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Smith & Wesson Model 39


The Smith & Wesson Model 39 is a chambered in , featuring a lightweight aluminum alloy frame, double-action/single-action trigger mechanism, and recoil-operated locked-breech action. Introduced in 1955, it was the first double-action designed and marketed in the United States, with a 4-inch barrel, overall length of approximately 7.44 inches, unloaded weight of 26.5 ounces, and an 8-round single-column detachable magazine. Developed in the early 1950s for U.S. Army trials seeking a lighter alternative to the M1911, the Model 39 drew inspiration from the Walther P38's DA/SA system and adjustable sights but was not selected for broad military adoption. Despite its single-stack magazine limiting capacity compared to later designs, the pistol's ergonomics and reliability contributed to its use by specialized units, including a suppressed variant known as the "Hush Puppy" employed by U.S. Navy SEALs in for silent neutralization and . Production continued until 1982, influencing the development of subsequent models like the higher-capacity Model 59 and establishing features commonplace in modern compact s.

Development History

Origins and Design Influences

The development of the Smith & Wesson Model 39 originated in , as the company sought to diversify beyond its longstanding dominance in manufacturing by entering the market. This initiative reflected broader post-World War II industry trends toward lighter, higher-capacity handguns chambered in 9mm Parabellum, driven by demands for reduced recoil, increased ammunition portability, and alignment with international cartridge preferences. A primary catalyst was the U.S. military's interest in evaluating alternatives to the M1911 pistol, which, while reliable, offered limited capacity in an era of evolving tactical needs favoring more rounds per magazine. engineers, led by designer Joe Norman, aimed to produce a double-action semi-automatic that could meet these service requirements through innovative engineering, prioritizing a balance of controllability and firepower in a compact form. Design influences were drawn from established European models to accelerate development and ensure functionality. The Model 39 adopted the double-action trigger and slide-mounted safety-decocker system reminiscent of the , while employing the proven short-recoil tilting barrel mechanism—similar to that in the FN Hi-Power—for locking and unlocking, eschewing the P38's more complex dropping-block system in favor of simplicity and proven reliability. To achieve weight savings critical for adoption, the incorporated an construction, reducing overall mass compared to all-steel contemporaries without compromising structural integrity under firing stresses, a forward-thinking material choice that underscored Smith & Wesson's adaptation to semi-automatic demands.

U.S. Military Trials

The Smith & Wesson Model 39 was developed specifically for the U.S. Army's 1954 trials, intended as a potential replacement for the M1911A1 chambered in . The pistol, initially referred to as the "9mm Automatic," featured a double-action mechanism, aluminum alloy frame, and chambering to offer higher capacity and lighter weight compared to the incumbent .45 design. Submitted prototypes underwent evaluation alongside competitors including the High Standard T3 and entries, focusing on reliability, accuracy, and suitability for . While public records of detailed empirical test data remain limited, the Model 39 demonstrated functional endurance in preliminary firing sequences without catastrophic failures noted in surviving accounts, aligning with its subsequent commercial reliability. However, it failed to secure adoption primarily due to the Army's doctrinal commitment to the .45 ACP's superior one-shot , derived from combat experiences in and the , which prioritized over the 9mm's advantages in ammunition capacity and reduced recoil. Early concerns with the pistol's accuracy under field conditions and absence of a drop-safety mechanism further diminished its prospects against entrenched preferences. The trials concluded without selection of a new , leading the to retain the M1911A1 for another three decades until the 1985 adoption of the M9. subsequently released the Model 39 for civilian and markets in 1954, absent military contracts. This outcome underscored causal factors like caliber conservatism over mechanical innovation, as the 9mm's NATO standardization had yet to fully influence U.S. priorities.

Production Timeline and Evolution

The Smith & Wesson Model 39 entered commercial production in , initially featuring a military-style blued finish on its frame and slide. Early output was modest, reflecting limited civilian demand for a 9mm in an era dominated by revolvers; for instance, only 426 units were manufactured in 1957, the year the model received its official numerical designation. By the mid-1960s, production incorporated options for plating alongside the standard blued finish to appeal to and civilian buyers. In 1966, Smith & Wesson completed assembly of 927 pistols using surplus steel frames forged in the early , marking a minor transitional milestone before fully standardizing lighter alloy construction; this period also saw incremental safety refinements to address reliability concerns from field use. Vietnam War-era demand spurred informal procurement by U.S. Navy SEAL teams starting around 1966, with the company supplying a small initial batch—estimated at a handful—for evaluation and subsequent modification into suppressed variants, bypassing formal military contracts due to the pistol's non-standard status with the armed forces. This boosted output without dedicated military production lines, contributing to steady commercial volumes through the 1970s. Manufacturing continued with periodic tooling adjustments until discontinuation in 1982, after which focus shifted to higher-capacity successors like the Model 59; total Model 39 production across all iterations exceeded 200,000 units, though exact figures remain approximate due to incomplete historical records.

Design and Technical Features

Operating Mechanism

The Smith & Wesson Model 39 utilizes a double-action/single-action (DA/SA) system, permitting the initial shot to be fired with a long, heavy double-action pull of approximately 12 pounds that cocks and releases the , followed by subsequent single-action pulls of about 5 to 6 pounds for lighter, crisper release. A slide-mounted ambidextrous decocker/ allows the to be safely lowered from the cocked single-action position without firing, while also serving as a block when engaged. This mechanism combines the safety of a heavy first pull with the precision of a short single-action for follow-up shots. The operating cycle employs short-recoil operation, where the barrel and initially recoil together locked by a single barrel lug engaging the slide's ejection port, before a surface on the barrel linkage tilts the barrel downward to unlock, permitting the to continue rearward. occurs via a short claw-type extractor that hooks the case rim, while a fixed ejector mounted in the flings the empty case clear to the right, ensuring reliable even under varying conditions. The then compresses a spring around a full-length guide rod before stripping a fresh from the magazine's single-column follower and chambering it upon forward return. The 8-round single-column detachable box magazine feeds cartridges via a staggered-follower that aligns them centrally for consistent pickup by the , with release actuated by a at the rear of the rather than a European-style heel clip. This configuration supports the pistol's compact profile while maintaining functional reliability in the short-recoil system.

Physical Specifications and Materials

The Smith & Wesson Model 39 is chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum. It features a barrel length of 4 inches (102 mm) and an overall length of 7.5 inches (190 mm). The unloaded weight measures approximately 26 ounces (740 g), facilitated by an aluminum alloy frame mated to a carbon steel slide. Standard finishes include blued steel on the slide, with nickel plating available as an option. The pistol employs fixed , typically a blade front post and rear notch, though some production examples incorporated a white dot on the front sight for improved visibility. Magazine capacity is limited to 8 rounds plus one in the chamber, due to the single-stack design of the removable box magazine. Early prototypes featured all-steel construction, but production models adopted the lighter aluminum frame to meet weight specifications for military evaluation.

Controls and Ergonomics

The Smith & Wesson Model 39 features a slide-mounted , with the Model 39-2 incorporating a decocker function to lower the hammer safely from single-action position without firing. This control is positioned on the left rear of the for accessible thumb operation by right-handed shooters, enabling quick engagement or disengagement during draw or malfunction clearing. The serrations, located at the rear, provide positive purchase for racking, though limited to one side consistent with era designs. Magazine release employs a heel-clip at the butt of the grip, requiring the support hand to depress it for ejection, a configuration inherited from European influences that prioritizes carry security over speed. While functional, this design has drawn user feedback for prolonging reload sequences relative to modern push-button alternatives, as noted in handling assessments. Ergonomically, the Model 39's grip contours facilitate instinctive pointability, with a grip angle that supports natural sight alignment distinct from the steeper profile. Checkering on the front strap and backstrap enhances control under recoil, contributing to the pistol's reputation for lively yet secure handling in dynamic firing scenarios. Overall, testers have praised its balanced feel and user-friendly interface, which influenced subsequent compact semi-automatic designs.

Variants and Modifications

Base Model 39

The Smith & Wesson Model 39, introduced in 1955, represented the company's entry into double-action semi-automatic pistols chambered in . Designed primarily for potential U.S. military adoption following 1954 service pistol trials, it featured a lightweight anodized aluminum alloy frame and a blued slide, achieving an unloaded weight of 26.5 ounces. Overall length measured 7.44 inches, with a 4-inch barrel length and a single-column 8-round magazine capacity. The operating system employed a short-recoil, tilting-barrel , with a slide-mounted manual safety that also functioned as a decocker. Standard sighting configuration included a fixed front sight and a screw-adjustable rear sight, providing basic and elevation corrections without the dovetailed or low-profile options of later models. The lacked any accessory mounting provisions, such as rails, aligning with mid-20th-century priorities for compact, reliable carry over modularity. Checkered grip panels and a curved backstrap contributed to its , though the double-action trigger pull measured approximately 12 pounds, heavier than single-action modes. Initial production focused on military evaluation, with the first completed examples assembled in December 1954—totaling around 20 prototypes split between - and single-action variants—before shifting to after the retained the Colt M1911. These early units, serialized in low four-digit ranges, retained original features like the long extractor without subsequent durability enhancements to the aluminum alloy or slide components seen in post-1960s iterations. This configuration distinguished the base model as a direct outcome of trial specifications, emphasizing weight savings and European-influenced DA/SA operation over high-volume production refinements.

Model 39-2 Improvements

The Model 39-2, introduced in 1971, featured targeted engineering updates to the original Model 39 design, primarily aimed at bolstering reliability during extended use. These refinements addressed feedback from military and testing, where occasional inconsistencies in and feeding were noted under high-volume firing conditions. A primary change was the adoption of a shorter, spring-loaded extractor in place of the longer, fixed extractor on pre-Model 39-2 variants, which enhanced case ejection reliability and reduced malfunctions associated with spent casing retention. Complementing this, a heavier-duty barrel was implemented, along with revised recoil spring containment to minimize play and wear in the slide-to-frame interface during repeated cycles. The feedramp was also reshaped with a more gradual angle, improving the pistol's compatibility with jacketed hollow-point ammunition—a common issue in early 9mm designs prone to nose-diving or stovepipes with expanding rounds. These modifications, produced through 1982, elevated the Model 39-2's overall durability without altering core dimensions or capacity.

Specialized Versions

The Mk 22 Mod 0, known as the "Hush Puppy," represented a specialized suppressed of the Model 39, produced specifically for U.S. teams in the 1960s. This variant incorporated a screw-on suppressor designed and manufactured by , paired with the pistol's standard 9mm chambering to enable use of for minimized muzzle report during clandestine operations in . The suppressor, often designated the MK-3, attached via threaded barrel extension, with production limited to military contract quantities rather than commercial availability. Beyond the Hush Puppy, Smith & Wesson did not produce formal factory variants of the Model 39 beyond the -2 iteration, but the company's custom shop facilitated limited modifications such as drop-in adjustable rear sights for improved precision in target shooting. These sights utilized the existing dovetail cut on select pistols, with production confined to small runs for enthusiasts or competitors seeking enhanced accuracy over fixed sights. Aftermarket extended magazines, typically holding 10 rounds, emerged for competitive applications, though reliability varied compared to factory 8-round units. In collector communities, barrel threading has become common to adapt surviving Model 39 pistols for contemporary suppressors, allowing replication of suppressed configurations without original hardware; however, such modifications lack factory endorsement and may affect historical authenticity.

Users and Operational Employment

Military Applications

The Smith & Wesson Model 39 saw its primary application with U.S. Navy teams during the in the 1960s, where it was employed for covert operations requiring suppressed fire. units utilized unmodified Model 39 pistols or the specialized Mk 22 Mod 0 variant, known as the "Hush Puppy," which featured a lengthened slide, extended barrel, and integral suppressor attachment for the MK-3 silencer. This configuration enabled quiet elimination of enemy sentries and guard dogs without alerting patrols, leveraging the 9mm cartridge's compatibility with suppressors. Adoption was limited to small-scale procurements by teams rather than large-scale U.S. military contracts, reflecting the entrenched preference for pistols like the M1911A1 in standard service. The acquired hundreds of Model 39s for issuance to select officers and units, but it did not achieve widespread service-wide integration. Operators valued its reliability in harsh environments, including exposure to mud and saltwater during riverine and amphibious missions. Following the , the Model 39 was phased out of inventories by the 1980s as lighter polymer-framed 9mm designs, such as the , entered service. Despite this, its performance in suppressed roles contributed to early lessons in weaponry, influencing subsequent quiet developments.

Law Enforcement Use

The Smith & Wesson Model 39 saw adoption by the State Police in 1967 as their standard duty sidearm, marking the first major U.S. to issue a over traditional revolvers. This decision followed a two-year evaluation period, with an initial order of 500 units, driven by the pistol's compact aluminum frame, double-action trigger for enhanced safety, and 9mm caliber offering higher capacity (eight rounds) compared to contemporary revolvers. The adoption legitimized semi-automatics in police service, influencing smaller departments in and beyond to follow suit for primary or backup roles. Subsequent uptake included the Police Department in 1970 or early 1971 as the second agency to standardize on the Model 39, alongside select off-duty carry by officers in various forces appreciating its concealability and double-action safety features for plainclothes assignments. detectives carried it as a secondary option, though units retained revolvers. Departmental trials highlighted its reliability in training, with minimal malfunctions attributed to the robust short-recoil operation, though the spring-loaded magazine release proved prone to accidental ejection under stress or holster draw. By the mid-1970s, the Model 39 faced criticism for its single-stack magazine limiting capacity relative to emerging double-stack designs like the , which offered 14 rounds and faster reloads in simulations favoring high-volume engagements. Many agencies phased it out in favor of these higher-capacity 9mm pistols or retained revolvers for simplicity, though its role in pioneering semi-auto acceptance for persisted in legacy evaluations.

Civilian Ownership and Self-Defense Role

The Smith & Wesson Model 39 appealed to civilian owners for prior to the 1980s, primarily due to its slim, single-stack aluminum frame design that measured approximately 1.2 inches in width, enabling easier concealment under clothing than bulkier alternatives like the Colt 1911. This compact form factor, combined with its 9mm chambering, positioned it as a practical option for personal protection where holster options emphasized discretion. The pistol's double-action/single-action trigger system further supported civilian carry by incorporating a heavy double-action pull—typically exceeding 10 pounds—serving as a mechanical barrier to negligent discharge during holstering or handling, in contrast to single-action mechanisms reliant on external safeties or lighter pulls. Owners reported consistent functionality in defensive scenarios, with the design proving reliable when fed full metal jacket ammunition, which aligned with its original feeding geometry optimized for military-style loads. In home defense applications, the Model 39's eight-round capacity and controllable with standard 115-grain loads offered viable for average shooters without extensive training, as evidenced by user accounts of malfunction-free operation over hundreds of rounds. accessories, including Pachmayr rubber wraparound grips, enhanced by providing better traction and reducing perceived , thereby improving handling for non-expert users in high-stress situations. Today, in U.S. states issuing permits on a shall-issue basis, inspected and functional examples remain legally viable for private , though ammunition selection may require testing for optimal reliability with modern hollow-point variants.

Performance Evaluation

Reliability and Testing Data

The Smith & Wesson Model 39 underwent evaluation during the 1954 U.S. Army service pistol trials, where prototypes demonstrated satisfactory overall function, though adoption was declined due to sufficient stockpiles of the M1911 pistol. Specific endurance metrics from these trials, such as round counts or malfunction rates, remain undocumented in publicly available records. Subsequent independent assessments confirmed the pistol's baseline reliability with full metal jacket ammunition, achieving consistent cycling without notable stoppages in controlled firing sequences. Early production Model 39 variants exhibited vulnerabilities in feeding hollow-point projectiles, stemming from the original feed ramp geometry optimized for ball ammunition; malfunction rates increased with expanding bullets until aftermarket or factory modifications addressed the issue. The Model 39-2 revision, introduced in the mid-1960s, incorporated an adjusted extractor and ramp profile that improved hollow-point reliability, with user-reported function exceeding 95% across mixed loads in post-1970 evaluations. Extractor breakage emerged as a recurrent mode in pre-Model 39-2 examples when subjected to +P pressure ammunition, often fracturing the solid claw component after sustained high-velocity firing; this was attributable to material stress beyond the design's .38 ACP-derived tolerances, resolvable via replacement with reinforced parts and avoidance of loads. In comparative laboratory testing against period peers like the , the Model 39's aluminum alloy frame provided enhanced resistance under salt spray exposure, with minimal pitting after 96-hour protocols, outperforming steel-framed alternatives in humidity-laden environments. Accuracy benchmarks averaged 3-4 inch groups at 25 yards from a rested position using standard 9mm FMJ, lagging behind match-grade revolvers but aligning with standards for rapid engagement. No verified data exceeds 1,000 rounds in wet or fouled conditions, though maintenance intervals of 200-500 rounds mitigated degradation in field simulations.

Combat and Field Performance

The Smith & Wesson Model 39, modified as the Mk 22 Mod 0 "Hush Puppy" with an integral suppressor, proved effective for U.S. teams in Vietnam's from the mid-1960s onward, enabling silenced engagements against sentries and guard dogs during and sabotage missions. Operators documented successful quiet eliminations in dense jungle and riverine settings, where the 9mm Parabellum rounds delivered sufficient terminal effect for close-range neutralization without alerting nearby forces, leveraging to minimize noise and flash. In field conditions characterized by high humidity, mud immersion, and saltwater exposure, the Model 39 demonstrated superior operational uptime compared to the M1911A1, with its aluminum frame providing better resistance to from prolonged wetting and drying cycles in estuarine environments; SEAL after-action reports emphasized fewer maintenance-induced stoppages, allowing sustained readiness during extended patrols. Informal field adaptations, such as enhanced slide-lock mechanisms to prevent cycling during suppressed single-shot use, addressed potential dirt ingress without compromising core functionality. However, the double-action pull, averaging 10-12 pounds with noticeable , posed challenges in high-stress scenarios, occasionally leading to pulls past the and influencing placement; this prompted doctrinal shifts toward pre-cocking for single-action mode in follow-on fire, as evidenced by training manuals and operator feedback prioritizing precision over the DA's first- speed advantage.

Strengths and Limitations

The Smith & Wesson Model 39 features an frame that reduces overall weight to approximately 25 ounces unloaded, enhancing portability and ease of relative to heavier all-steel of its era. This lightweight construction, achieved through heat-treated forgings, supports long-term durability under repeated firing without significant frame degradation. The double-action/single-action system enables an initial long double-action pull for safer handling from a holstered position, transitioning to a shorter single-action for precise, rapid follow-up shots. Ergonomic design elements, including a contoured and balanced proportions, promote pointability and shooter control. The 9mm Parabellum chambering delivers controllable recoil and potential for higher round counts in compatible magazines, consistent with ballistic analyses emphasizing the efficacy of multiple hits over singular high-energy impacts for achieving incapacitation. Limitations include the single-column magazine's capacity of eight rounds plus one chambered, constraining in confrontations necessitating extended engagement. Slide-mounted safety/decocker controls demand thumb extension along the slide's top, which can impede operation when wearing gloves or under duress, unlike frame-integrated alternatives that align more directly with natural hand positioning. Early production models exhibited vulnerability to wear on components like the extractor and feed ramp with intensive use, though subsequent variants addressed these through reinforced designs.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Influence on Subsequent Designs

The Smith & Wesson Model 39 directly preceded the Model 59, released in 1971 as a high-capacity variant featuring a double-stack magazine with 14+1 rounds of , addressing the original's single-stack eight-round limitation while retaining the DA/SA trigger and aluminum frame. This upgrade expanded the platform's appeal for service use, establishing a lineage of scalable S&W semiautomatics that prioritized magazine capacity alongside double-action safety for holstered carry. Introduced in 1954 as the first U.S.-produced DA/SA 9mm , the Model 39 innovated by adapting European-inspired mechanisms—like the Walther P38's hammer system—for American manufacturing tolerances, enabling reliable first-shot double-action pulls followed by lighter single-action follow-ups. Its decocking lever and lightweight alloy frame further normalized compact, corrosion-resistant designs suitable for extended carry, influencing the shift from .45 ACP-dominant paradigms by empirically demonstrating 9mm's controllability and reduced recoil in testing data from military trials. These elements contributed to trends in subsequent pistols, including the SIG-Sauer P220's DA/SA configuration developed in the mid-1970s amid growing U.S. interest in European-style 9mm service arms, and the Beretta 92's 1985 military adoption, which echoed the Model 39's emphasis on capacity and decocker-equipped hammers over traditional single-action triggers. Later S&W iterations, such as second-generation metal-frame models, built on this foundation by refining feed reliability and , with capacity arguments validated by comparative metrics showing double-stack 9mm outperforming seven- or eight-round .45s in sustained fire scenarios.

Collectibility and Market Value

The Smith & Wesson Model 39 exhibits moderate collectibility due to its pioneering role in American 9mm design and limited production run from to 1982. Standard used examples in good to very good condition typically sell for $500 to $900 on the as of 2025, with an average value of approximately $597 based on aggregated sales data. Prices for these s have appreciated by about 3% annually over recent years, reflecting steady demand among enthusiasts. Early production models, particularly those with serial numbers in the 1001-2600 range, command premiums of up to 200% over standard variants owing to their scarcity and transitional features like the long extractor. Pre-Model 39 examples in excellent condition (95-98% original finish) can reach $1,400 to $1,600, while steel-frame variants average higher at around $1,815 used. Documented military-provenance pieces, such as contract models, achieve exceptional values; one 1966 example sold for $35,525 at in June 2025. Mint or near-mint Model 39-2 pistols with original boxes and accessories often exceed $1,000, appealing to collectors prioritizing and completeness. The model's collectible viability is bolstered by robust parts availability from suppliers, allowing owners to maintain functionality without compromising historical integrity. This shootability distinguishes it in communities, where empirical user data highlights superior long-term durability compared to some alternatives in , though primary derives from rarity rather than utility. Auction platforms like GunBroker frequently list examples starting at $400 to $500, with final sales varying by condition and documentation.

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    Smith & Wesson Model 39-2 9mm – 98% Blue, Boxed,Papers,Mag–SN:A426144. Current Bid. $362.50. Buy Now. $1,395.00. 7d 23h | 8 Bids Item #:1133567392.