S&W Automatic

[Keith L]

A pal has offered me his late father's S&W 9MM automatic.  I know it is a fairly early gun.  His father is gone now more than 15 years.  I don't know the model, so this is not a good way to start, but I am wondering if there are any inherent flaws in these guns?  Something to look for?  I won't be able to see it until this coming weekend, and I would buy it to use, so I want something reliable and reasonably accurate.

[gunnut69]

It is likely a M39 if a single stack magazine a M59 if a wide body magazine. I carried a M39 in my short stint as a deputy and have the piece today. The earliest variants had a problem with the recoil spring guide rod being too short but that was quickly taken care of. Mine has never jammed. It is plenty accurate for it's task and always fires when asked to. I would suggest a heavier caliber if you can control it but if loaded with good ammo the 9mm can be very effective,.  I like the Winchester SilverTip or the Federal HydraShock, with the Federals being just slightly preffered.

[Keith L]

Gunnut, I took your advice.  The gun involved in the original discussion is a model 39 in good shape.  But I found for a few dollars more I got a like new S&W 4506 (45ACP).  Recoil is more than the 9MM but is not objectionalble.  I shot it today and easily got 2-3 inch groups at 10 yards.  I am sure that I can do better after shooting it a while.

I also shot my son's Glock model 22 (40S&W) and felt the recoil more from that gun than from my .45.  I think I made the right choice with the 4506.

Thanks.

[gunnut69]

I too find the 40's to be more difficult to handle than a 45.  I've a M39 bought when they were all the rage.  Guess that kinda dates me but what the heck.. The Smith's are good service weapons.  Practice practice practice, It will pay if things get hairy...