Smith & Wesson Model 39

Smith & Wesson Model 39
Smith & Wesson Model 39
Type	Semiautomatic Pistol
Place of origin	United States
Specifications
Weight	28 oz. / 1.71 lbs. (0.780 kg.)
Length	7.55” (192mm)
Barrel length	4” (102mm)
Cartridge	9 mm Para
Action	Short recoil, DA
Rate of fire	Semi-automatic
Feed system	8-round single column, detachable box magazine

The Smith and Wesson Model 39 was developed for the US Army service pistol trials of 1949. It went on the market in 1955 and was the first of Smith & Wesson's first generation semi-automatic pistols.

Overview

The Model 39 was manufactured with an anodized aluminum frame with a curved backstrap and a blued carbon steel slide that carries the manual safety. The grip is of three pieces made of two walnut wood panels joined by a metal backstrap. It has a magazine release located at the rear of the trigger guard, similar to the M1911A1 it was designed to replace.

The Model 39 was also produced in limited numbers with a steel frame. This steel-frame model provided the basis for the Model 52, one of the outstanding target pistols of the day. The Mod. 52 had a longer (5 inch) barrel and slide and was one of the few semi-automatic pistols ever chambered for the .38 Special cartridge (with flush-seated, full wadcutter bullets only). The shape of the rimmed cartridge limited the magazine capacity to five rounds. A further variant, the Model 952, once again in 9 mm Para, is still produced in limited quantities by Smith & Wesson's Performance Center. At 52 years, this may be the longest run ever for a target pistol.

The later Smith & Wesson Model 59 was similar, retaining the original 9mm Parabellum caliber, but had a wider aluminum frame with a straight backstrap to accommodate a double-column magazine that could hold 14 rounds.

See also

• List of firearms

References

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