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Selected Handgun Detail

Smith & Wesson
Model 39
Smith & Wesson Pistol 39 9 mm Variant-3
Scale To:
Gun Dimensions Width:1.25-in
Length:7.5-in Height:5.375-in
Barrel:4-in Weight:28-oz
Variant 3 of 3
Gun Rankings
  • Power Factor (124 grain bullet)142600
  • Recoil Factor (124 grain bullet)4.94 ft-lb
  • Total Capacity9 rounds
  • ConcealabilityGood
  • Defense Factor71%
Gun Specifications
Type:Pistol
Caliber:9 mm
Action:recoil operated semi-automatic
Trigger:double-action (DA/SA)
Safety:slide mounted decock/safety lever
Magazine:8-round
Frame:aluminum alloy
Grip:checkered walnut
Sights:fixed blade front, adjustable rear
Notes:nickel finish
Manufacturer
Smith & Wesson
More Info
About the Gun

The single-stack Smith & Wesson Model 39 was the first U.S. designed double action (DA/SA) semi-automatic pistol marketed in the United States. The model change from the Model 39 to the Model 39-2 took place around 1970 with the primary changes being from the long leaf-spring extractor to the new short coil-spring-actuated type, a reshaped feed ramp on the barrel, and a heavier-duty barrel bushing in many cases.

Production

Production ran from 1955 through 1970.

Market value
Last updated: 2/24/2026

MSRP at production ranged from $100 to $180. Excellent or near-mint examples (95%+ finish) currently range from $900 to $1,300.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge: 9 mm Luger
Alias: 9 mm Parabellum
More Info
Ballistics for This Gun
Selected Bullet Mass:124 grains
MV:1150 ft/sec ME:364 ft-lbs
Analysis

The Smith & Wesson Model 39 originated from efforts in the late 1940s to create a new service pistol, with development starting in 1949 and a prototype completed in 1948, influenced by the Walther P38's double-action system. Submitted for U.S. Army trials in 1954 but not selected, it entered the civilian market in 1955 as an early example of domestic semi-automatic production, shifting from initial low output to gradual increases through the 1960s. Its adoption by the Illinois State Police in 1967 facilitated a broader move among law enforcement toward semi-autos over revolvers, while modified versions served U.S. Navy SEALs in Vietnam under the Mk 22 designation. In the contemporary handgun market, the Model 39 appears mainly in collector transactions, where condition, originality, and documented provenance affect secondary pricing.

User Rating
1 User Ratings
1 User Comments
User Comments

5 of 5 Stars
Model 39
By MikeB-21 on 29 May 2020
Bought this gun new before I purchased the Model 659, also new, later on. First 9mm pistol I ever owned and was pleasantly surprised as to how well rounded this pistol actually was! Small round capacity with a smallish grip frame and it became a great trainer for my petite wife. She was surprised at the bark but soon became accustomed to it and ultimately became her gun of choice. I had no choice but to give it up totally — lol. (Reason for the 659 purchase). MikeB.