Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 39

Serial Number: 105399

Year of Manufacture: 1966-1970

Caliber: 9mm Luger

Action Type: Double Action, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol with Decocker

Barrel Length: 4"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade that is integral to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch sight in a base fixed to the slide, adjustable for windage.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with smooth borders and S&W medallions. The grips have minor handling wear with only a few light marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued Slide, Gloss Black Alloy Frame

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates 9+ out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is infrequent minor scuffing. There are a few tiny marks, mostly in the frontstrap and on the right edge of the trigger guard. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun is in Fine-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The pistol has a magazine disconnect safety. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a serial-matching box, manual, cleaning rod, brush, mop, grooved alloy-handle screwdriver, and a single 8-round magazine with stamped metal follower.

Our Assessment: Dismayed by the commercial failure of their .35 and .32 semi-automatic pistols, in 1946 Smith & Wesson president C.R. Hellstrom 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 over half a century since it was produced. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and is a shooter for sure, about 97% of the finish remains and overall, this is 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. This pistol would make an excellent carry gun or recreational shooter, but in its high condition with original box, it's sure to interest the collectors. Please see our pictures and good luck!