Smith Model 39 Question

[Kleanbore]

I have a Model 39 that I bought about three decades ago. At that time 115 and 120 grain FMJ loads were pretty standard, and the gun has always functioned reliability with them.

I've heard that guns of that era may not function reliably with today's JHP loads. Are replacement barrels with different ramps available, or is their a different issue?

Thanks in advance.

 

[isp2605]

The original 39-nothing had a hump in the feed ramp that sometimes caused feeding problems with certain bullet designs. The most common fix was to grind off the hump. The 39-2 did not have the hump.
The rds that caused the most feeding problems were the very short 95 gr SP ammo.

 

[rcmodel]

+1

I have a 1970'ish 39-2 that has been 100% reliable with anything and everything.

If your gun does give problems with 115 or 124 JHP, try the Remington JHP or Win Silver-Tips.

They will usually feed in anything, because they are close to a RN-FMJ bullet profile.

rcmodel