S&W 9mm Model-39 trigger action/value question

1trigger

The serial number on this model-39 is 80255. I guess it's not the steel version, but the alloy, and not of any great value, but the trigger action baffles me. Uncocked, the trigger pulls all the way back with no action. Cocked, with the switch up, the trigger pulls all the way back with no action. When cocked, without any trigger pressure, it will fire as the switch is turned down. Is that correct and I just don't understand the function of this weapon, or is something wrong? I'm not going to put any ammo in it until I understand how it works. Thanks

rufe-snow

It has a magazine safety, i.e. a magazine even if unloaded has to be inserted for it to work.

The "Switch" is the safety that drops the hammer, i.e. decocker. The hammer will drop on a steel block that prevents from hitting the firing pin.

dcs shooters

Just like rufe said it has a magazine safety. Put a EMPTY mag in it and then you can see how everything works. Go to www.smith-wesson.com and click on quick links then manuals and ask for a manual for it.

1trigger

Thank you for the guidance. The magazine was not in the weapon during any of my testing and as soon as I find it, I will check the action. On another subject of this weapon, I fired my S&W 1955 target this afternoon and like the big holes that the .45 round makes. What would you suggest using in the 9mm that would come the closest to that kind of stopping power? I don't mind loosing a little velocity to gain punch but I still want accuracy. Thanks again

rufe-snow

quote:Originally posted by 1trigger
Thank you for the guidance. The magazine was not in the weapon during any of my testing and as soon as I find it, I will check the action. On another subject of this weapon, I fired my S&W 1955 target this afternoon and like the big holes that the .45 round makes. What would you suggest using in the 9mm that would come the closest to that kind of stopping power? I don't mind loosing a little velocity to gain punch but I still want accuracy. Thanks again


I'm partial to the Remington 147 grain Golden Sabres in 9mm. They feed very well, because of the round nose bullet. This will be a plus in a early S & W, Model 39, ( your pistol probably dates to the 60's, prior to the common use of hollow points ). They also expand well, and because of the weight of the 147 grain bullet have adequate penetration, for serious social purposes. My 2?.

1trigger

Thanks dcs, for the location of the manual. It does explain the magazine/safety function on page 17 and I have saved it to my "Gun" folder. Thanks rufe, for the ammo advice. That sounds like what I'm looking for and I'll give it a "shot" the next time I'm on the range. Todays range time, at Wades here in Bellevue Washington, was the first range time since years before I retired from the service, maybe 16 years ago, and it felt good. Six rounds in a 3.5" circle at about twenty feet, with the S&W 1955, got me pumped. Thanks again.

1trigger

OK, here I am a few more years down the road, with a few more parts of this great country behind me, and I'm pulling the S&W Model 39 out again. Now, after looking at the on-line information again, it seems that my 39 may be steel. The magnet test worked (stuck like glue) but not every other photo or description lines up.

What I DO know is: Serial #80255, magnet sticks, model -39, 9mm CTG, hole in the hammer, windage adjustment only sight.

If it helps, I'd like to post a few pictures here (as soon as gmail decides to deliver them) to get a more accurate understanding of this gun, from those of you with the expertise.

Thanks

rufe-snow

quote:Originally posted by 1trigger
OK, here I am a few more years down the road, with a few more parts of this great country behind me, and I'm pulling the S&W Model 39 out again. Now, after looking at the on-line information again, it seems that my 39 may be steel. The magnet test worked (stuck like glue) but not every other photo or description lines up.

What I DO know is: Serial #80255, magnet sticks, model -39, 9mm CTG, hole in the hammer, windage adjustment only sight.

If it helps, I'd like to post a few pictures here (as soon as gmail decides to deliver them) to get a more accurate understanding of this gun, from those of you with the expertise.

Thanks


Welcome back! The serial number of your 39 is very very close to the ones listed in the S & W reference book, that I have. For steel frame 39's. If it is? And factory original, Very Good condition or better, it could conceivably be worth a couple of grand to a collector. Please post quality close-up photos, to help in verification and positive identification.


EDIT #1, Open another topic, regarding the S & W when the mods close this one. Only 10 posts are allowed per topic, before they are closed. Per the rules of the forum.

Hawk Carse

There were fewer than 1000 first run steel framed Model 39s.
Yours is in the serial number range of the third batch in 1966.

If it is in good condition it is worth a good deal of money.

1trigger

OK, I give up! How do I post pictures from my pictures file or iphoto?

Thanks

charliemeyer007

There is a sticky at the top for posting pic's. Great Shooting. A magnet will tell the frame metal.