What is my 39 worth? Keeping it. Need help with disassembly & COL

[Col. Mortimer]

I was given a Model 39 from a family friend who can't shoot anymore due to poor eye sight. What should I ask for it? It is in average condition with some light rust spots on the sides. I test fired some of my reloads (9mm FMJ, 124g., 4.5 & 4.7g of WSF, COL of 1.160") I fired about 50 rounds and this gun can shoot. I'll post photos once I optimize the photos.

 

[Maddog 521]

I would keep it and enjoy my gift.

 

[CajunBass]

I'd also keep it, but to answer your question, around here they generally retail for around $400.00.

 

[roaddog28]

I know in my area there worth around $400 for a shooter if a person can find one. I think you could get $350 or more. But if I was lucky enough to own one I would not sell it.
Regards,
Howard

 

[Engine49guy]

With the information provided (or lack of ) somewhere between $250 and $2500.00 .

Model 39 's came in several different configurations.
After you can attach some detailed pictures we can narrow it down a bit.
At least advise if its a 39 or a 39-2 all steel or aluminum lower ?

 

[Col. Mortimer]

You guys are making this a tough decision.

I was trying to thin out the collection. I do feel bad about selling it as it was a gift.

To answer the questions, it is a Model 39 no suffix, no 39-2 which is why I am asking. I see many 39-2's on GunBroker but no 39's. The frame is aluminum (checked it with a magnet).

 

[igor455]

ah just keep it and enjoy the heck out of shootinjg ti. the 39 s not the dash 2 were early made. i dont know about the price areound here cause i havent seen one for a while. i carried a 39-2 early in mt police career and wish i kept it. but oph well

 

[novalty]

I would say it is worth.....keeping.

 

[Raider]

I too would keep it since it was a gift. I would be honored if somebody gave me such a nice pistol.

Charlie

 

[webley green]

Keep it and shoot it or keep it but I'd keep it and recall the friend each and every time I pop a cap. Those are fine handguns. WG

 

[Decker]

I bought a brand new 39 when they were still in production.
I really liked it, but sold it when I bought a 59.
Turns out that I never really got used to the "fat" 59, and missed the slim fit of the 39.

However, the early 39's were not a "perfect" pistol and did have some problems, feeding, IIRC.

Bottom line is that the 39's are not top-tier collectors by any means, but if it's a good shooter, it's probably worth more as a keeper and a shooter than to sell it.
Prices can vary wildly depending upon condition, but it would take a NIB 39 to fetch even close to $600, and there are a lot of nice condition "shooters" I've seen for around $200.

With some rust and without box or papers, I don't think you'd even see $200 for it... but maybe just.
To me, it would be a candidate for re-blueing (you're not going to hurt the value anymore than the rust does), or maybe a nice Parkerized finish.
Then have some fun and shoot the bejeebers out of it.

 

[Col. Mortimer]

You guys have convinced me to keep my 39.

It is a gift from a dear friend and I will keep him in my mind and heart when I shoot it.

Does anyone have some good dissassembly/assembly instructions? I have to give this bad boy a good cleaning.

BTW: Does anyone have a COL that works best with the 39? I load to 1.160" for my 92FS and maybe a longer length worker better in the 39.

 

[Ky Bob]

Does anyone have some good dissassembly/assembly instructions? I have to give this bad boy a good cleaning.

I think this manual pretty much applies to all of the SW older centerfire pistols. You can also find re-printed manuals for your pistol on Ebay.


http://www.smith-wesson.com/wcsstore/SmWesson/upload/other/SW_Metal_Frame_Auto_Pistol_06_16_08.pdf

 

[smokinwoody]

I have a mint 39-2 that I bought back in the 70's..I put maybe 2 magazines thru it and then cleaned it up..has the original box...

I love the feel of mine and I dont think I would part with it..

so...I would enjoy the one that was given to you...they are keepers..its the steel framed one thats worth all the bananas..

 

[jsbethel]

Another manual - http://stevespages.com/pdf/s&w_39.pdf

 

[Engine49guy]

The only rust I see is on the trigger which is easily replaced.

I would value a Model 39 over a 39-2.
A nice used shooter no box or docs around here would easily sell for $300 plus or minus $50.
IMO refinishing is a waste of money , It looks fine as is.