I recently rescued this old school S&W semi-auto from the consignment case of my LGS. Surrounded by hi-cap plastic strikers, it stood out like the proverbial redheaded stepchild. After a quick inspection, I determined it had been fired very little and needed a new home. With a bit of negotiating, my out the door price was $400 which included the original box, papers, cleaning rod and spare 8-round magazine. There was even an period correct holster included! For those who may not be aware of the history, the Model 39 was Smith & Wesson's answer to the post WWII US Government request for a 9mm pistol to replace the 1911. Of course, with tens of thousands (if not hundreds of thousands) 1911 pistols remaining in inventory, the project was shelved until the adoption of the Beretta M9. Without a military contract, S&W began offering the Model 39 to the civilian market in 1955, giving the Model 39 the distinction of being the first commercially available US made double-action 9mm. In 1967, the pistol was adopted by the Illinois State Police - the first large agency to issue a semi-auto pistol. The grip of the Model 39 is comparatively thin for a single stack 9mm - though it fits my large hand well. I attribute this to the length of the grip frame which is slightly longer than the P225 but slightly shorter than the P220. Unlike the classic P-Series Sigs, the barrel of Model 39 locks directly to the aluminum receiver instead of a steel locking insert. I doubt if this is an issue for most users though I suspect for longevity a steel-on-steel lock-up would be preferable. Here's a photo of the pistol all cleaned up. Interestingly, the bore was absolutely spotless while the inside of the pistol was filled with black gunk - much of which I believe was the old Outer's "Gunslick" product. I've applied some damn grease on the receiver rails and am ready to try it out. I'll follow up with a quick report once I find some time to hit the range. Enjoy.
Posts: 3613 | Location: Western PA | Registered: July 20, 2010
In 79 I was on the CT state police. That was okd as a off duty gun. I had 2 a 39 and a 39-2. Carried nice but always had feeding issues. To be fair, 9mm ammo was limited back then. Later that was chosen as a commemorative for us. I never bought one. Prices never went up on it like some of the guys thought. IL state police later chose it as a duty weapon. We went to the Beretta.
Posts: 1705 | Location: SC | Registered: December 10, 2003
Originally posted by mike56: Carried nice but always had feeding issues. To be fair, 9mm ammo was limited back then.
Yes indeed. From what I have researched, the 39 & 39-2 were both generally considered hardball affairs. While some pistols would digest first generation HP's, it's my understanding they were the exception. With modern advancements in bullet technology in general and 9mm specifically, it's easy to overlook how limited ammo choices were in the transitional years to semi-auto.
Posts: 3613 | Location: Western PA | Registered: July 20, 2010
Originally posted by PASig: Looks very BHP-ish to me!
Was that something it was based off of?
Believe it or not, it is claimed S&W borrowed from the P.38 when developing the Model 39. While both are double-action 9mm's with slide mounted decocking safeties and very similar magazines, in my opinion the similarities end there.
Posts: 3613 | Location: Western PA | Registered: July 20, 2010
That is a cool vintage Smith! Thanks for posting, I have never seen one of those before. My interest in collecting good used Smiths is increasing......The build quality of the older guns I have handled has always been very good.....
Posts: 308 | Location: NOVA | Registered: February 15, 2015
I’ve always liked the 39. Never did care for the 59.
You might consider trying the old Federal 9BP JHP load in your Model 39. It’s generally reasonably priced, functions reliably in my Model 39s, and performs fairly well for a non+P load.
That is a nice one! Many years ago, I was intrigued by a picture of a pistol I had never seen before, in a G&A magazine. Reading the caption, I learned it was a S&W Model 39. I later owned a succession of single stack S&W 9mms, starting with a 39 no dash. Just neat guns IMHO. I will have to admit, that while my 39, 39-2s, etc, were beautifully finished, reliability was never what one might have hoped. Both feedway and extraction issues. Still, if I'd come across that one for $400.00 OTD, I'd have hurt myself getting my wallet out
NRA Life
Posts: 1589 | Location: Under the Tonto Rim | Registered: August 18, 2003
That was a great find at a great price. Back in 1975 when I turned 21, the first handgun I wanted was the 39-2. I let others change my mind saying that ammo was too steep for practice. About 6 years ago, I finally took the plunge as I happened on to a low price auction online. I did not remember how good the trigger was with a super reset. I since have been on the lookout for more 2nd and 3rd generation S&W autos. Thanks for sharing!
Posts: 476 | Location: suwanee, ga | Registered: January 01, 2007
I bought one in 1971, when they were in short supply. The finish was impressive, as was the balance and light weight.
The D/A pull was so long, though, that I never got used to it, despite practicing a lot. Inability to handle anything other than Ball was discouraging, too. I had some problems corrected by the factory, then sold it as soon as it came back. Too bad, as it really was a beautiful gun.
-------------------------- Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats. -- H L Mencken
I always prefer reality when I can figure out what it is. -- JALLEN 10/18/18
Posts: 9464 | Location: Illinois farm country | Registered: November 15, 2008
I found and bought a nickel 39-2 about three or so years ago. There was a companion 39-2 in that shop that was finished much like yours. At the time I briefly contemplated buying both but instead went for the shiny one, mainly because I was uncertain that I really wanted either one let alone the entire pair. The first time I took the nickel 39 to the range several weeks later it finally hit me that I DID very much want both after all, but you can probably guess what had already happened to the other 39-2 that I had passed on.
