Smith & Wesson S&W 39-2 9mm 4″ Nickel Double Action Semi-Automatic Pistol
SOLD FOR: $1225
LSB#: 211215GP05
Make: Smith & Wesson (S&W)
Model: 39-2
Serial#: A581740
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1979-1980 (per: Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition by Jim Supica & Richard Nahas page 401)
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Single and Double Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with a Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “SMITH & WESSON” and “MADE IN U.S.A. / MARCAS REGISTRADAS / SMITH & WESSON / SPRINGFIELD, MASS.” The left side of the frame features the serial number “A581740” and “MODEL 39-2”. The grip panels each have a gold colored medallion with the S&W logo. The top of the barrel is marked “9MM”. The right side of the slide is marked “PAT’S PENDING”. The right side of the frame is marked “TRADE” over a S&W logo with “MARK” at the bottom and “REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.”
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade integral to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a screw-set square-notch leaf dovetailed to the rear end of the slide which is adjustable for windage.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grip panels are two-piece checkered wood. The bottom of the butt-strap features a lanyard loop. The grips have some light handling marks, nicks and compressions. Notably, the light wear around the right panels screw-slot and also on the right panel the border above the checkering is not entirely even. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering remains sharp. Overall, the grip panels are in Fine plus condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. The handgun has light handling marks on its nickel surfaces. There is some finish loss on the safety lever and some light surface oxidation on the right side of the safety’s assembly visible on the slide. The markings remain clear. The screwheads have light tool-marks and remain serviceable. Overall, the pistol is in Fine plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide to frame fit is snug. We did not fire this pistol. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: The pistol comes with a single 8-round magazine. The magazine has standard markings and only light handling marks. Overall, the magazine is in Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This Smith & Wesson Model 39-2 is a single and double action semi-automatic pistol chambered for 9mm Luger rounds. Introduced in the mid-1950s the S&W Model 39 was the handgun that heralded the First Generation of S&W centerfire semi-automatic handguns. The Model 39 was the first American made double-action 9mm semi-automatic pistol making it the true successor to the “wonder-nines” which dominated the gun market in the 1980s and 1990s. Today, Smith & Wesson handguns have evolved with changing technologies, but even their newest models still pay homage to the classic Model 39. For example, the current CSX has a similarly shaped frame to Model 39 and is also chambered for 9mm cartridges. The S&W 39-2 is an improved version of the Model 39, redesigned with a shorter extractor because the earlier model’s extractor was prone to breakage. The 39-2 was introduced in 1971 and this particular handgun was made sometime between 1979-1980 based on its serial number. The handgun has a beautiful nickel finish and it remains mechanically sound. It is a very well designed handgun that should appeal to dedicated S&W collectors and gun enthusiasts more broadly. Good luck on your bid!