Is it just me, or is the Smith & Wesson model 39 (original 9mm), still one of the best 9mm's out there?

Question

I mean, it was developed over 50 years ago, and it stacks up against any of the second and third generation 9mm's Smith & Wesson has made since, including the models 59, 439, 5904/06, etc. The sights are not all that, but I can easily get 1 3/4 inch groups with it at 25 yds., and honestly, I like it way better than the 5906, which is too wide of a grip, and too "clumsy feeling" for for me. For concealed carry, it is a smaller profile, which is a big plus over the 14/15 shot 9mm's. It's also lighter weight with the alloy frame, unlike the heavy stainless frames of it's higher capacity cousins. I really like the balance and feel of S&W's classic, "original" model 39 9mm over all the rest, how about you folks?

Answer 1

The old '39 was the first alloy framed pistol I ever owned. I liked it very much, (when I settled for the 9mm cartridge that is). I agree that it was accurate and many people still think of it as you do. Alas, my model 39 met an untimely end. Back then I was on a pretty tight budget for ammo, but needed to practice a lot. I would often purchase surplus ammo and use this for target, keeping the commercial stuff for self defense. I made what I thought was a great buy on some czech 9mm ammo and proceeded to the target range. The rounds felt a little heavy to me, but i loaded up a magazine full and fired 2 rounds. recoil was very stout!! I fired the third round and the pistol slam fired a second round!, I unloaded, checked the pistol over but found nothing suspicious. So, being young and foolish, I loaded up another full mag and popped a round off. The pistol fired full auto and dumped the entire mag full in the blink of an eye. A trip to the gunsmith revealed that I was using steel jacketed 9mm loaded very hot and designed for a sub machine gun ( not my lightweight alloy framed 39). The ammo had pretty much turned by sweet little 9mm into a paperweight. Hard lesson learned.

Shoot safe

Answer 2

I laugh at your tiny cartridge, someone get this guy a 1911 in .45!

Answer 3

It is one of the nicest out there but I am fond of my Springfield XD.

Answer 4

Yes, I liked the original S&W Model 39 but I liked the Model 59 even better.  Both are great 9mms but Glock is better now.

H

Answer 5

For a Smith and Wesson semi-auto, it has yet to be surpassed.

Of course, that is really not saying much, considering the long and mediocre trail of semi-autos that the company has introduced!

Answer 6

No, it's just you.