39) John Marshall (PALADIN85020), shawn mccarver, Brad, engine49guy, hkcavalier, Bob Frielich (TIRED GUNSMITH), Richard Sopko (COUGAR015), Mark Calzaretta (COLT_SAA), Mike Borkovic and so many others, past, present and future, my sincere "thank you". R.S. "Sal" Raimondi, Sr.

 

[NDFRC]

Could you please post a picture of 7175. I have 59xx and 67xx both having the long extractor lever with cut out relief on the left stock.

Sure thing!

 

[model3sw]

Model 39 SN 7175 with short safety lever.

Sure thing!

Thanks for posting. I like it. Do you have box / papers and / or a Historical letter on this one ?

Richard McMillan's original work on the early 9mm S&Ws indicates the short lever was eliminated at around SN: 8000. Of the early short levers I've notices some that appear a tad longer than the very early short levers, but still the "short"variation with non relieves stocks before the official 'longer' safety levers show up to stay.

Is the magazine a flat follower or the figure 8 stamped steel ? By that exceptionally long floor plate / tongue on your magazine, I'd suspect it to be the figure 8 stamped steel follower type. Can you photo for bottom of magazine and measure the length of the floor plate. I have many of those magazines with various size / length floor plates and assorted stamps on the floorplates, e.g. Some 9mm, some S&W 9mm some just S&W with a few different Ampersand type.

I will try to find and examine more of the 5000 to 8000 serial number range 9mms to determine further, but of those I seen others, in addition to the 2 I own, that have the longer safety levers with relief cut stocks in the 5000 and 7000 range than shorter. Here's another topic for further research.

Thanks again. Sal

 

[Jimmyjones]

I've got 4 39-2s, I'll have to get them out together and note the variations.

 

[NDFRC]

Hi Sal,
Unfortunately it didn't come with a box, fortunately I found this nice example in a pawn shop for $500 out the door a couple years ago, I think it was more just making a sale instead of knowing what they had so I was happy to get it quick before they thought about it more, box or no box. The mag floor plate is stamped and measures 1-5/8th" I compared it to another 39-2 I have and that one is smaller at 1.5" I intend to letter it but haven't gotten around to it.
Keith

 

[model3sw]

Sal - do you mean long safety lever? I'm confused.

I'd also like to see pictures of 7175. Thanks.

Yes, Kevin. I goofed. Thanks for correcting me. Yes, I mean "safety lever". I amended my post to read correctly.

Kevin, in all your research, when ( in what approximate serial number range) do you see the longer safety lever start showing up as the rule instead of the exception ? Are any of the components, or the slide (itself) serial numbered anywhere ? I never went as far as to fully disassemble a slide, however, if there is verification (serial number) or matching fitment ID, etc. I have only seen two 39 series pistol with a serial numbered slide, which I presumed were stamped when the pistol had gone back to S&W for service.

7175 is rather high serial number to have the short safety lever.

 

[gmborkovic]

I can unequivocally say Sn. 8000 does not have the short lever, because
Im looking at it on my bench. Appears unfired with dark smooth Rosewood grips. I think the numbered box is around here somewhere.

 

[kwill1911]

Kevin, in all your research, when ( in what approximate serial number range) do you see the longer safety lever start showing up as the rule instead of the exception?

Unfortunately, I've concluded there is no "rule." There are so many guns that shipped out of sequence - some by as much as 10 years - and pre 39s mixed with 39s - features all mixed up - it just appears random. For example, 7175 just posted has early features but Mike says 8000 has later features.

Are any of the components, or the slide (itself) serial numbered anywhere?

No, not as far as I know.

 

[cougar015]

WOW! I just found this post and I need to read the entire thread and reply to it. The information posted by Sal and the others weighing in is nothing short of amazing. I had the pleasure of meeting Richard McMillan in Reno and found him to be a true authority on the model 39. I hope to meet Kevin Williams some day and pick his brain as well. Sal gives many accolades to others such as Roy, Richard and Kevin and they are well deserved however Sal has shown time and time again that he is an S&W authority in his own right. I own many variations of the model 39 and have collected them for over 25 years yet each time I talk to or read a post by our members, I learn something new.

 

[cougar015]

A couple of Model 39's

Here's a few pix of the pre model engraved 39 and the early nickel 39 I mentioned in my last post. I hope the pictures download ok.

 

[charles_the_hammer]

unfortunately Photobucket is holding my pics hostage

Photobucket is holding the entire internet hostage. What they did with their little scam has been the internet equivalent of the burning of The Library of Alexandria.

Also, the Model 39 has to be one of the most aesthetic guns of all-time.

 

[les.b]

Charles, PB released the hostages, if you check the older threads which stopped the earlier photos from showing up, they now display again. The only exceptions that I'm aware of are those folks who went into PB and deleted their own pictures. It is my understanding that PB is under new management. Check it out.

I can once again see my own and others pictures that disappeared back then. I haven't put anything else on PB, but am glad that these old threads are back up and running.

And yes.... the model 39 is one of the most pleasing to the eye semiautomatic guns ever made!!

Best Regards, Les

 

[RKmesa]

Sal:

This is a great thread, as I know almost nothing about the Model 39, but I am learning more... Richard McMillen and Rich Sopko both had wonderful and extensive Model 39 Displays at this year's SWCA Symposium. It is fun to learn more about this significant firearm from some real enthusiasts.

Thanks for sharing,

 

[gmborkovic]

Im going to sit back and re-read a great Thread. Every Post has a tidbit of information. Im going to use Mr. Jinks number of 347,551 mod-39s mfg.
from 1955 to 1981. I have a few questions listed below:
1. did any 39s have numbered grips or slides? Mags are a foregone.
2. what time period was the barrel bushing changed?
3. when was the slide serration moved forward?
4. hole in hammer?
5. we are closing in on the era of short levers.
Im a student and by no means an expert or self proclaimed authority.
I will now re-read and ponder. Mike
I will leave the military 39s up to Mr. Flick, and the pre-pre-39s to those
with the deep pockets. Mike

 

[Z9Gideon]

S&W Model 39 Presented to Jack Webb - July 1955 Guns Magazine

Photos of the Guns Magazine cover and the Jack Webb article.

 

[model3sw]

Photos of the Guns Magazine cover and the Jack Webb article.

Thanks for this great SHARE ! Much appreciated. Sal

 

[RKmesa]

As many of you know, I love engraved S&Ws. But I have not paid much attention to the engraved Model 39's; however, I recently found these photos from the National Firearms Museum (Robert E. Peterson Collection NRA Museums) of a very "seductive" engraved Model 39 (Click on the photos for more details):

The details on the slide are outstanding...

 

[model3sw]

VERY nice !

As many of you know, I love engraved S&Ws. I have not paid much attention to the engraved Model 39's; however, I recently found these photos from the National Firearms Museum (Robert E. Peterson Collection NRA Museums) of a very "seductive" engraved Model 39 (Click on the photos for more details):

The details on the slide are outstanding...

Richard. That's one I hadn't seen before. The artwork is nothing short of magnificent.

It is with no small regret that I missed 2018 Symposium in Reno, this year to meet you and catch up with other members (Richard Mc Millan for one) I hadn't seen in about 20 years.

 

[Art Doc]

The 39 always felt good in my hand. Very natural. Reminds me of a P38.

Bought and sold several 39-2s in my youth, I finally got one at a police auction around 1988 that has stuck with me. Last year I added another in nickel.

 

[cougar015]

Richard, (RKmesa) Thanks for sharing the pics of that amazing engraved gun. It's right where it belongs in a museum.