Smith & Wesson S&W Model 39 9mm 4″ SA/SA Semi-Automatic Pistol MFD C&R
SOLD FOR: $1225
LSB#: 210610PK12
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 39
Serial Number: 8119
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” 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 slide is marked “PAT’S PENDING”. 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.”.
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 is some light finish wear and a couple hardly noticeable compressions. There are a few tiny marks on the right panel up towards the top, hardly noticeable. The checkering is strong. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, these grips are in about Fine-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 97% of its metal finish. There is a light scratch on the right side of the slide, it is towards the front. There are a few little nicks on the right side of the frame on the edges behind the grip. There are some light marks on the safety. There are a few tiny freckles of frost and finish on the stud behind the slide stop. There is light handling and standard operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The pistol features a magazine disconnect safety, thumb safety that doubles as a decocker, and a nice slide to frame fit, with little measurable play. 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 a pair of 8-round magazines, manual, and a blue S&W cardboard box with metal reinforced corners. The bottom has a matching serial number written in white. The one of the magazines shows light use and the other appears unused, they rate in about Fine and Excellent condition. The box has some scattered light scuffs and edge wear. One of the corners has split and there are a few scattered pieces of tape, light surface tears, and material loss, in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: This Model 39 from Smith & Wesson has been well cared-for, lightly used, and gently handled. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, about 97% of the finish remains and overall, this is a great example of a first generation, single-stack, Smith & Wesson semi-automatic. 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 box and a pair of magazines. This pistol would make an excellent addition to a Smith & Wesson collection or serve the buyer for decades to come as a carry gun or recreational shooter. Please see our pictures and good luck!