Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review - The Firearms Forum

fleetwood1976 · 01-29-2010, 09:40 PM

I was a good boy last weekend and did not buy one gun. I was going to be a good boy this weekend but this find was to good to pass up. It is a 39-2 single stack 9mm. My first semi-auto was a 39 Illinois state trooper trade in that was blue. I kicked myself over and over for selling it 10 years ago for $250. Today I found one of these in worse condition than this one, Heavy holster wear, for $539.00. So I again kicked myself for selling my blued one. I decided to stop at another shop and found this, thinking it must rain nickel smith 39's on every 5th friday. The tag was turned over so I dared ask? He responded that it was an old single stack, (as if single stack was a bad form of cancer) and he had $319 on it but hoped to get $300. Well, I made his hopes come true for the day. The finish is perfect. It has been shot some and carried very little. I realize the first one I saw was overpriced, but I could not pass this up at $300. I would say at least 90%. the only wear is a little blue loss on the blued operating parts.

fleetwood1976 · 01-29-2010, 09:42 PM

more pics

Jim K · 01-29-2010, 10:11 PM

The original 39 had a long extractor that was its own spring and going to the external extractor was the major change in the 39-2 (for reasons unknown, there was no 39-1). That is a fairly late gun; the last Model 39-2, serial number A747148, was shipped on Feb. 15, 1983.

Jim

fleetwood1976 · 01-29-2010, 10:49 PM

my smith book narrowed it down to 1978 or 1979. I would have to rate 95%+. I guess I am used to military surplus, because this smith feels great. both trigger pulls and Slide. I checked them out on the auction sights. Considering shipping and transfer on top of sale price, and condition, I think I did OK. Of course, I am a vintage collector and this is right up my ally. Many folks would rather put there $300 on a high capacity modern gun. I am looking for a .357 black hawk with 6 1/2 inch barrel from the '70s and I come home with this. It seems like the ones you are not looking for are the ones you like the best.

UncleFudd · 01-30-2010, 08:13 AM

Fleetwood;
IMHO, ya done really good my friend.
I had the blue 39 and did as you did sold it and have kicked myself every since.
It was a carry gun for me for a couple of years in the last century and I would love to have it back.
I think the 39 is the only centerfire pistol that Smith ever made that was actually a quality firearm. Their attempts since then have been and continue to be abysmal, failures.

If ya decide it will not fit in your inventory later on, let me know. I have a good place for it.

UF

fleetwood1976 · 01-30-2010, 09:48 AM

Thanks fudd, I have a couple of collecting pals here locally, and they are allready druling over it. My wife and I check out thrift stores, pawnshops, gunshops and yardsales and auctions to find antiques to resale, so by being in these places every weekend, occaisionally you find a jewel at a good price. I am with you on smith quality. This gun is of the last of the golden era style of craftsman ship. You could argue this one is more of the silver era but still, the quality and style is not as good now. I can not believe how much the older generation smiths are going up in price, this indicates other people feel this way too.

Jim K · 01-30-2010, 02:32 PM

The Model 39 was made to civilian standards. Later 39's, 59's and variations were made primarily for sale to police and were never made to the same standards of fit and finish as the early Model 39's. They were not failures; they sold well, are reliable, and still are used by many police departments. But they were made to sell at police budget prices, to people who didn't care much about walnut grips and high gloss finishes.

Jim

UncleFudd · 01-31-2010, 08:00 AM

I guess that if one makes it for the police it doesn't have to be so good. ???? I have to think about that, but it is true just to meet budget.
I know what you mean about finding a jewel once in a while especially in some of the small, ranching towns I travel through on occasion.
I have found some real jewels at bargain prices a couple of time or at least often enough to keep me checking whenever I pass through the towns in question.

I shop for the Nylon 66 22LR rifles and have enough of them now for each of my 9 grandchildren and I have never paid more than $150 for any of them and s low as $75 for two of the first ones I found.

You are also right about the prices on the earlier (pinned barrels) models of Smiths. The people have begun to realize the difference in quality and that unles there is obvious, damage, they are sound, accurate and will last a lifetime of shooting under normal conditions.

Good luck, stay safe.

UF

jrg · 02-05-2010, 01:01 PM

Thats a beautiful gun sir. I have the 2nd generation 639, but have no opinion of it so far, as I haven't even shot it yet. Below the G21.

LDBennett · 02-05-2010, 04:24 PM

One of the guns that I always wanted was the Model 52. I waited too long and S&W quit making it...DARN. Then last year I found one (actually two!) at a local gun shop. Boy, the prices are extremely high for these very specialized Bullseye guns that shoot a wad cutter 38 SPL cartridge with the bullet pushed all the way into the case that is loaded to pedestrian load levels. Accuracy is the name of the game for the Model 52. Anyway I picked the older first year model of the two, and left with a really light wallet, but I got one. I loaded up some ammo and shot it, and boy is it accurate.

What's this got to do with a Model 39? Same gun, different caliber, with slightly more precision hand fitting of all parts. After tearing it down to clean it I realized that these Model 39 based guns were extremely well designed and made. I had po-poed the Model 39 because of its earlier record of eating extractors (later fixed with the separate spring version). That was a mistake... these are really nice guns, putting modern gun designs and fabrication to shame. These original Model 39 guns were indeed made at a time when S&W cared about quality, and fit and finish. If I ever come across a model 39 from this earlier period (especially blued) I would snatch it up instantly. The one pictured looks to be one I would want.

Just my two cents on these truly neat guns!

LDBennett

Oneida Steve · 02-05-2010, 06:45 PM

You did just fine with that pistol. I have always like the feel of the S&W Model 39, and the nickel version is a nice looking gun. I'd buy one for $300 any day.

runswithscissors · 02-05-2010, 08:37 PM

Hi fleetwood1976,
I love those nickel 59's.
I have a 5906 and had a 5904 but actually the 1st 9mm I ever fired was a blue 59-super sweet pistola.
Would like to get a minty 59 someday even though I've got 3 parabellums.
Here's a shot of my only S&W 9mm.
Thanks for posting your awesome new old guy there!
Best-Mike
ps. wanted to add that I think the adj sights S&W used were top notch and you wouldn't find them as good on any other brand as stock offer.

Michael G · 02-06-2010, 03:33 PM

My 39-2 serial number starts with 276XXX. What time period would that be?

fleetwood1976 · 02-06-2010, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael G

My 39-2 serial number starts with 276XXX. What time period would that be?

my book narrows it down to 1975 or 76

Michael G · 02-08-2010, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fleetwood1976

my book narrows it down to 1975 or 76

Thanks Fleetwood.

Stangman68 · 07-23-2012, 08:44 PM

i was just given a 39-2 with a s/n starting 570xxx. my dad bought it new i thought he told me he bought it in 1960's? it is still in the box, w/original papers, etc...what timeframe does this make it??

todd51 · 07-23-2012, 09:50 PM

Welcome Stangman to the forum. The 39-2 variation started in 1971 when they made a change in the extractor. Serial numbers A565001-A655000 are for the years 1979-1980. Those are great pistols and I have always admired them. A model 39 was the first 9mm I ever fired and that was years and years ago. I fell in love with them. Enjoy yours and the sentiment that goes with it.

hogger129 · 07-23-2012, 11:36 PM

a couple of my uncle's friends who are retired cops said this was their favorite duty weapon.

Archie · 07-24-2012, 09:01 PM

Fleetwood, if you live in an area where "... it must rain nickel smith 39's on every 5th Friday", let me know where you live and I'll come hold your umbrella!

I have a 39-2 (blue) and find it a delightful pistol. It is elegant and lends itself to fast handling. I'm not a big fan of 9x19, but this pistol is one I'd carry - were I not fearful of leaving it in an evidence locker for months if I had occasion to use it. As it is, it holds a premier place in my 'turning point' pistol collection. It was the second 9x19 U. S. made (the first in solely 9x19) pistol and the first DA/SA U. S. made pistol of any commercial consequence. I've toyed with the idea of another in nickle and now I suppose I shall have to acquire such.

I just noted I do not have a write up of this pistol on my blog. I will have to remedy that. I have shot it, accuracy is very good for a 'duty' gun and reliability is perfect.

Lanrezac · 07-24-2012, 09:25 PM

Archie, Fleetwood's post is from 2 1/2 years ago - Stangman68 resurrected this thread to inquire about his S&W 39-2. But I am glad to hear what you think of the Model 39, and to learn that you blog about guns. Thanks!

LDBennett · 07-25-2012, 07:37 AM

I always had been fascinated by the concept of the S&W Model 52 (38Special full wad cutter semi-auto bullseye gun). One came to my favorite gun store and I bought it (a bit expensive! but I WANTED IT). Years before I had been put off by a friend's Model 39 as it broke a couple of extractors. I never actually fired or even handled it. But it seems my Model 52 is a tuned Model 39 and the earlier version with the same extractor.

As I inspected it after getting it home I was amazed at how well it was designed, made, and finished. I never expected the gun to be that well made and finished. You never see modern guns that are made that way. This Model 52 turned me on to the Model 39 and I most certainly would buy a latter version with the better extractor if one ever comes up.

LDBennett

REDSTORM-1911 · 08-04-2012, 10:10 PM

WOW, I see that I'm a little late to the party, but that is a beautiful weapon. I am about to get my pistol permit which is a lengthy process here in NY. But my Dad has a Model 39 Nickel plated just like that, he no longer carries that gun but as a kid he always looked like a super hero when I would catch a glimpse of him carrying that gun in a holster on the small of his back. Now Im proud to say it is being passed onto me. Any recommendations regarding the maintenance, etc. for that gun? Because that will be my primary gun until I save up enough for a full size 1911 .45 ACP. which is my favorite weapon of all time...I am a pony chaser!!!

gunship · 08-13-2012, 09:58 AM

I have a 639 I purchased in 1984 I think. It was my off duty weapon for over 20 years. The pistol never misfired even with my reloads and I could always count on it being ready to go. My constant companion. She has been retired and holds a special place in my career. Best 9mm out there. Great find and purchase.

A square 10 · 08-15-2012, 08:57 PM

im prejudiced as well , i carry one , mine is not plated but that was a good buy for my money , i think its one of the finest 9mm ever made

fleetwood1976 · 08-18-2012, 09:02 PM

Redstorm, if you use powder solvents on the nickel parts, be sure to clean and wipe them off the nickel you don't want to leave oils on a nickel gun like a blue one. the nickel will hase and solvents will eventually cause it to peel. I usually clean normally then wipe everything off and dry.

01-29-2010, 09:40 PM	#1
fleetwood1976 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Southern Indiana Contributor Posts: 1,333	Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review I was a good boy last weekend and did not buy one gun. I was going to be a good boy this weekend but this find was to good to pass up. It is a 39-2 single stack 9mm. My first semi-auto was a 39 Illinois state trooper trade in that was blue. I kicked myself over and over for selling it 10 years ago for $250. Today I found one of these in worse condition than this one, Heavy holster wear, for $539.00. So I again kicked myself for selling my blued one. I decided to stop at another shop and found this, thinking it must rain nickel smith 39's on every 5th friday. The tag was turned over so I dared ask? He responded that it was an old single stack, (as if single stack was a bad form of cancer) and he had $319 on it but hoped to get $300. Well, I made his hopes come true for the day. The finish is perfect. It has been shot some and carried very little. I realize the first one I saw was overpriced, but I could not pass this up at $300. I would say at least 90%. the only wear is a little blue loss on the blued operating parts. Attached Images --> Last edited by fleetwood1976; 01-29-2010 at 09:44 PM..

01-29-2010, 09:42 PM	#2
fleetwood1976 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Southern Indiana Contributor Posts: 1,333	Re: Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review more pics Attached Images

01-29-2010, 10:11 PM	#3
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review The original 39 had a long extractor that was its own spring and going to the external extractor was the major change in the 39-2 (for reasons unknown, there was no 39-1). That is a fairly late gun; the last Model 39-2, serial number A747148, was shipped on Feb. 15, 1983. Jim

01-29-2010, 10:49 PM	#4
fleetwood1976 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Southern Indiana Contributor Posts: 1,333	Re: Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review my smith book narrowed it down to 1978 or 1979. I would have to rate 95%+. I guess I am used to military surplus, because this smith feels great. both trigger pulls and Slide. I checked them out on the auction sights. Considering shipping and transfer on top of sale price, and condition, I think I did OK. Of course, I am a vintage collector and this is right up my ally. Many folks would rather put there $300 on a high capacity modern gun. I am looking for a .357 black hawk with 6 1/2 inch barrel from the '70s and I come home with this. It seems like the ones you are not looking for are the ones you like the best.

01-30-2010, 08:13 AM	#5
UncleFudd Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Phoenix, Az Contributor Posts: 549	Re: Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review Fleetwood; IMHO, ya done really good my friend. I had the blue 39 and did as you did sold it and have kicked myself every since. It was a carry gun for me for a couple of years in the last century and I would love to have it back. I think the 39 is the only centerfire pistol that Smith ever made that was actually a quality firearm. Their attempts since then have been and continue to be abysmal, failures. If ya decide it will not fit in your inventory later on, let me know. I have a good place for it. UF

01-30-2010, 09:48 AM	#6
fleetwood1976 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Southern Indiana Contributor Posts: 1,333	Re: Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review Thanks fudd, I have a couple of collecting pals here locally, and they are allready druling over it. My wife and I check out thrift stores, pawnshops, gunshops and yardsales and auctions to find antiques to resale, so by being in these places every weekend, occaisionally you find a jewel at a good price. I am with you on smith quality. This gun is of the last of the golden era style of craftsman ship. You could argue this one is more of the silver era but still, the quality and style is not as good now. I can not believe how much the older generation smiths are going up in price, this indicates other people feel this way too.

01-30-2010, 02:32 PM	#7
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review The Model 39 was made to civilian standards. Later 39's, 59's and variations were made primarily for sale to police and were never made to the same standards of fit and finish as the early Model 39's. They were not failures; they sold well, are reliable, and still are used by many police departments. But they were made to sell at police budget prices, to people who didn't care much about walnut grips and high gloss finishes. Jim

01-31-2010, 08:00 AM	#8
UncleFudd Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Phoenix, Az Contributor Posts: 549	Re: Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review I guess that if one makes it for the police it doesn't have to be so good. ???? I have to think about that, but it is true just to meet budget. I know what you mean about finding a jewel once in a while especially in some of the small, ranching towns I travel through on occasion. I have found some real jewels at bargain prices a couple of time or at least often enough to keep me checking whenever I pass through the towns in question. I shop for the Nylon 66 22LR rifles and have enough of them now for each of my 9 grandchildren and I have never paid more than $150 for any of them and s low as $75 for two of the first ones I found. You are also right about the prices on the earlier (pinned barrels) models of Smiths. The people have begun to realize the difference in quality and that unles there is obvious, damage, they are sound, accurate and will last a lifetime of shooting under normal conditions. Good luck, stay safe. UF

02-05-2010, 01:01 PM	#9
jrg V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 51	Re: Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review Thats a beautiful gun sir. I have the 2nd generation 639, but have no opinion of it so far, as I haven't even shot it yet. Below the G21.

02-05-2010, 04:24 PM	#10
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,712	Re: Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review One of the guns that I always wanted was the Model 52. I waited too long and S&W quit making it...DARN. Then last year I found one (actually two!) at a local gun shop. Boy, the prices are extremely high for these very specialized Bullseye guns that shoot a wad cutter 38 SPL cartridge with the bullet pushed all the way into the case that is loaded to pedestrian load levels. Accuracy is the name of the game for the Model 52. Anyway I picked the older first year model of the two, and left with a really light wallet, but I got one. I loaded up some ammo and shot it, and boy is it accurate. What's this got to do with a Model 39? Same gun, different caliber, with slightly more precision hand fitting of all parts. After tearing it down to clean it I realized that these Model 39 based guns were extremely well designed and made. I had po-poed the Model 39 because of its earlier record of eating extractors (later fixed with the separate spring version). That was a mistake... these are really nice guns, putting modern gun designs and fabrication to shame. These original Model 39 guns were indeed made at a time when S&W cared about quality, and fit and finish. If I ever come across a model 39 from this earlier period (especially blued) I would snatch it up instantly. The one pictured looks to be one I would want. Just my two cents on these truly neat guns! LDBennett

02-05-2010, 06:45 PM	#11
Oneida Steve Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 1,028	Re: Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review You did just fine with that pistol. I have always like the feel of the S&W Model 39, and the nickel version is a nice looking gun. I'd buy one for $300 any day.

02-05-2010, 08:37 PM	#12
runswithscissors V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: CEDAR CREEK, TEXAS Posts: 59	Re: Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review Hi fleetwood1976, I love those nickel 59's. I have a 5906 and had a 5904 but actually the 1st 9mm I ever fired was a blue 59-super sweet pistola. Would like to get a minty 59 someday even though I've got 3 parabellums. Here's a shot of my only S&W 9mm. Thanks for posting your awesome new old guy there! Best-Mike ps. wanted to add that I think the adj sights S&W used were top notch and you wouldn't find them as good on any other brand as stock offer. Attached Images Last edited by runswithscissors; 02-05-2010 at 08:40 PM..

02-06-2010, 03:33 PM	#13
Michael G V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Garland Texas Posts: 366	Re: Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review My 39-2 serial number starts with 276XXX. What time period would that be? __________________ Kids now a days have a lot of smarts. What they lack is a bucket load of common sense.

07-23-2012, 08:44 PM	#16
Stangman68 Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 1	Re: Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review i was just given a 39-2 with a s/n starting 570xxx. my dad bought it new i thought he told me he bought it in 1960's? it is still in the box, w/original papers, etc...what timeframe does this make it??

07-23-2012, 09:50 PM	#17
todd51 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Central, Ohio Contributor Posts: 2,572	Re: Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review Welcome Stangman to the forum. The 39-2 variation started in 1971 when they made a change in the extractor. Serial numbers A565001-A655000 are for the years 1979-1980. Those are great pistols and I have always admired them. A model 39 was the first 9mm I ever fired and that was years and years ago. I fell in love with them. Enjoy yours and the sentiment that goes with it. __________________ Retired Praefectus Vigilum NRA Endowment Member

07-23-2012, 11:36 PM	#18
hogger129 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,064	Re: Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review a couple of my uncle's friends who are retired cops said this was their favorite duty weapon. __________________ Samuel Adams once said, "among the natural rights of the colonists are these: first, a right to life, secondly to liberty, thirdly to property; together with the right to defend them in the best manner they can."

07-24-2012, 09:01 PM	#19
Archie V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Hastings, Nebraska; the Heartland! Posts: 294	Re: Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review Fleetwood, if you live in an area where "... it must rain nickel smith 39's on every 5th Friday", let me know where you live and I'll come hold your umbrella! I have a 39-2 (blue) and find it a delightful pistol. It is elegant and lends itself to fast handling. I'm not a big fan of 9x19, but this pistol is one I'd carry - were I not fearful of leaving it in an evidence locker for months if I had occasion to use it. As it is, it holds a premier place in my 'turning point' pistol collection. It was the second 9x19 U. S. made (the first in solely 9x19) pistol and the first DA/SA U. S. made pistol of any commercial consequence. I've toyed with the idea of another in nickle and now I suppose I shall have to acquire such. I just noted I do not have a write up of this pistol on my blog. I will have to remedy that. I have shot it, accuracy is very good for a 'duty' gun and reliability is perfect. __________________ Be at Peace; go forth, spread enlightenment and joy to all. Wear clean underwear and take a gun. http://oldmanmontgomery.wordpress.com/ for my thoughts...

07-24-2012, 09:25 PM	#20
Lanrezac Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 685	Re: Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review Archie, Fleetwood's post is from 2 1/2 years ago - Stangman68 resurrected this thread to inquire about his S&W 39-2. But I am glad to hear what you think of the Model 39, and to learn that you blog about guns. Thanks!

07-25-2012, 07:37 AM	#21
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,712	Re: Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review I always had been fascinated by the concept of the S&W Model 52 (38Special full wad cutter semi-auto bullseye gun). One came to my favorite gun store and I bought it (a bit expensive! but I WANTED IT). Years before I had been put off by a friend's Model 39 as it broke a couple of extractors. I never actually fired or even handled it. But it seems my Model 52 is a tuned Model 39 and the earlier version with the same extractor. As I inspected it after getting it home I was amazed at how well it was designed, made, and finished. I never expected the gun to be that well made and finished. You never see modern guns that are made that way. This Model 52 turned me on to the Model 39 and I most certainly would buy a latter version with the better extractor if one ever comes up. LDBennett

08-04-2012, 10:10 PM	#22
REDSTORM-1911 Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: New York Posts: 5	Re: Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review WOW, I see that I'm a little late to the party, but that is a beautiful weapon. I am about to get my pistol permit which is a lengthy process here in NY. But my Dad has a Model 39 Nickel plated just like that, he no longer carries that gun but as a kid he always looked like a super hero when I would catch a glimpse of him carrying that gun in a holster on the small of his back. Now Im proud to say it is being passed onto me. Any recommendations regarding the maintenance, etc. for that gun? Because that will be my primary gun until I save up enough for a full size 1911 .45 ACP. which is my favorite weapon of all time...I am a pony chaser!!!

08-13-2012, 09:58 AM	#23
gunship Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: New Jersey Posts: 34	Re: Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review I have a 639 I purchased in 1984 I think. It was my off duty weapon for over 20 years. The pistol never misfired even with my reloads and I could always count on it being ready to go. My constant companion. She has been retired and holds a special place in my career. Best 9mm out there. Great find and purchase.

08-15-2012, 08:57 PM	#24
A square 10 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 52	Re: Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review im prejudiced as well , i carry one , mine is not plated but that was a good buy for my money , i think its one of the finest 9mm ever made

08-18-2012, 09:02 PM	#25
fleetwood1976 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Southern Indiana Contributor Posts: 1,333	Re: Smith & Wesson model 39 nickel review Redstorm, if you use powder solvents on the nickel parts, be sure to clean and wipe them off the nickel you don't want to leave oils on a nickel gun like a blue one. the nickel will hase and solvents will eventually cause it to peel. I usually clean normally then wipe everything off and dry.