[rugerfreak]

Just picked up a Model 39 at the pawn shop today for $250----seems to be in 95% to 98% condition---I mean the thing has hardly ever been shot.

Any good or bad things I should know???

Will the 3913/908 magazines fit in this---or will I need to start searching??

Thanks for any help or comments.

RF


Edit----I went in there originally to buy a Kel Tec P32---after looking one over--I just couldn't do it----then I spotted the 39. I've heard good things about the P32--but it just seemed WAAAY too cheaply made to put my money down on one.

[Frenchy]

History Lesson.......:)

The 39 was the first American made double action semi-automatic, and was the predecessor to the so-called Wonder Nines.
It's a collectible piece with a steel frame (39-2 was alloy) and slide.
Check CDNN for the 3900 series mags. If it's in the condition you suggest, you got a great deal. The only negative I've heard on the 39, was the feeding of JHP's...although mine didn't have that problem.

[JimJD]

S&W has some mags for sale on their website. They are not selling for cheap though(forty-something dollars). Last time I looked, They had the nickel ones. No blued in stock at the time.
Pro Mag had some blued and nickel for about twenty-three dollars plus seven dollars for s&h(up to a hundred $ on a total order).
Had some triple K brand mags that were garbage. Won't buy those again.

I was told by S&W to not shoot +P or +P+ ammo through My M39-2(alloy). But some have said it's ok to put some through it now and again, just don't make it a habit for mine, etc.

Nice buy You have there. Have fun!
:D

[Ala Dan]

Excellent buy! The original S&W model 39 will have
more collector value to it than a model 39-2. As has been
said, this was the baby that started all the 9m/m hype
here in North America. I favor its cousin, the 39-2 cuz of
its ability to feed JHP's without much of a problem. Also,
I rate the 39/39-2 far ahead of its "wonder nine" bro;
the ill fated S&W model 59.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[wally]

What was ill fated about the Model 59?

I had one way back when, was my first 9mm auto and third gun overall.

I liked it, but quickly learned to like others much more. Traded it off to a buddy for an XT hard drive and controller after the site broke off his Astra 9mm.

--wally.

[Ala Dan]

Wally

In my neck of the woods, the Smith model 59 was
problematic from the start. Far too many FTF, FTE,
stovepipes, and such that our local PD s- - t canned
them, and returned to S&W model 15's and 19's.

I had a couple myself, and quite honestly they did
perform exceptionally well; just that with the double
stack magazines they felt a lot more "chunky" than
the grip of the single stack 39-2.

Just for fun, if you get a chance compare the grip
feel of an old S&W model 59, against that of a SIG-
SAUER P228; then comeback and tell us which fells
the best. But FWIW, I'm a bit prejudice.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Frenchy]

One of our female deputy's had a 59 that just gave her fits.
First!...She had a set of Pachmayrs that made a fat grip just that much worse (for her short, pudgy fingers). Couple that with the occasional FTF's and FTE's, and she was ready to chuck it.
I found a set of Eagle panels in my "junk" box, which helped the grip issue. I then polished the feed ramp & chamber area which helped relieve the malfs.
She still has the Smith, but carries a Ruger now!

[Richard]

I guess my question is would you pay $200 for a M39-2 with no magazines? I guy has one and he may sell it to me for that price. I called CDNN last week and they don't have any magazines for this pistol. Regards, Richard :D

[Frenchy]

I guess my question is would you pay $200 for a M39-2 with no magazines?

Short answer!!...Yes! :)

You can find the mags...check with "ammoclip".