Smith & Wesson 39-2

[brbdwyr]

Just as a counter-thought about "highly underrated" handguns. Some of us want to use the best designed and executed handguns that we can afford. That should also be a part of your consideration. Do you actually use handguns such as this 39?

If so the counter view is that you got a brand new one at less than it's true worth might be, and can have a lifetime of constructive use for what some others may soon be paying more to experience (or if they also go "safe queen" no-one actually gets what they are made to provide).

You must ask why you own handguns, is this the "it" gun for your purpose? Do you value investment speculation more? Truth told, guns like many potential investments are "iffy" at best and collector grade guns are a lousy ways to make money, good ways to provide for personal defense and a helluva lot of fun if used.

My case and opinions are now fully presented.

Valid points, and your opinion is appreciated. Let me back up and give you a bit of history about me:
Just a normal guy that likes to shoot. I have a fair assortment of lower-end shooters with a wide variety of use. My edc is an SR9c. Love it for what it is designed for - compact carry and defense. The stainless and poly take a beating, and I don't cry when it gets bumped around.

Ergonomics are my first factor in a handgun. If it doesn't fit my hand, I see no use is keeping it around. I've parted ways with many fine handguns that had a lot of value (by my standards), but didn't get used because they were awkward to use. So introduce my buddy's 5904 - beat up, scratched and dented. But I liked the looks and the feel, but that double stack was big for me. But ohhhh, it shot soooo good. So after arguing with myself about the "need" (or not) for a double stack, I started looking for a 39-series. I wanted a blued, beat up, scratched and dented model. I found this one locally, and at a price that should have reflected the model I was looking for. So naturally, I had to buy it.

I know I can sell it and make a few bucks, but the reality is that I want to shoot the heck out of it. And, I'll never get another one like this for what I paid. It won't be an edc, more of a paper poker and shelf sitter. And I'm ok with that. My concern was mainly how much of a financial hit would I take if I shot it, and I'm beginning to believe the pleasure of shooting it will far outweigh any loss that I may incur by doing so.

I'll keep my eyes open for that blued, scratched and beat one. And I have the holster ready for it!

Thanks fellas, hope you enjoyed the pics.

 

[HexHead]

I'm sure it was test fired at the factory, so "unfired" is a myth.

 

[cwl1862]

Shoot your 39 and enjoy it! I have a 39-2 that is like new and a 6906 also like new but they both get range time, the 6906 even gets some holster time now and again. Me personally I don't own safe queens, life is too short not to enjoy what I have, and I enjoy shooting! My only problem of late is ammo and or reloading components! Hard to shoot without the things that go boom!

 

[skoro]

the reality is that I want to shoot the heck out of it.

That's exactly what it was made for.

Sure is purty!

I can't resist shooting each and every firearm I have. But then, I'm an accumulator, not a collector. It's yours to do with as you please. But I know I'd be kicking myself if I had one like it and let it go, even at a profit. They aren't made any more and you won't ever find a nicer one.

 

[Smith357]

Pristine collector grade M39s and going up in value, it's getting down right stupid. Since you have the box and papers I would save it and get a good $350 shooter grade 39 to enjoy.

 

[orionengnr]

Okay, here's my contraiain view...

Consider "collectible" items, like mid-year Corvettes or other late 60's-early 70's musclecars, or motorcycles of an equivalent vintage.

Not only are they only new once, but people pay outrageous sums to "restore" them to "like-new" condition. At that, they are never worth what an "original" one is.

And anything composed of so many parts (many of which are plastic, rubber and other unstable materials) degrade every year just from sitting. Belts, hoses, wiper blades and tires dry-rot. Wiring hardens. VOCs evaporate from paint...interior parts lose their suppleness...steel, iron and aluminum try to return to their origins...even in a climate-controlled environment.

Your M39 is in pristine condition, and has remained so for many years. All it will take to maintain that condition is a wipe-down once in a while. I might consider a coat of wax on the grips, especially the unfinished back sides.

Look at the top of that slide. How many more remain in that pristine state? Certainly very, very few. Maybe none.

I would buy a "beater" and enjoy shooting it. And keep that pristine M39 and...enjoy it, in an entirely different way.