- S&w Model 39 2 Serial Numbers Dating
- Smith And Wesson Model 39 Steel Frame Serial Numbers
- S&w Dates Of Manufacture By Serial Number
- 9mm S&w Model 39 2 For Sale
Today, Smith & Wesson is mostly known for revolvers and their growing line of M&P pistols. Despite the rapidly growing popularity of these polymer-framed striker fired semi-auto pistols, there’s also a lot of buzz around the former metal-framed S&W pistols that were discontinued a few years ago.
Prices on the used market for the so-called 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation S&W pistols are still affordable, but have been rapidly rising over the past couple of years. These pistols are usually tough, reliable, and excellent shooters. If you happen to run across one for a good price, now would be a great time to snatch it up.
Please enter the serial number below. Please enter the serial number below. Model 39-2 steel frame: larrydw: Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols: 9: 06:17 PM: FOUND: Seeking 1964 N Frame: Shark Bait: WANTED to Buy: 2: 08:42 AM: Help on a possible Model 39 steel frame: youngk5: Smith & Wesson Semi-Auto Pistols: 9: 11:25 PM: How do I know if I have a steel frame model 59: tommy: Smith.
The trouble with that plan is the absurdly confusing system that S&W used to assign the model numbers for these pistols. Today, their M&P pistols follow a pretty logical formula. I carry a M&P9c — a compact 9mm. Makes sense, right? Well, the 3rd Gen equivalent of that pistol is the 6904. But if it was made before the late 80’s, it would be the 2nd Gen version — the 469. And the single stack version would be the 3914, which is virtually identical to the 908. Confused yet?
Unless you’ve committed these models to memory, looking at the numbers stamped on the slide of an old S&W pistol in the case at a gun shop or an online ad doesn’t really tell you much. Even if you ask Google for some help, you might have to wade through a multi-page forum thread to get a straight answer.
Well, believe it or not, there is some logic to the old S&W numbering system, it’s just not particularly intuitive. So we whipped together this S&W semi-auto model number quick reference chart to make it a little easier for you the next time you misplace your S&W decoder ring.
Our chart covers most of the regular production models for the discontinued Smiths chambered in major service calibers. There are a few less common ones out there, but these are the pistols you’re most likely to run across today. Even with the chart, there might be a few confusing details about the numbering system, so keep reading for a little background info on each “generation” of S&W autos.
1st Gen Pistols
S&w Model 39 2 Serial Numbers Dating
The first S&W semi-automatic chambered in a service caliber was the Model 39, which first saw the light of day in 1954. The aluminum alloy-framed 9mm pistol had an 8-shot single-stack magazine, a 4-inch barrel and a traditional double action/single action trigger with a slide-mounted safety/decocker, similar to what many people are familiar with from the Beretta 92 series. The Model 39 was developed as a potential replacement for the U.S. Army’s M1911A1. The Army declined to adopt the Model 39, but the pistol was a commercial success, and was even used by a few police departments as one of the very first semi-autos carried by American law enforcement.
In the early 1970s, S&W released a version of the 39 that used a double-stack 14-round magazine dubbed the Model 59. Together, the 39 and 59 are considered the “first generation” of S&W semi-autos. All of the following S&W 2nd and 3rd generation 9mm pistols are essentially derivatives of these two and in many cases, their model number provides some clue to that origin.
2nd Gen Pistols
In the late 1970s the S&W models 439 and 459 were released, which are considered the first of the second generation pistols. These were basically the 39 and 59 with a few small changes and the number “4” added to the begining of the model number. Steel framed versions of these pistols followed, available with either a stainless, blued, or nickel finish. Blued and nickel model numbers start with “5” (539, 559) and the stainless steel models start with “6” (639, 659).
In the mid 1980s, S&W released two alloy-framed compact versions of the 59 series; the 469 (blued or nickel finish) and 669 (stainless finish). Establishing the form factor that the third gen compacts would follow, these pistols had a 3.5-inch barrel and 12-round magazine.
Around this same time, S&W also began producing their first .45 ACP pistol — the model 645. This was a large frame, single stack pistol with an 8-round magazine, 5-inch barrel, and DA/SA with slide-mounted safety/decocker just like the 9mm pistols. There is one variant of the second gen .45 pistol — the single action only model 745, which was a special limited run intended for IPSC competition shooters.
I hope you caught all that because here’s where it gets complicated…
3rd Gen Pistols
The third generation of S&W pistols started hitting the market in the late 80s. They can be easily spotted by their four-digit model numbers. S&W continued the numbering trend they had started on the 9mm pistols — the 3900 series are full size and compact single stack pistols, the 5900 series are double stacks, and the 6900 series are compact double stacks.
Third gen pistols in other calibers are much easier to remember. The 4500 series is for .45 ACP, 4000 series for .40 S&W, and 1000 series for 10mm.
So, looking at the first two digits of a four-digit model number from a 3rd gen pistol, we can know the caliber, and if it’s a 9mm, we might also know the frame size. The rest of the info we’d need is in the second half of the model number.
Smith And Wesson Model 39 Steel Frame Serial Numbers
The third digit indicates one of nine possible combinations of action type and frame size. Most S&W autos are DA/SA, but not all. Some are double action only (DAO), and a few were even made with a slide-mounted decocking lever and no external safety (similar to what you’d find on a Sig P220 series pistol). Each model series has a frame size and barrel length that is “standard” for that series, which we’ve listed on the chart. The third digit will tell you if a given model is the standard size, mid-size, or compact.
The final digit in the model number indicates the frame material and finish. Frames are either steel or aluminum alloy and the finish is either blued/black (sometimes with a nickel plating), or stainless/silver.
Exceptions
What makes this complex system frustrating to follow is that there are multiple exceptions to the product “codes”. Some are pretty easy to figure out like the “value” series pistols. These were budget versions of the third gen pistols that lack some of the finishing touches of the standard models and have a three-digit model number. The first two digits reflect the caliber (9, 40, or 45).
The Chief’s Special pistols are also easy to spot, like the one in the header image of this post. They are single stack, sub-compact variants with a “CS” pre-fix and they’re some of the most sought-after 3rd gen pistols on the used market. There’s one model each chambered in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45ACP called the CS9, CS40, and CS45 respectively.
Besides these obvious exceptions, there are a few sneaky model numbers that look normal but don’t follow the numbering trends. For instance, the 6906 should really be the 6903 — a “6” for the final digit normally means stainless steel, but the 6906 is an alloy framed pistol with a silver stainless finish.
The compact .40 S&W pistols can also be confusing. Most are double stack, but a few single stack versions were made. The model 4040PD in particular breaks multiple model numbering “rules” and seems to have been given its name arbitrarily.
Letter suffixes are another detail to watch for. A couple of letters tacked to the end of the model name might mean something minor like a new finish, but they can also indicate major changes like the “TSW” (Tactical Smith & Wesson) series of pistols which indicate the addition of features like improved sights and accessory rails. Sometimes, the TSW pistols were built with a completely different frame size and barrel length than the standard model.
Some of the oddball model names come from pistols developed by S&W’s in-house custom shop, the Performance Center. To keep things simple (relatively speaking, anyway) we didn’t include these and other obscure models in our chart. If you want more detailed information on any of these models, I highly recommend picking up the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson which was a huge help in verifying the info for the chart.
Hopefully, the next time you’re trying to track down a deal on an old Smith, this info will help your search go a little quicker. If we’ve missed anything important, or if you spot any errors in the chart, let me know and I’ll try to correct it ASAP. If you guys like this one, be sure to tell us in the comments and maybe we’ll tackle S&W revolvers in the next one!
Smith & Wesson M 39By R.K. Campbell
In the heady days following World War Two, Smith & Wesson introduced a number of innovative designs. While aluminum is very common and hardly a rare earth element, the widespread use of aluminum in military aircraft made the technology feasible for handguns. The application of aluminum technology to lightweight revolvers came first but self loaders also benefited. Smith & Wesson President C. R. Hellstrom headed a company flush with funds from wartime contracts. But the company had to produce innovative and effective firearms to survive. Among the introductions were the new short action revolvers based upon work done by custom pistolsmiths prior to World War Two. But the most startling innovation was the Smith & Wesson Model 39; originally simply called the 9mm Automatic. The Model 39 is a double-action first-shot 9mm Luger caliber pistol with a single column magazine. The pistol has sometimes been called an Americanized P 38. The Walther P 38 was the first service pistol with a double-action first-shot trigger, slide mounted decocker, and a number of other features that marked it as an advanced design. The open top slide and oscillating wedge lock-up were definitely European in taste. The Model 39 featured an enclosed slide and the angled camming surfaces first used in the Browning High Power which were used for barrel unlock along with the obligatory American locking lugs.
Smith & Wesson’s engineer primarily responsible for the development of the Model 39 was Joseph Norman. The pistol’s main features were the double-action first-shot trigger and a slide mounted safety lever that acted to decock the hammer from the single action mode. When the safety lever is moved to the ON position, a safety lever is interposed between the hammer and the firing pin. This lever or bar also trips the sear, dropping the hammer safely. The pistol features the popular inertial firing pin. The pistol was supplied with nice looking checkered walnut grips and a single column eight-round magazine. At the time of its introduction, the Model 39 was designed to be competitive in military contracts. The pistol is light enough due to its aluminum alloy frame, thin enough, and boasted a total capacity of nine rounds of ammunition. When compared to other 1950s service pistols such as the Star Super, the Beretta 951, the Walther P 1 and the French M 1950, the Smith & Wesson Model 39 comes off well. Among the advantages of the Model 39 compared to other handguns is the thin cross section. While beefier than needed, perhaps, for the 9mm cartridge, the Smith & Wesson Model 39 was well within the parameters demanded by NATO specifications. A great advantage of the Model 39 over any other double action first shot pistol is the shape and angle of the grip frame. The Model 39 is extraordinary in its fit and ergonomics. It is lively in the hand in combat firing and the pistol feels good in the hand.
The original 9mm Smith & Wesson was officially introduced in 1955 though it did not garner any police or military contracts at this time. The pistol was originally offered with both steel and aluminum frames, but the steel frame pistols are quite rare. A single action pistol, the M 44, was also offered but did not prove popular and this particular model single action variant is a rare handgun. It should be noted that while exact figures are difficult to pin down, the general consensus is that less than one thousand steel frame 9mm pistols were introduced, with the single action even more rare. In 1957, the 9mm pistol became the Model 39 as Smith & Wesson moved to a new numbered system.
Illinois State Police Adoption
The reasons for the adoption of the Model 39 by the Illinois State Patrol in 1967 are often misunderstood. While higher capacity and greater hit probability compared to the revolver are often quoted, the real advantage was in its flat profile. The ISP demanded that all officers be armed on a twenty four hour basis. The service size .38 revolvers could be shot well but scores with the snub nose .38s carried off duty were dismal. The ISP was looking for a handgun that could be carried on a twenty-four hour basis and give the officers a greater overall proficiency with their sidearm. The ISP looked seriously at the .38 Super Colt, which had an excellent reputation from FBI use during the 1930s. However, the ISP preferred a double-action first-shot pistol over the single-action Colt 1911 type. The M 39 was the only domestic choice. Once the Model 39 was investigated and tested it was easy to exhibit the potential of the self-loader for law enforcement use. The overall efficiency of the units rose although the scores with the Model 39 were not as high overall as the service revolver scores. On the other hand, compared to the snub .38s scores with the Model 39 were much higher. The light four-inch barrel Model 39 offered excellent hit probability but not the pin-point accuracy of the .38 caliber revolvers then in use. As an example, the .38 Special Combat Masterpiece from the same maker was a far more accurate handgun at long range.
The Model 39 was deemed a reliable handgun but not perfect. The original extractor design was changed in the 39-2 variation. The sights were changed from simple windage adjustable to a much better grade in the 39-2’s late model incarnations. Nickel plating was not available with the original pistol but was made available with the 39-2. Among the most important changes was a major redesign of the feed ramp. The original feed ramp was an odd design with a hump in mid length. While pistolsmiths attempted to polish and reconfigure this ramp, the Model 39 was a difficult pistol to convince to feed hollow point ammunition. (The ISP originally used ball ammunition.) The 39-2 was a much improved pistol with a new design extractor, feed ramp and sights. The nickel option was also added to the Model 39. The 39-2 was introduced in 1971 and is the preferred service pistol over the Model 39 enjoying an enviable service career and is generally regarded as reliable, accurate, and fast handling.
Modifications
Unfortunately, the next step in evolution was not as highly regarded by professional shooters. The Smith & Wesson Model 59 combined the double action trigger of the Model 39 with a double column magazine. The new Model 59 was the first of the wonder nines with a total capacity of fifteen rounds of ammunition along with a double-action first-shot trigger system. The feel was far different from the Model 39. The Model 59 was blocky and difficult to use well. Quality control seems to have slipped and accuracy wasn’t comparable to the Model 39 in most Model 59 pistols. The Model 59 was responsible for police qualifications being cut from fifty to twenty five yards in the opinion of many. Officers once posted perfect scores with the fifty round qualifications included when using the Smith & Wesson Combat Masterpiece or Combat Magnum revolvers. With the Model 59 fifty yards was practically hopeless. One cannot help but wonder at any number of events that may have played out differently had the police been able to deliver accurate fire at 50 yards. Smith & Wesson responded to market pressure with the introduction of the second and third generation pistols. These pistols, including the single column magazine 439, were much improved over the Model 59 series. The grip frames were redesigned and the pistols generally tightened up. Much of the work done was in order for Smith & Wesson to remain competitive with SIG Sauer. The third generation pistols were actually superior to the SIG Sauer in some regards, particularly as regards the safety system and stainless construction. But neither SIG nor Smith & Wesson could compete with the new polymer frame low bid pistols. The steel frame double-action first-shot pistols that were once the staple of Smith & Wesson service pistols are no longer in production.
The Model 39 continues to be popular with those who appreciate the ergonomic hand fit and handling of the pistol. As for collector interest, there seems to be some interest in new, in the box, pistols. The Model 39 was sometimes purchased by individuals that were curious about the 9mm Luger cartridge and self loading pistols and the pistols were shot a lot. But occasionally a truly excellent pistol is found in the box in practically unfired condition. These pistols bring a premium but the cost is modest compared to that of the Smith & Wesson Magnum revolvers and others. The Model 39 is an affordable field for collectors. However, the steel frame and single action variants are practically impossible to locate. The Smith & Wesson Model 52, a target grade variant chambered for the .38 Special cartridge, is also a highly desirable pistol.
Performance
Test firing the Model 39 is a pleasure. The pistol sets well in the hand and the recoil is modest as it is the norm for a 9mm pistol. Using the Black Hills 124 grain FMJ loading and firing from a solid bench rest, the vintage nickel plated 39-2 posted groups of two to two and one half inches for five shots at a long 25 yards. This is a good standard and one that is useful for personal defense. The Black Hills 124 grain +P uses a modern expanding bullet. This load is as accurate as the FMJ load and proved to upset as designed per our test program. Overall, the performance of the vintage 39-2 pistol and modern expanding bullet ammunition leaves little to be desired.
Smith & Wesson Model 39-2
Barrel length: 4 inches
Overall length: 7.44 inches
Weight: 26.5 ounces
Grips: Walnut
Magazine capacity: 8 rounds
Hush Puppy
The Hush Puppy was special variant of the M 39 used in Vietnam, most notably by the original SEAL teams. This pistol featured a sound suppressor and this variant also featured a slide lock that locked the slide in place when the pistol was fired, eliminating even the motion of the slide from creating sound. The pistol was used successfully in action and was the primary test bed for early attempts at subsonic 9mm ammunition.
S&w Dates Of Manufacture By Serial Number
This article first appeared in Small Arms Review SAW (July 2012) |
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9mm S&w Model 39 2 For Sale
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