A look at the first U.S.-made double-action 9mm semi-auto
The Smith & Wesson Model 39 and Model 39-2 represent a pivotal shift in American handgun design, bringing the first domestically produced double-action/single-action (DA/SA) semi-automatic pistol in 9mm Parabellum to the market. This series challenged the dominance of single-action designs like the 1911 and introduced features that would influence later service pistols, while seeing real-world use from law enforcement to covert military operations.
Development started in the late 1940s when Smith & Wesson president Carl H. Hellstrom pushed for a modern semi-auto to compete in a revolver-heavy market. Impressed by the Walther P38 encountered during and after World War II, S&W's chief designer Joe Norman produced a prototype (serial X46) by late 1948—the first American-made DA 9mm semi-auto. After testing both DA and SA versions in 1954-1955, the company focused on the double-action model. The Army evaluated it in 1954 trials but stuck with the 1911, so S&W released it commercially in 1955 as the "9mm Automatic," formally designating it Model 39 in 1957.
This made the Model 39 the first U.S.-designed and produced DA/SA semi-automatic pistol to reach the civilian market. In an era when most American shooters carried single-action 1911s or revolvers, the DA first-shot capability offered a practical edge for defensive use without needing to manually cock the hammer. Shooters appreciated the slim grip from the single-stack eight-round magazine, which provided a comfortable hold and natural pointability compared to bulkier contemporaries.
Early production included a handful of steel-frame examples (under 1,000 units total, up to serial ~927, with some assembled later from parts in the 1960s). These heavier frames (around 31-32 ounces unloaded) gave a more planted feel under recoil than the aluminum-alloy versions that followed, which dropped weight to 26.5-30 ounces for easier carry. Dimensions stayed consistent: roughly 7.6 inches overall, 4-inch barrel, 5.375 inches tall, and 1.25 inches wide at the grips. The steel-frame pistols, rare today, carried no official MSRP but likely sold in the $100-150 range at the time, while standard aluminum models retailed around $70-90 in the late 1950s, climbing to $100-180 by 1970.
The aluminum-frame Model 39 ran from serial 1001 in 1955 through about 115000 in 1970. Production ramped up gradually, reflecting slow initial acceptance in a revolver-dominated law enforcement and civilian scene. Blued finish dominated, with nickel as a scarcer option that added a modest premium.
By late 1970, field experience—particularly from law enforcement—prompted updates. The Model 39-2 arrived around 1971 with a shorter coil-spring extractor (replacing the longer tempered one), a smoothed feed ramp for better hollow-point reliability, and often a heavier barrel bushing. These changes addressed occasional feeding issues without changing the gun's external profile or handling. The 39-2 used A-prefix serials from A115001 onward, running until early 1983 (ending at A747148). Early 39-2s carried over the holed (skeletonized) hammer from late Model 39 production, typically through the low to mid-A200000 range (roughly 1971-1973), before switching to a solid hammer by the mid-1970s. MSRPs hovered around $150-200 in the mid-1970s, rising to $175-250 by the early 1980s.
At the range, the Model 39 series handles like a slim, balanced 9mm with mild recoil that stays manageable even in rapid fire. The DA pull runs heavy (around 11 pounds in tested examples), while the SA breaks cleaner (often 5 pounds), allowing decent accuracy once past the first shot. The grip angle and wood panels contribute to natural pointing, and the adjustable rear sight aids precision. Shooters note it feels user-friendly compared to heavier steel guns, with the alloy frame keeping muzzle flip controlled for quick follow-ups.
The design gained traction in law enforcement after the Illinois State Police adopted it in 1967—the first large U.S. agency to issue a semi-auto as standard. This move helped shift departments away from revolvers. In military contexts, Navy SEALs in Vietnam used the Model 39, including suppressed Mk 22 Mod 0 "Hush Puppy" variants for quiet sentry and guard-dog neutralization. These modified pistols featured threaded barrels, suppressors, and special ammunition, proving the platform's adaptability in high-stakes environments.
The Model 39 series bridged the gap from postwar revolver reliance to modern semi-autos, introducing DA/SA operation and alloy construction that later designs built upon. For shooters interested in historical pieces that still run reliably at the range, these pistols deliver practical performance rooted in a time when American makers first stepped into the DA semi-auto world.
Model 39 Analysis
The Model 39 came out of postwar efforts to bring a capable DA/SA 9mm to American shooters, starting with a 1948 prototype and hitting the market in 1955 after Army trials passed it over. It introduced a first-shot DA pull in a slim package that pointed well and controlled recoil effectively with standard 9mm loads. Early steel-frame versions offered a heavier, more stable feel, while aluminum models prioritized lighter carry weight. Adoption by agencies like the Illinois State Police in 1967 showed its duty potential, and SEAL use in Vietnam (including suppressed versions) highlighted reliability under stress. On the current market, it remains accessible for collectors and shooters who value its place in handgun evolution.
Model 39-2 Analysis
The Model 39-2 refined the original with extractor, feed ramp, and bushing changes starting around 1971 to improve feeding consistency, especially with expanding ammunition. It carried the same shooter-friendly ergonomics and mild recoil while extending production into the early 1980s amid rising semi-auto demand. Early examples with the holed hammer reflect the transitional period, but the solid hammer later became standard. In secondary sales today, values track closely with the plain Model 39, appealing to those who want a proven classic that handles well at the range and carries historical significance from law enforcement and military service.