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Make: Smith & Wesson (S&W)
Model: 39-2
Serial#: A168170 & A168171
Year of Manufacture: 1972 (Reference Factory Letter)
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Single and Double Action Semi-Automatic Pistols with Detachable Magazines
Markings: (8170)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 “A168170” 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 “9MMCTG”. 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.” The slide and frame have been engraved heavily with leaves.
(8171)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 “A168170” 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 “9MMCTG”. 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.” The slide and frame have been engraved heavily with leaves.
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 news have been engraved with starburst.The grips have some light handling marks, nicks and compressions. Notably, (8170) shows light wear around the right panel's upper screw-slot There are no chips or cracks. The checkering remains sharp. Overall, the grip panels are in Fine plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued Engraved and the frame has been left in the white at some spots as it is aluminum.
Finish Originality: Reblued
Bore Condition: (8170 & 8171) The bores are bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bores. The bores rate 10/10 in this writer’s opinion.
Overall Condition: The pistols retain about 95% of its current metal refinish. The handguns have light handling marks on their surfaces. There is some finish loss on the safety levers as well as the trigger guards. There is a notable scratch near the serial number and model marking (8170). There is oxidation on the slide (8171). The markings remain clear. The engraved screwheads have light oxidation forming and remain serviceable. Overall, the pistols are in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The actions function correctly. The slide to frame fit is snug. We did not fire this set of pistols. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: The pistols come with factory letters (8170 & 8171), a red box (not original), two single 8-round magazines. The magazines have standard markings and only light handling marks. Overall, the magazines are in Fine condition.
Our Assessment: The 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. These handguns have beautiful after-market engraving and remain mechanically sound. Both pistols were in a shipment of 30 guns to Cheshire & Perez Co. in Monrovia, California They are very well designed handguns that have been artfully embellished, and should appeal to dedicated S&W collectors and gun enthusiasts more broadly.