early Ca. 1960 Smith & Wesson Model 39 (No Dash) 9mm 4" DA/SA Semi Automatic Pistol C&R
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 is still range ready almost 50 years since it was produced. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and is a shooter for sure, about 80% of the finish remains and overall, this 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 one magazine to get you started! This pistol would make an excellent carry gun or recreational shooter. Please see our pictures and good luck!
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 39
Serial Number: 30474
Year of Manufacture: 1955-1970
Caliber: 9mm
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol with Detachable Magazine
Markings: Standard Model 39 markings.
Barrel Length: 4"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade fixed to the slide, a portion of the top has been ground down. The rear sight is a fully adjustable square notch micrometer sight.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with S&W medallions. The grips show wear throughout and discoloration from age and use. The left panel has a couple of little cracks and marks in the wood. The right panel has long cracks and a large loss and has some play. The checkering is strong. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued with Alloy Frame
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion and for the age, the bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. There are scattered nicks, scuffs, and scratches and marks in the metal. There is finish wear on the edges and some scattered areas of handling wear. A portion of the front sight blade has been cut off. There are a few spots of frost. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tool marked. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is one 8-round magazine. The follower spring is not strong enough to reliably lock the slide back when empty.
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA PPT: YES.
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