S&W 39-2. Worth it?

[Fat Boy]

GB has a s&w 39-2 for sale.

I saw this gun in person at a show a couple weeks ago and it is, in my opinion rough.

The slide shows almost no blue, but it has a Bomar rib installed with 2 screws missing. The grip frame has been "stippled" on the front and upper part of the back side. Again in my opinion, rough. Some blue is worn off the front of the frame as well. Grips are original to the model, wood. One magazine.

Starting bid price is $285. Additionally, I would pay sales due to residency, shipping, and a local FFL holder to transfer, so by the days end I would be paying about $350 to get the gun in hand (assuming the $285 bid buys it)

My thought would be to remove the rib, clean everything up, use Emory cloth or a fine file of some type to smooth the stippling, and eventually have everything dura coated. Use would be a shooter with history, possible CCW.

My question is, am I overspending?

Also, not being familiar with the Bomar ribs, would the original sights have been removed when installing the Bomar rib?

I appreciate your help

 

[pendennis]

I've seen lot's of Model 39's for sale in the $350-400 range in far better condition than the one you describe. You'll put a chunk of change into a pistol with virtually no resale value.

The Model 39's were innovative pistols, but they've been eclipsed by better guns since.

The only place for magazines is the used market, unless NOS.

For my money, I'd pass, and wait for one in better condition if you really want a Model 39. They're out there.

 

[farscott]

Found the auction, and, yes, you would be overspending. The frame wear alone is enough to make me run in the other direction. The stippling on the front strap is a just a crime, and I am a fan of properly stippled front straps. The frame is aluminum alloy and the soft alloy is not benefiting from the removal/displacement of the anodized finish.

The BoMar rib installation forced the removal of the sights as well as drilling and tapping holes in the slide to mount it. If the rib was in good shape AND there was an demand for a BoMar rib for the 39-2, it would be worth upwards of $100. In the condition shown, it is worth the scrap value of the metal. That is a shame as the BoMar sight ribs are awesome.

 

[hAkron]

I wouldn't pay $100. That thing is messed up junk. - I say that as a collector of beater S&W autos, so if I wouldn't touch it, it should be destroyed.

 

[tarosean]

I wouldn't give 5 bucks for it.

I'm assuming this is it..

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=402260651

 

[TennJed]

I wouldn't give 5 bucks for it.

I'm assuming this is it..

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=402260651

my goodness that thing is in rough shape. I wouldn't trust a gun that had been owned by someone that did that "stippling" job. But I give the seller credit for posting good pics so the buyer isn't suprised

 

[TarDevil]

That's a mess.

 

[Lucky Derby]

It might be useful as a paperweight for about $3.

 

[JT-AR-MG42]

Wow! That one is different all right.

Impressive (and honest) that the seller was able to take such clear photos without the camera shaking (from laughter at coming up with such a price).

I would figure its value for the parts -worn - and magazine.

That listing may be up for a while.

JT

 

[JimC]

What a shame to treat a M39 like that!

 

[bannockburn]

I have to agree with all those who say "Pass" on this particular Model 39. Not even worth all that much as a parts gun due to the questionable modifications done to it. Keep looking and I'm sure you'll find a much nicer one out there that will be more to your liking.

 

[RainDodger]

Definite pass. If the outside is in that condition, who knows what the inside looks like.

I went to our large regional gun show this last weekend. Since I owned a very early Model 39 for many years, I'm always curious to see how many are out there. I saw two at this show and both were in nearly pristine condition, in their original boxes. They were in the $600 range as I recall.

 

[SwampWolf]

No way to practically salvage this pistol. Too bad, because the Model 39 is a classic and iconic firearm that deserves better than this example of irresponsible stewardship.

 

[Liberty1776]

I have two of them, and this is already priced twice what its worth. my two are in very good shape and I didn't pay this for them...

 

[mgmorden]

If I could get it for $100 or less (locally - I'd be embarrassed to have that transferred at an FFL), I'd make it into a project to try and restore some semblance of usefulness to it. Mostly what you said - done personally so as to keep from throwing good money after bad.

Sand down,remove the "stippling" (which I don't like even when its done well - this is a hack-job), locate and replace the missing screws, and Durakote it at home (a cheap throw-away airbrush can be found for $10 or so).

For $285 though, its just not worth it. If you want a S&W, you can find decent condition 910's and 915's for that price.

 

[bk42261]

How do you even manage to mangle the sights that badly?