Thinking of buying an early model 39

[Claybreaker]

Hi all. I have been looking at a no dash model 39
at a local shop with a serial of 31806. Are the extractor issues I’ve read about a serious concern making it more of a display piece? I would like to be able to shoot it occasionally. I guess I’m asking if the problems are a bit exaggerated or am I best to avoid an early model and just get a dash 2. I like the idea of having an early make number but get the impression if I want to use it I’m better off with a later number. With a little looking I’m thinking the serial number puts it in the 1962-63 made range, am in the ballpark with that? Opinions?

 

[gmborkovic]

I shoot my early 4&5digit 39s with std ammo. No problem if you charge the chamber from the mag. Dont drop the round in the chamber and slam the slide.

 

[Engine49guy]

In general early SW pre 39's or 39 no dash guns in high condition will bring a premium over similar 39-2.
If I stumbled on a dirt cheap early gun in shooter condition I'd buy it out of habit,
On the other hand if I was specifically looking for a shooter I'd be inclined to choose a 39-2 for the very fact that extractors are still available where the no dash they are not , If you break the extractor it's out of commission and your journey of trying to find a replacement begins.

On a side note while there was a time I looked down my nose at 3rd gens they have many improvements over the older ones and can be found reasonably priced still.

 

[gmborkovic]

Will somebody please chime in here with a pic of a broken early long extractor.

 

[Alk8944]

There is no problem with the early extractor until it breaks, then you have a big problem!

 

[Sevens]

I think if the pistol is high condition and the price is decent it would be a fine buy but yeah… I’m one who would not purchase it for shooting. Mostly because they made a third of a million 39’s… and 39-2 examples are extremely easy to find and buy.

I own a no dash myself, serial number 31xxx range and I have never shot it myself. Very high condition but I own two other 39-2’s. So the no dash… I simply enjoy owning it.

 

[gmborkovic]

Hello Mr. Sevens, but dont you just have a slight urge to run one mag thru it. Just use a -2 mag, so you dont scratch the original.

 

[hkcavalier]

I shot my old pre-39...once

 

[Sevens]

Hello Mr. Sevens, but dont you just have a slight urge to run one mag thru it. Just use a -2 mag, so you dont scratch the original.

I think maybe a tiny bit years back when I first got it but none whatsoever now. It’s almost no different at all from my other two, so literally no desire at all.

Matter of fact, I have piled up a number of handguns I have never shot and every time someone loudly asserts their disdain for safe queens or better yet, the classic untruth “guns were made to be shot”, I am further emboldened.

 

[minconrevo]

One upon a time, I bought a brand-new, in the box Mod 39, the hole in the hammer style. It had the hump-style barrel ramp, so it was a bit finicky what it fed. Worked fine, just not that accurate, so it went down the road.

Many years ago, the LGS had a large bunch of early Illinois State Police Mod 39 trade in's. They included quite a variety of extractor types, as well as one that had a pinned in place grip beavertail for what must have been an extra large handed trooper. I'm sure S&W provided the ISP with lots of product support as they were an early user of 39's.

 

[flash60601]

My 39 no dash was bought new in 72 and I have fired a LOT of different loads without any kind of stoppage. I even managed to fire a 380ACP round by mistake. It fed, fired and ejected without notice, just a bit weaker than 9mm. About 10 or 12 years ago it broke the extractor and S&W sold me a new one for something like $15.00. They said the replacement ones were tempered differently than the original and this one should outlast me.

I think, if I were to shoot it much, I would start scrounging for a replacement extractor NOW, you know, just in case . . . . But I now have a couple different 9's (Sigmas, Taurus, etc.)

But it is still my sweetheart and I even bought a $95.00 basketweave holster for it.

The 'smith who installed the extractor said, "Why don't you try to find an original extractor for it, in case you ever wanted to sell it with 'all original type parts' and shoot it with the new one?"

 

[Sevens]

Is there any chance you can link us to a photo of your no-dash 39?

I find it interesting that your replacement extractor from S&W looks different than the original that broke, different enough that the ‘smith suggested you find an original?

 

[gmborkovic]

Im confused. You got an original mod-39 long extractor from the factory?
Really need some pics.

 

[Claybreaker]

Thank you all for the responses. I’ve decided in the long run I’m going to be happier with a dash 2. Keep the worries to a minimum.