- Smith & Wesson Model 39
Infobox Weapon|is_ranged=yes
name=Smith & Wesson Model 39
caption=Smith & Wesson Model 39
origin=flagcountry|United States
type= Semiautomatic Pistol
service=
used_by=
cartridge=9 mm Para
action=Short recoil, DA
weight= 28 oz. / 1.71 lbs. (0.780 kg.)
length= 7.55” (192mm)
part_length= 4” (102mm)
height=
rate=Semi-automatic
feed=8-round single column, detachable box magazine
range=TheSmith and Wesson Model 39 was developed for the US Army service pistol trials of 1949. It went on the market in 1955 and was the first of Smith & Wesson's first generation semi-automatic pistols.Overview
The Model 39 was manufactured with an anodized aluminum frame with a curved backstrap and a blued carbon steel slide that carries the manual safety. The grip is of three pieces made of two walnut wood panels joined by a metal backstrap. It has a magazine release located at the rear of the trigger guard, similar to the M1911A1 it was designed to replace.
The Model 39 was also produced in limited numbers with a steel frame. This steel-frame model provided the basis for the Model 52, one of the outstanding target pistols of the day. The Mod. 52 had a longer (5 inch) barrel and slide and was one of the few semi-automatic pistols ever chambered for the
.38 Special cartridge (with flush-seated, full wadcutter bullets only). The shape of the rimmed cartridge limited the magazine capacity to five rounds. A further variant, the Model 952, once again in 9 mm Para, is still produced in limited quantities by Smith & Wesson's Performance Center. At 52 years, this may be the longest run ever for a target pistol.The later
Smith & Wesson Model 59 was similar, retaining the original 9mm Parabellum caliber, but had a wider aluminum frame with a straight backstrap to accommodate a double-column magazine that could hold 14 rounds.ee also
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List of firearms References
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