S&W Model 39This is a featured page

Smith & Wesson Model 39. Image courtesy of xdtalk.comModel: Smith & Wesson Model 39
Developed for the US Army's attempt to replace the M1911 in 1954, the Model 39 was the first American double-action pistol to be marketed in the United States; the weapon was designed after ordnance personnel in World War II were impressed by the German P-38 and asked them to design a similar weapon. The Model 39 is an excellent example of a simple, cheap, and sturdy 9mm pistol. As a single-stack design, it's very slim and easy to conceal for its size. The Illinois State Police began issuing it in 1967, easing acceptance of semi-automatic pistols into the American law enforcement market (which had been dominated by .38 or .357 revolvers) and in turn making them commercially popular in the country that invented the .45 ACP.

Variants include the Model 59, which is wider and accepts double-stack 14 round magazines, the Model 52 chambered in .38 Special and meant to fire wadcutter bullets for target shooting, and the Mk 22 Mod 0 "Hush Puppy" of the US Navy special forces, which includes a silencer, taller iron sights, and a slide lock that can be activated to prevent the slide from cycling when fired to lower the noise and turning the gun into a manual repeater.



Specifications:
Weight:
 1.71 lbs. (0.780 kg)
Length:
 7.55” (192 mm)
Barrel Length:
 4” (102 mm)
Cartridge:
 9x19mm Parabellum
.38 Special (Model 52)
Action:
 Short-recoil
Muzzle Velocity:
 360m/s (1,181ft/s)
Effective Range:
 50m (164ft)
Feed System:
 Detachable box magazine. 5 (Model 52), 8 (Model 39), 14 (Model 59)
Sights:
 Front blade, rear notch.
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Where to find

The Model 39 made semi-automatic 9mms popular in America, but the different models and years means that the value of a gun could range from $200 to $1500 for an especially rare model. The Mk 22 Mod 0 is especially difficult to find, with the suppressor being quite costly with the $200 tax stamp (and possible illegality in your area!) added on.


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Complexity

How difficult is it to use this gun? Discuss any complex mechanisms, average reliability, any particular problems (firing pins often breaking, for example), difficulty using (controls, unusually heavy trigger pull, etc.)
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Controls
  • Safety/decocker: Located on the left side of the frame or slide, depending on the model. Down for SAFE, up for FIRE.
  • Magazine release: Located behind the trigger on the left side.
  • Slide catch: Located below the left side of the slide.

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Loading

Condition One, or "Locked and Cocked." Chamber loaded, magazine full, hammer cocked and safety applied.
    Not possible due to the decocker.
Condition Two. Chamber loaded, magazine full, hammer down, safety off.

  1. Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
  2. Take a loaded magazine and push it up into the magazine well until it clicks.
  3. Pull the slide all the way back and let it snap shut.
  4. Push the safety down to decock the hammer.

Condition Three. Chamber empty, magazine full, hammer down, safety off.
  1. Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
  2. Take a loaded magazine and push it up into the magazine well until it clicks

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Unloading

How to unload the firearm and make safe. Presented in a numbered list.
    1. Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
    2. Push the safety down to activate it and decock the hammer.
    3. Press the magazine release and remove the loaded magazine.
    4. Pull the slide back and check the chamber for any ammunition. Move the slide forward.
    5. Push the safety up to deactivate it.
    6. Pull the trigger.

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    Field Stripping

    How to disassemble the firearm for cleaning. Presented in a numbered list.
    1. Point the weapon in a safe direction. Critical step in case it accidentally discharges!
    2. Unload the weapon as described above and push the safety up to deactivate it.
    3. While pushing the slide catch to the left, pull the slide back until the recess on the slide is lined up with the slide catch. Remove the slide catch, then pull the slide forward off the frame.
    4. Compress the recoil spring to allow you to pull out the recoil spring guide assembly.
    5. Rotate the barrel bushing to the left side of the slide and pull it off forwards.
    6. Lift the rear end of the barrel up and pull it out of the slide.
    Reverse to reassemble.



    chitoryu12
    chitoryu12     		Latest page update: made by chitoryu12 , Sep 18 2011, 9:22 PM EDT (about this update About This Update chitoryu12 Edited by chitoryu12

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    Keyword tags: 39 9mm american firearm gun handgun parabellum pistol semi-automatic smith & wesson weapon wesson
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