S&W 39-2 on gunbroker

Status
Not open for further replies.
S

StephenT

Member
Joined
Jan 20, 2004
Messages
434
Location
Houston TX
S&W 39-2 owners, please chime in. I've just won a gunbroker auction for a model 39-2 in excellent condition for $250 + $20 for shipping + $20 for the FFL transfer. I've seen these S&W 39s at gun shows for $350 and up, so I think I got a decent deal on it. From what I've researched, the 39-2 has an alloy frame and a better extractor. The featured gun had pachmayr grips, but the gun is supposed to come with the original grips as well. Can anyone please tell me how nice the original grips are? The reason I ask is because I'm thinking that wood grip would look great on this piece. What have been your experiences with the 39-2 as far as reliability? How does it stack up against a 3913? Thanks for your input.
 
Greeting's Stephen T My Friend-

I've owned many S&W model 39-2's over the years, and it still remains
as one of my favorite handguns. The original model 39 (all 927 of 'em)
was an all steel frame and slide version that is very scarce today. OTOH,
the 39-2 has an alloy frame and a all steel slide. Each one that I was
fortunate enough to own performed flawlessly with NO gunsmithing
required. :) When the new "wonder nine" (S&W model 59) fist appeared
I thought I had too have one. The S&W model 59 was never in the
class with the companys model 39 or 39-2. Many of the original model
59's had serious issues right from the box.

As far as the original model 39-2 S&W walnut grips, most of these
were very nicely done. With lighter sets on factory nickel guns, and
darker sets on the blued versions made these weapons handsome
to say the least. Finding a "cherry" 39-2 these days takes a lot of
look'in; but when you find one collector's can't afford to pass 'em
up! :uhoh: I hope yours has eye appealing grips, and that you are
very satisified with your new weapon. :D

BTW, I prefer the 39-2's over the 3913 any day~ :cool:
 
Last edited:
Thanks Ala Dan. I'm pretty excited about my new toy and hope I get it before the weekend. I used to own a 3913, which I sold because the grip didn't feel quite right. I've handled the 39 and think that glossy blue looks great on it.
 
I had one back in the 1970s. It was an excellent pistol that someone decided they wanted it more than me and it grew feet. One thing I really liked about it was that it would throw all it's empties in a nice little pile if you didn't move while shooting. The ergonomics was excellent on this pistol in my opinion. Something S&W totally forgot about when they started building all the other models.
I've thought about getting another many times over the years, but for some reason just never got around to it.
 
I carried one in the early 70's too. They were scarce then,but several of us found and ordered them on a department letterhead from J.B. Maszk's gunshop in Bunnell,Fl. for $89.00 each. I bought 2 and sold one to the City clerk for $150.00.
I never had a problem with mine,and don't believe the 7 other officers did either. No really good loads back then,so I eventually went back to my S&W Mod. 19.
 
Well, it's finally arrived and I raced over to my FFL to get it. The 39-2 is in nearly mint condition and the blueing is just about perfect. It appears to have been shot little. For $250, I think I got away with murder on this one. i've replaced the pachmayr grips with the wood ones and now it looks great :)
 
StephenT...

For $250, I think I got away with murder on this one.
Click to expand...

I would say you did! My good friend Ala Dan has already given you most of the important background on this fine pistol. If you want to post the serial number, with the last three digits replaced by "xxx" I'll try to help you get an estimate on it's birth year.
 
Had to chime in here. I bought a brand new 39-2 in 1976. It was my first gun ever and it was the nickle one. Beautiful gun. I might have put 100 rounds through it...not even broke in. It resides in the Vault coz it is just to beautiful (to me) to keep shooting. Got my shooters and a few "lookers". My buds all drool when I bring it out occasionally for a "look-see". Still in that two piece blue box with the waxed paper, flyers, cleaning brush, etc. OK I'll shut up now....I love that gun.
 
Agreed, the 39-2 is pretty sexy, especially with the wood grips. Sure, its size/capacity ratio isn't the most efficient, but the grip fits me like a glove. Its wide trigger is a nice feature as well and the DA trigger pull is actually quite short and sweet. I can understand why some of you might be reluctant to practice with your 39-2s to keep them in mint condition. :D

Ala Dan, you're right, the 39-2 is a definite notch up from the 3913.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

C
  • Locked
Opinions on S&W 39-2?
Replies
7
Views
525
Ala Dan
A
T
  • Locked
Paging Ala Dan: S&W 3913/39-2 magazine question
Replies
3
Views
580
deercop
D
K
  • Locked
S&W Model 39-2
Replies
4
Views
487
chipperi
C
N
  • Locked
Tell Me About S&W's Model 39
Replies
4
Views
2K
pest3125
P
8
  • Locked
S&W model 39-2
Replies
10
Views
3K
Cocked & Locked
Cocked & Locked
Back
Top