Smith & Wesson Model 39-2 9mm 4 Inch Nickel Double Action Pistol

Archival record: Specifications and condition reflect the firearm as listed at the time of auction.
Final Auction Price: $4,181.00

The Smith & Wesson Model 39-2 occupies an important place in American handgun development as one of the earliest successful domestically produced double action 9mm semi automatic pistols. Introduced as an improved version of the original Model 39, the 39-2 helped establish the foundation for Smith & Wesson’s later generations of metal framed semi automatic pistols. This circa 1975 to 1976 example features a factory nickel finish, checkered wood grips, matching box, and Excellent overall preservation.

Identification

MMA#: 260513PK001

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 39-2

Serial Number: A276504

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1975 to 1976

Caliber: 9mm Luger

Action Type: Double Action / Single Action semi automatic pistol fed by detachable magazine

Barrel Length: 4 inches

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 of the slide and adjustable for windage.

Stock / Grip Configuration & Condition

The grips are two piece checkered wood panels. A lanyard loop is mounted at the bottom of the butt strap. The smooth portions of the grips show only a few minor marks. There are no chips or cracks, and the checkering remains sharp.

Overall grip condition: Fine to Excellent.

Finish & Overall Condition

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

This pistol retains approximately 98 percent of its original metal finish. The nickel surfaces show light handling marks along with a few scattered small nicks and scratches. The markings remain clear and the screw heads are sharp.

Overall condition: Fine to Excellent.

Bore & Mechanics

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. There is faint fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5 out of 10.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide to frame fit is snug. The pistol was not test fired. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be desired before use.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories

Included are a gray Smith & Wesson two piece box with matching end label, one 8 round magazine, and factory paperwork including the manual.

Our Assessment

The Smith & Wesson Model 39 was introduced during the 1950s and became one of the most significant American semi automatic pistols of the postwar era. It combined a lightweight alloy frame, single stack 9mm magazine, and double action / single action trigger system in a design that helped introduce American shooters to features already gaining popularity in European service pistols.

The Model 39 is often regarded as the first commercially successful American made double action 9mm semi automatic pistol. Its design would influence Smith & Wesson’s later generations of centerfire autoloaders and help establish the company as a major player in the service pistol market long before the rise of the high capacity wonder nines of the 1980s and 1990s.

Introduced in 1971, the Model 39-2 incorporated a redesigned shorter extractor intended to improve durability over the earlier Model 39 configuration. This example was manufactured circa 1975 to 1976 and retains its desirable original nickel finish, checkered wood grips, matching box, and factory paperwork.

With approximately 98 percent of its finish remaining, a bright bore, snug slide to frame fit, and strong mechanics, this Model 39-2 is an attractive example of an important early Smith & Wesson semi automatic pistol. It would fit naturally into a collection focused on vintage S&W handguns, early American 9mm pistols, or the development of modern service sidearms.

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