What year is my 9mm model 39-2?
- Thread starter evansdav
- Start date
picked this beauty up this week, was a lend lease to someone since it has the Century import stamp. not sure as to year built or shipped. all in all it's very clean with original box, tools, and warranty card. one of my favorite pistols!
I recently inherited a S&W Model 39-2. I'm a rifle guy, and know next to nothing about pistols. Any information, no matter how basic, that anyone can provide is greatly appreciated. This example has been well used, but functions perfectly. The frame has a glossy "stainless" finish, but feels lighter than steel. The slide is finished in the same manner on the sides, but is brushed on top. It has a ramp front sight with a red insert, and an adjustable rear sight which is black (blued?). The safety, hammer, trigger, slide stop and ejector are all black, and the barrel and guide rod appear to be the same. Grips are dark wood, with gold S&W medallions. I only have one magazine, which is made of steel and holds 8 rounds of 9mm Luger. Unfortunately no box, papers, or second magazine were included. Serial #A5278XX. Thanks a lot, everyone.
The nickle plated Model 39-2s have the same parts blued as you describe. I wouldn't doubt that you have a nickeled pistol. Not all 39-2s have the red plastic insert in the front sight: it's a nice touch.
Edited to add: S&W magazines are stamped S&W, and sometimes the caliber, on the bottom of the floorplate. All except one: I have a 39 magazine where apparently the floorplate went through the machine upside down, and as a result, it's stamped on the inside instead of the outside.
Edited to add: S&W magazines are stamped S&W, and sometimes the caliber, on the bottom of the floorplate. All except one: I have a 39 magazine where apparently the floorplate went through the machine upside down, and as a result, it's stamped on the inside instead of the outside.
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Thanks for the information, Cyrano. Sorry for being a pest, but I have a couple more questions, in addition to date of manufacture.
Were the original factory magazines blue regardless of the finish of the pistol? I just found an S&W stamped 8-round magazine which fits flush with the base of the gun. I think the 8-round stainless magazine which was in the pistol when it was given to me must be aftermarket (it has a red follower and a black, plastic extension on the base plate).
Also, is +P ammunition a go or no-go for this model? I realize use of such ammunition will accelerate wear on any weapon; I'm simply wondering whether firing it at all is dangerous.
Thanks again!
Were the original factory magazines blue regardless of the finish of the pistol? I just found an S&W stamped 8-round magazine which fits flush with the base of the gun. I think the 8-round stainless magazine which was in the pistol when it was given to me must be aftermarket (it has a red follower and a black, plastic extension on the base plate).
Also, is +P ammunition a go or no-go for this model? I realize use of such ammunition will accelerate wear on any weapon; I'm simply wondering whether firing it at all is dangerous.
Thanks again!
Original factory magazines were all blue, regardless of the finish. I passed up a nickeled 39 once before I knew that. The +P question is still open: S&W says no, but perhaps a lot of that is CYA. I wouldn't shoot much +P in my 39s, but I'd sure carry it.
Edited to add: Factory Model 39 magazines are stamped S&W or 9mm S&W on the bottom of the floorplate. All except one: I have a 39 magazine whose floorplate apparently went throught the stamping machine upside down: it's stamped S&W on the inside.
Edited to add: Factory Model 39 magazines are stamped S&W or 9mm S&W on the bottom of the floorplate. All except one: I have a 39 magazine whose floorplate apparently went throught the stamping machine upside down: it's stamped S&W on the inside.
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Thanks, that's what I had figured. If I enjoy shooting it I'll probably try to find a couple more of the factory magazines. It's an interesting pistol, & the styling is very unique. Kind of like the big ol' Cadillac of old semi-automatics, if you will. 
New here.
Hey there folks. I'm new to the forum. I purchased my very first S&W handgun. It's a model 39-2. I'm in love with it. I carry it daily and its very comfortable. I'm trying to get an idea of how old it is. It is in awesome condition, but it doesn't have the wood grips like most of the 39-2's I've seen. It has black Pachmayr grips. Original mag, it says S & W on the bottom. My serial # is A148XXX. If anyone could help me out that'd be great. Love the forum. Lots of info on here and the people seem very helpful and into guns like myself. Hope to hear from someone soon! thanks
Hey there folks. I'm new to the forum. I purchased my very first S&W handgun. It's a model 39-2. I'm in love with it. I carry it daily and its very comfortable. I'm trying to get an idea of how old it is. It is in awesome condition, but it doesn't have the wood grips like most of the 39-2's I've seen. It has black Pachmayr grips. Original mag, it says S & W on the bottom. My serial # is A148XXX. If anyone could help me out that'd be great. Love the forum. Lots of info on here and the people seem very helpful and into guns like myself. Hope to hear from someone soon! thanks
dotdsd334
Member
Well gents I jumped on the 39-2 bandwagon!. I love the M52-2's I have so much I figured the 39-2 was just natural A223xxx. Can anyone help with a manufacture date? After looking at the above I am thinking 1974/75? Just want to confirm the logic. Thanks in advance.
I am also looking for a period correct box and instruction manual if anyone can help there as well.
A223xxx. Can anyone help with a manufacture date? After looking at the above I am thinking 1974/75? Just want to confirm the logic. Thanks in advance.I am also looking for a period correct box and instruction manual if anyone can help there as well.
dotdsd334
Member
Many thanks. I'm always up for buying smiths that are 10 years older than me. Too cool
Many thanks. I'm always up for buying smiths that are 10 years older than me. Too cool
It sure is nice knowing there are guys out there your age who have an appreciation for the older all metal pistols, not just the tupperware models...
Bumslie
Member
Any help with mine? A122XXX. I have been searching for one for the past 3 years and finally took her home the other day. They are impossible to acquire with California's stupid laws.
A122xxx. Should be 1970
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Bumslie
Member
Awesome. Thank you so much!
Sargeyork
Member
Mine please
Model 5906 TCM8XXX, MODEL 1086 TFK1XXX, MODEL 908s BDJ9XXX
Model 5906 TCM8XXX, MODEL 1086 TFK1XXX, MODEL 908s BDJ9XXX
nathanours
Member
Could anyone please give me the date of a 39-2 with the serial number A2804XX?
Thanks!
Thanks!
M19-5
Member
This is what I have done over the years to find out the birthdate of your S&W.
Go to the S&W website, go to resourses, go to contact and email your model and serial number.
Within two days you will get a reply.
Hope this helps.
Clarence
Go to the S&W website, go to resourses, go to contact and email your model and serial number.
Within two days you will get a reply.
Hope this helps.
Clarence
