Anyone carry a model 39

Two Guns · 03-21-2010, 17:37

I was just wondering if anyone carries a S&W model 39 anymore?I have one and was thinking of carrying it again.I know the 8 rounds are much but they carry so good. So how about it guys.

Two Guns · 03-22-2010, 17:41

Here is a pic of my 39-2 made in 1978 or 1979.

MinervaDoe · 03-23-2010, 20:28

I still have my 6906. I don't shoot it much anymore, but I do remember when it used to get a lot of range time.

There was a time when Smith's "Wonder Nines" were all the rage. I'd carry my in a heartbeat. If I was going to carry it, I'd like to get some rangetime on it to get proficient at the double action first shot again.

Two Guns · 03-25-2010, 19:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by MinervaDoe

I still have my 6906. I don't shoot it much anymore, but I do remember when it used to get a lot of range time.

There was a time when Smith's "Wonder Nines" were all the rage. I'd carry my in a heartbeat. If I was going to carry it, I'd like to get some rangetime on it to get proficient at the double action first shot again.

What are you waiting for?

Glock 17L · 03-25-2010, 19:29

I used to have both a 3913NL & a 3913LS & they are slim & lightweight 100% reliable with anything & everything I ever fed them & carry great..
I'd have to think that the M39 would make a great carry gun & if 8 rounds of 9mm para won't get you threw a gun battle you need to carry a rifle..
I have a buddy who has just about every M39 ever made, He collects them & swears by them totaly..

den888 · 03-25-2010, 19:59

My Dad had a 59 and I have a 459 (from 1985). S&W autos are extremely reliable and some of the best autos made. They are not really popular now, but in my opinion, they are great pistols.

I say, carry it !

MinervaDoe · 03-25-2010, 20:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Two Guns

What are you waiting for?

... not bring a smart alec or anything, but I have a Glock 26 and and a Kahr MK9 which shoot circles around my 6906 and both are more concealable . .... I said "If I was going to carry it" ....
Still, it would be fun to take it out for a day at the range....

It just took a lot of practice to make that double action first shot as accurate as the single action shots.

COWBOYSHOOTER · 03-26-2010, 19:20

Two Guns · 03-26-2010, 19:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by COWBOYSHOOTER

I see you have a very old Model 39 with the long extractor.Do you carry it often?

mesteve2 · 03-26-2010, 19:44

I had their autos and they were if-y.

Might work and might not.

Today it is Glock .45gap's or Sig's that I would carry.

They are known to go band when you need them too.

In Texas Leo's use mostly Glock's or a few Sig's.

Use what the pro's do. They know what works.

Two Guns · 03-27-2010, 16:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by mesteve2

I had their autos and they were if-y.

Might work and might not.

Today it is Glock .45gap's or Sig's that I would carry.

They are known to go band when you need them too.

In Texas Leo's use mostly Glock's or a few Sig's.

Use what the pro's do. They know what works.

I can't say I know of any LEO's that use the 45 gap's.I really can't recall anyone I know that has a gap.

azdick · 03-27-2010, 17:33

I carried a M39 when they were first adopted by the Il State Troopers -- great carry gun, especially concealed. The early models were not certified for +p so if yours is one of those, check #s with S&W and see if yours fits in that category. If so, avoid hot loads, but enjoy!

COWBOYSHOOTER · 03-28-2010, 15:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Two Guns

I see you have a very old Model 39 with the long extractor.Do you carry it often?

I have carried quite a bit! Carries good, shoots GOOD! Mags is expensive. carryin a P40 Kahr these days, just because its really small. The 39 isnt hard to conceal though. If the 39 was the only handgun I had...I wouldnt be the least concerned. I did replace the extractor when I first bought the gun. Its a no-dash

Webley Green · 03-28-2010, 17:16

My 39-2 is nickel and is a safe queen. If I had a second one in blue finish, I'd carry it. I even have the Uncle Roy pancake holster in smooth black finish to carry it in. I've picked a few extra magazines over the years, normally at gunshows and at very reasonable prices. Can't say as I've seen them much in the last few years. g

MinervaDoe · 03-28-2010, 17:17

I remember prior to these guns earning the moniker of the "Wonder Nines" (due to S&W investing in state of the art Computer Aided Manufacuring), they had a reputation for needing to go to a gunsmith for "tuning."

After Smith improved their manufacturing quality, they had a reputation for feeding anything you put through them. Prior to that, you kind of needed to know a reputable gunsmith.

I'd carry my 6906 with no hesitation. It conceals well too.

CajunBass · 04-24-2010, 04:29

I've had two 39's and traded them both off. I wish I hadn't and may well look for another one one of these days. They're good carry guns IMHO. The ones I had worked just fine, and they looked like a million bucks. I did carry that one for a couple of years in an Uncle Mikes pancake holster.

One of the reasons I got rid of that one, the last one I had was I couldn't find a good holster for it. The Uncle Mikes, although it wasn't bad, would wear out and start to flopping around. Since I got rid of it, naturally, I found out that Don Hume makes a J.I.T. Belt Slide holster, in leather, for them.

Master T · 04-24-2010, 04:57

I still have my 39 S&W. This was my favorite gun, until I got my Glock 23 and 27.

It just always felt good in my hand , double action, and I could hit just about anything with it moving or stationary. My all time favorite! Tried the model 59 S&W, but the grip was just too wide.

Shoulder holster was my favorite carry of choice with this weapon.

Don't sell it, trade, or even give it away!

Tim

silverado · 05-06-2010, 22:21

The 39-2 is a fine gun. Have a nickel version that is in great shape. Heck its older than me. I do carry it every day. Easy to conceal because of width. Galco high ride Fletch holster is what it rides in. Are some custom makers that make nice stuff for the 39 as well. I have fed mine several hundred rounds now of every thing I had on hand. It eats anything. Yeah I know only nine rounds, but carrry a spare mag to. Truly a great gun. Looking for a blued version for carry and keep the nickel for pretty.

bac1023 · 05-10-2010, 02:25

I have a 3906 that I carried once or twice.

David Frost · 05-12-2010, 20:52

I've had several 39's, 59's, 659's, 6906's, 669's and 3913's, not to mention the 4500 series guns. All were exceptional off-duty or on-duty guns. I just picked up a 3913TSW for a very good price. It shoots great and I carry it off-duty quite often.

Berto · 05-18-2010, 17:45

I have the 3913, I really like it so far.

m4arc · 06-03-2010, 05:46

Here's my Model 39 built in either '55 or '56:

I haven't carried it yet but I certainly could if I could find a nice IWB holster.

DFin · 04-07-2011, 21:58

The U.S. Navy SEALS carried them during the Viet Nam war. They were modified to accept the Hush Puppy suppressors and had raised front and rear sights so that the sights were not blocked by the suppressor. I guess they had extended barrels too so the suppressors could be attached.

CajunBass · 04-09-2011, 10:37

I said in my earlier post that I might look for another one, and I did. I got this one back about Christmas. I was carrying it, until I got bit by the revolver bug again. I've found that the holsters I've got for a Colt Commander work just fine for the 39-2. I don't think I've ever had one of the three (now) that I've owned that malfunctioned.

I'll go back to it.

FM12 · 05-05-2011, 22:35

Used to carry one as a duty weapon as a rookie cop. Seems I replaced it with a Browning Hi Power/9MM or Govt 1911/45 acp. Never a problem or malfunction with mine.