Author Topic: How old is my M-39? (Read 882 times)

Holiday · « **on:** February 27, 2005, 03:19:34 PM »

I just picked up a VERY nice model 39. The model number is 39-2, and the serial number begins with A152XXX. Can anyone tell me how old this pistol is?

HappyHunter · « **Reply #1 on:** February 28, 2005, 01:00:03 AM »

Holiday,

Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson puts your gun's birthday as 1970-1971. This range is for s/n's A115001 thru A156801, so your gun is very likely 1971.

Is this gun blue or nickel? Did you know that the M39 was the basis for the highly praised model 52?

hth Fred

Holiday · « **Reply #2 on:** February 28, 2005, 05:36:33 AM »

Thnaks, Fred! My gun is blue. No, I didn't know about the 52, but I did know that it came out in 1954 and was Smith and Wessons first (as well as Americas first civilian) autoloader. This pistol is in almost mint condition and when I saw it at my local dealer, something about it just called to me. What is really cool is the fact that I was BORN in 1970. This pistol is nearly as old as I am, and probably in better shape! Again, thanks!

HappyHunter · « **Reply #3 on:** February 28, 2005, 07:51:03 AM »

Holiday,

I have a 39, 39-2, 39-13, and 52.

You will enjoy the single stack 9mm, it is a piece of American history. The fact that is beautiful is an added bonus.

Enjoy the toy.

Fred

Holiday · « **Reply #4 on:** February 28, 2005, 10:53:42 AM »

Thanks, I already am fond of it. But I seem to have a problem. I have only put 50 rounds through it, but I have had 3 Fail To Extract malfunctions. They seem to happenabout the second or third round. I only have one magazine, and I have only tested with Seller and Bellot 115 grain ammo. Any sugestions as to the problem? I really like this pistol and was planning to use it for occasional Concealed Carry. Its light weight and thin profile are just perfect. Oh, come to think of it, I DID put a few Federal hollow points through it for a test, no malfunctions. For some reason, I feel the ammo is to blame. Tommorrow I may get some Winchester White Box and wring it out.

HappyHunter · « **Reply #5 on:** March 03, 2005, 01:05:31 AM »

Holiday,

The 39-2 has the "improved" extractor...it is shorter and less prone to breaking. I have the improved and original version and have never had a problem with either.

The obvious is to clean and change ammo and possibly mag.

Holiday · « **Reply #6 on:** March 03, 2005, 12:01:29 PM »

Thanks!