What’s wrong with a model 39 ?

[44wheelman]

Only complaint I can come up with; it's not a target gun (combat accuracy). But that is like complaining that it is hard to eat soup with a fork, or my truck doesn't corner well.

 

[jimbo-indy]

Don't overlook the 639 either. It's just the stainless version of the 39 (second generation). That stainless frame/slide makes it even tougher than the alloy version. Mine handles normal and +P handloads with equal ease although I did install a slightly heavier recoil spring.
These are excellent guns and have a very comfortable grip.

 

[BruceB]

They are pretty darned accurate. My M39 no-dash can put a full magazine inside 1.5" at 15 yds with just a 2 hand hold, better than my 5906, or the new 39-2. I expect the new 39-2 to improve a bit after it's broken in. It's only got a couple hundred rounds through it so far. I do have a spare extractor if the original ever breaks.

 

[TAROMAN]

They are pretty darned accurate.

Oh yeah...

 

[george minze]

I'll say!! pretty darn good for a combat arm.....GOOD SHOOTING

 

[Engine49guy]

I remember the days of $250 used Model 39-2 's long ago .
Remember thinking the same thing "Why so cheap?"
So I bought both a Nickel and a Blued version.

I suppose it had something to do with the craze and demand for Hi cap 9's

If I ever see another that cheap I would buy it in a heartbeat.

Im sure some day people will say the same thing about the $350 Sigma guns available these days...

I would pick a 39-2 over a Sigma anyday but thats me..

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

Europe is not lacking good 9mm pistols made in factories closer than Springfield, MA. However, the 39 fits many hands better than most pistols. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[Cirrus]

How necessary is getting the -2 model? I'm looking for one to just use as a fun range gun. No hot loads or hollowpoint ammo.

 

[Badkarma 1]

How necessary is getting the -2 model? I'm looking for one to just use as a fun range gun. No hot loads or hollowpoint ammo.

Just that it's been said that the early 39s sometimes had trouble feeding even ball. That said if your just going too use it for a range gun, try one. Dale

 

[Engine49guy]

You would be lucky to find a no dash 59 with steel lower in good condition.
Incidentally found a NIB 39-2 today for $475.00

 

[steamloco76]

Just picked up this 39-2 recently repatriated from Israel for $320.
Very little firing wear or evidence. Mostly knicked up a bit from armory rack storage. Can't wait to shoot it.

 

[bobbyjack]

39

I wouldn't call a specialized weapon such as this, which is used in certain instances by an elite force that makes up a small minority of the US forces serving in Viet Nam "a workhorse". In semi-auto pistols, the Govt. Model 1911 in .45ACP was the true workhorse of the US military from its inception up through Viet Nam and until it's replacement with the current issue Beretta in 9mm. Certain elite units continue to carry the 1911 in .45 ACP. Ya gotta give credit where credit is due--even on a S&W forum.....

Well, there you go Joe we just can't be aware of every thing,Thanks for
your service!

Bob

 

[rayban]

What does the "Devel" mean on a 39-2? I see that designation on some on GB.
Thanks!

 

[blade1949]

Hey Ray.......

google " devel model 39 "........should get you the info..........

something about altering the pistol for cc......

By the way.....I sure do enjoy my Model 39...it's a Ill. S. P. example.

john in missery

 

[oldtexan]

Here in Europe, I often see used model 39’s at very low prices, down to the equivalent of 200$. Mostly, they look like stored in a drawer for a quarter of a century, so I would say perfect buys. And they do not seem to sell ?!

I am not too familiar with S&W auto’s (wheelgun fan), but I am very tempted to buy one, for some range fun. So what could possibly be wrong with them : alleged alloy frame weakness, too big competition from CZ, Glock and others here (9mm are VERY popular), or buyer’s ignorance, … ?

B686

I had a 439 and a 539, the alloy and steel-framed 2nd gen replacements, respectively, for the 1st gen 39. I bought them because I had always been intrigued by the way they felt in the hand. Intended to make them carry/home defense guns. The 439 was reliable, but the 539 not so much, even after returning it to S&W for extraction issues. Practicality won out and I eventually replaced them.

Downsides of the 439/539: harder to install tritium sights than more modern guns because of the milled front sight, didn't care for the two different trigger pulls associated with DA/SA, rust was more of an issue than with more modern designs, parts were not as available as current production guns, grip screws tended to work loose, holster availability was IMO too limited.

 

[austintexas]

I saw and was allowed to shoot a M-39 while in Lybia in 1962. returned to the states in 1964 and sold a mint 1916 all matching Luger for $65.00 and purchased a new M-39 for $65.00 including the sales tax. Of course the Luger is worth much more now but I still have my 39. I never had a problem with feeding it, it shot everything I loaded in the mag. I just picked up a nickel 39-2 w/box and papers for $400.00 and sold the extra mags and holsters and grips for $100 so I ended up with a $300.00 purchase.

SWCA 892

 

[Buford57]

The only thing wrong with Model 39 is that I don't currently own one. Within the limitations of its caliber, it was as fine a sidearm as I ever carried. It fit my hand, carried well and fed everything.

 

[Belgian686]

Thanks again to all for your replies.

Buford57, you are right, the only thing wrong about it is currently having none, but surely hope to solve that soon.

B686

 

[Bullet Bob]

I bought one new sometime around 1977-78, had a problem with the slide locking back, and it wasn't that accurate for me compared to other auto's I've owned.

Sold it, never looked back. It was good-looking pistol that fit my hand well though.

 

[p0838]

1981