Was there ever a Model 39-1?

[koz5614]

My 1st Gen S&W semi-auto knowledge is OK, but I’m no expert on them. My only 39 right now is a Devel House 39-2. I know that S&W made some “Pre 39s” and some steel frame 39 no dash guns, but I did not know if there was a “39-1” model, or did they just jump to the 39-2?
The reason I’m asking is because I was offered a S&W 39-1 today. I was told that the owner has the box, two mags, and all the paperwork. I’m going to take a look at it today. Not getting my hopes up, as the owner is elderly and he may have misread the model number.
I was just wondering if this could be something really uncommon. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[gmborkovic]

Hello koz, there were no guns stamped Model39-1. The m-39 went directly to 39-2 in 1970. Some collectors have referred to the mod. 52-A as the
39-1. You have a mystery that will be solved once you view the gun.
Stay in touch.

 

[koz5614]

Thanks for the reply. I suspected that was the case, as I had never seen a 39-1, or even heard of one. I always wondered why they would jump to “-2” instead of using the “-1”? Stumbling on a rare, previously unknown variant is what makes collecting so much fun. I believe the gentleman is asking $500 for it, so even if it’s a 39-2, I may just pick it up.
Thanks again.

 

[cougar015]

Hello Koz, Just verifying what Bork told you. No such thing as a 39-1. $500 for a 39-2 is not a bad price if it is in good shape with the matching box. Let us know how this turns out.

 

[koz5614]

I just checked out the pistol. It is a 39-2. Nice gun, with 2 mags, box and manual. No tools, but it is in excellent condition. Much like the night before the Powerball drawing, you hope you are the one with the winning ticket. It’s not a gun that I “need”, but if the price is negotiable, I may pick it up. Thanks again for the replies.

 

[kwill1911]

Paraphrasing Roy's book: there was a Model 39-1, briefly, and only on paper apparently. That was the factory designation for the pistol developed for the Army Marksmanship Training Unit in .38 AMU caliber. S&W worried that the pistols were different enough that the new one should have its own model number so they redesignated it the Model 52. A couple of years later a similar pistol chambered in .38 Special Target was also stamped Model 52. The original pistols (in .38 AMU) had an "A" added to them before they were sold.

More confusion: There was a single action version of the Model 39 cataloged. None were ever sold but they were designated the Model 44.

 

[AJ]

Let us know one way or the other......Inquiring minds want to know (nosey people)!

 

[stansdds]

As you have found, there is no such thing as a Model 39-1, only 39 and 39-2. Do you need a Model 39 or 39-2? I think it's one of those things that you don't think you need until you handle one.