What year is my 9mm model 39-2?

[Jimmyjones]

Never mind.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

39-2s were shipped starting in 1970 - better do some re-looking

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

21XX would be a 39 NOT-2 Would be a Pre39

 

[Jay Dee]

+P in your Model 39? I was developing +P reloads for my 9mm pistols in the late 1970s. A particular load worked well in my Hi Power but when I fired it in a newly purchased a Model 39, the case ruptured down the loading ramp and cracked the grips. What happened?

The answer was bore diameter. Ideally, a 9mm bore should be 0.354 diameter plus or minus a couple thousandths. This particular Model 39 checked at 0.352. By comparison, my Hi Power's bore diameter checked at 0.359. The tighter bore raised my +P loads to dangerous levels.

By the way, because the 9 mm and .38 caliber barrel diameters are so close, manufacturers would use one rifling broach or button for both 9 mm automatics and .38 caliber revolvers. During this era, Smith & Wesson went with the 9 mm bore.

So, before using +P ammunition in your Model 39-2, have your gunsmith slug the bore and check the bore diameter. If it's in the 0.354 range, I would be careful about using +P. Especially do not use the 9mm NATO ammunition that appears on occaision.

 

[Jay Dee]

Date of Manufacture

The S/N on my 39-2 is A2398XX. This would put date of manufacture somewhere in the early 70s?

 

[S&WBB]

Hi everybody, seems I found the right place to share my passion for the model 39. I recently purchased mine. Its #36274. Any ideas on approximate mfg.date would be appreciated, but from what I am reading on this forum, Im thinking early 63.

http://s32.postimg.org/slb8yk805/Right.jpg
http://s32.postimg.org/njlhe870l/Left.jpg

 

[olDodgeBoys]

Hi everybody, seems I found the right place to share my passion for the model 39. I recently purchased mine. Its #36274. Any ideas on approximate mfg.date would be appreciated, but from what I am reading on this forum, Im thinking early 63.

My M39 S/N 37323 has an early 1963 ship date.

 

[ssim9]

Hey everyone. My S&W model 39 no dash serial # is 866XX. Alloy frame and engraved on the slide "Allan Mitchell" and a skull with "Welcome To Hell" . Any info would be very helpful. Thanks

 

[loeman]

I'd love to know what year my 39-2 9mm is. Serial number is A156666.

Now that's a lot of 6s Burgergirl. Your 39-2 dates to 1971.

 

[Okgs455]

I have a Model 39 no dash, sn 6205 that is in gently used condition. I purchased it in the 1980s as a gift for my father. I inherited it back after he passed away four years ago. I would appreciate any information as to age and rarity.

 

[TOM BECKWITH]

866XX mid 68
6205 1957-59 range
As usual - Jinks/S&W for your SHIP date