Always wanted a Smith and Wesson Model 39, and nowadays folks can't get too much selling them off. It seems most everybody wants hi-cap, polymer, high speed low drag semiautos, or teensy, pocketable pistols for concealed carry use. So it's kind of a buyer's market for 'retro' handguns like the M-39.
This one is blued, has windage-adjustable sights, holds 8 in the magazine. It was probably made around 1975. The slide mounted decocker is left side only, the ambi ones didn't come out until the later generations of S&W autos. Frame is alloy, which keeps the weight roughly the same as a Lightweight Commander 1911.
Gun fits perfectly into leather IWB holsters made for the 1911 pistol. The double action first shot takes a little getting used to, but with practice one can get good with a DA/SA semiauto. I had a ball wringing it out at the club this week. Fed jacketed roundnose and hollowpoints in 115 and 124 gr. However it choked about every time with 147 gr. ammo of any shape. Not a big deal to me, the lighter stuff seems to have better stopping potential if you can believe the ballistics gurus.
Keep the old-time S&W Models 39 and 59 (and their more recent "descendants") on your radar as possible lower priced CCW choices.
Korupt
I'm in it for the capacity, that's why I carry 17+1. That said, I'd prefer the m-59 for the double stack, but it makes no difference if your just going to the range or just for the collection.
Good to see your keeping it old school
free()
Nothing makes a better BUG, at least, for me, than a good wheelgun!
I didn't know revolvers were getting cheaper I think we recently dropped nearly $400 on a new Taurus...
I'll have to look at the M39's later today... My wife hates me stealing her revolver all the time, I think....
Brian D.
Hey, didn't you just buy a Firestar? That's sort of "old school" too, how about a range report?
free()
Man, she's SWEET!
Nice, smooth trigger, I think I really like SA!
My only complaint, is that I can't rack the slide, without really ratcheting down my brace
I can't comment on accuracy, since I can only shoot off-hand, and, I was annoyed out of the powder room after about 40 rounds.
Apparently, they REALLY REALLY frown on any and all uncased guns, incl. ones holstered. Even if you're not shooting it...
Now, I've just got to go to blackwing, and grab a holster before work Prolly another Bulldog... Kinda like a JIT slide, but, IWB...
I think we recently dropped nearly $400 on a new Taurus...
