Smith & Wesson S&W 39-2 9mm 4″ Nickel Double Action Semi-Automatic Pistol
SOLD FOR: $770
WOA#: WY240219RM012
Make: Smith & Wesson (S&W)
Model: 39-2
Serial#: A181248
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 “A181248” 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 CTG.”. 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 smooth faux ivory. The bottom of the butt-strap features a lanyard loop. The grips have some light handling marks, nicks and compressions. There are no chips or cracks.Overall, the grip panels are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 97% of its metal finish. The handgun has light handling marks on its nickel surfaces. There are micro scratches in the polished surfaces. The markings remain clear. The screwheads have light tool-marks and remain serviceable. Overall, the pistol is in Fine 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. Has magazine disconnect.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: The pistol comes with a total of 3x 8-round magazine in Very Good 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! – L.S.
