Smith and Wesson Model 39 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol & Box C&R 1954-1970

SOLD FOR: $1,030.00

LSB#: WY241004EH001

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: Model 39

Serial Number: 62598

Year of Manufacture: 1954-1970

Caliber: 9mm Luger

Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic with Magazine Safety Disconnect and Removable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “SMITH & WESSON” and with the four line Marcas Registradas. The left side of the frame is marked “62598 / MODEL-39 ”. The top of the exposed portion of the barrel is marked “9mm CTG”. The right side of the frame is marked with an S&W monogram logo. The right side of the slide is marked “PAT’S PENDING”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked “P”.

Barrel Length: 4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight has a serrated ramp and is fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a target sight with a square notch, adjustable for windage and elevation, and is dovetailed into the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut, each with an S&W medallion at the top. There are a few light handling marks and scratches. The checkering is sharp. The grips are free of chips and cracks. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.  In the opinion of the writer the bore rating at 9.5/10 for a C&R.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish.  This pistol has the alloy frame and backstrap. The balance of the finish shows operational and handling wear. The magazine shows some operational wear. The defects are hardly noticeable.. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger pull is short and crisp with a short reset. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is two 8-round magazines, a serial matching box, the manual.

Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 39 This is the first commercial 9mm double action auto manufactured in The United States with 927 Steel frames made c. Mid 1950s but not assembled or sold until c.1966. Alloy Frames were actually made after the steel frames but alloy was sold first a started numbering a 1001.Features a 8 shot single stack magazine, 4” barrel, walnut stocks, blue finish adjustable rear sight. Few found with alloy backstrap instead of steel. Early guns (pre model-39) are different in some respects but are definitely a powerful predecessor. Steel frame  guns fall in the serial range 39000 and 60000-64000 and again 81000-82000. The very first group of guns fell in 1001-c.2600 with no steel frames in this group but alloy frames with steel slides.(References S&W Standard Catalog p.285).   This pistol has a alloy frame and backstrap.

A serious target pistol designed to fire only .9mm ammunition. It was duplicated by the model 52 in 1961 for the sport of NRA Bullseye shooting and retained the basic trigger mechanism of the Model 39,changing the caliber to .38 wadcutter with the Double-Action disconnector removed, allowing the pistol to be fired in Single action only. But that’s another story. That model was produced by S&W until the machinery used to manufacture it wore out and was considered to be too costly to replace or repair the machine.

Fortunately, this Model 39 is far from being worn out, in fact it looks like it saw nothing but the inside of this box for 60 years. This is a great handgun, no longer produced by Smith & Wesson and is a perfect addition to any collection, especially one that comes in the original box. Please see our photos and enjoy the auction!-C.M.

Smith and Wesson Model 39 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol & Box C&R 1954-1970
Smith and Wesson Model 39 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol & Box C&R 1954-1970