Smith & Wesson S&W Model 39 9mm 4″ DA/SA Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R
Sold For: $1,225.99
LSB#: 220627SH049
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 39
Serial Number: 86789
Year of Manufacture: 1955-1970
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Double Action, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol with Decocker
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “SMITH & WESSON” and with the four-line Marcas Registradas address, the left side of the frame is marked with the serial number above “MODEL-39”. The right side of the frame is marked with S&W’s monogram logo. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “P”. The top of the barrel is marked “9MM CTG.”. The right side of the slide is marked “PAT’S PENDING”.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade, integral to the slide. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched leaf in a base that is micrometer-click adjustable for windage.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip panels are checkered walnut with smooth borders and S&W medallions. The backstrap of the grip frame has blunt checkering (from the factory), the butt has a lanyard loop. There are one or two faint compressions and some light handling wear. The checkering is strong. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, these grips are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Polished & Matte Blued Slide, Gloss Black Alloy Frame
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 93% of its metal finish. There is thinning and finish loss on some of the edges, most noticeable on the front edges of the slide and on the dust cover. There are some scattered little nicks and a few scratches, the most noticeable are on the bottom of the slide. There are some little spots of finish loss scattered over the frame. There are scattered light handling marks. There is standard operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double-action trigger pull is smooth, single-action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with two 8-round magazines, paperwork including the manual, cleaning rod, brush, and a serial matching box.
Our Assessment: Dismayed by the commercial failure of their .35 and .32 semi-automatic pistols, in 1946 Smith & Wesson president C.R. Hellstorm said the product line needed to be modernized. Their top goal was to release a Double/Single action semi-automatic pistol chambered for the 9mm cartridge. Impressed with the German P38 Double Action, American Ordnance personnel issued a proposal for America’s very own double action pistol and the Smith & Wesson was the choice.In the 1950s Smith & Wesson began the development of the Model 39 semi-auto pistol and it was finally released in 1955. The design became the Model 39 when the number system was introduced and went on to go through a number of design upgrades. This Model 39 from Smith & Wesson has seen some use but is still range ready over 50 years since it was produced. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and is a shooter for sure, about 93% of the finish remains and overall, this is a great first-generation, single-stack, Smith & Wesson semi-automatic to shoot and have fun with at the range. The aluminum frame makes it lighter than it’s all-steel forbears though it feels more solid than it’s polymer-frame descendants. It comes with a pair of magazines to get you started. This pistol would make an excellent carry gun or recreational shooter. Please see our pictures and good luck!
