Posted: 12/31/2011 9:29:45 AM EDT
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Hi There,
The Father in Law has several firearms and is wanting to sell a few he never shoots for a new over under shotgun. Thing is, he isn't sure what a lot of them are worth and doesn't want to get taken advantage of and sell something that he doesn't know the price of. I looked at, and took photos of several that I wasn't sure what they were, either through unfamiliarity with the manufacturer or model. One is the S&W pictured here. I think it is an early model 952. Could somebody please offer their knowledge and insight into what type of S&W this is and what its resale value might be?? I know he would greatly appreciate it and I would too. Here is a pic of the only numbers I could find on it. Says 'Model 38' but Googling it only return revolvers in .38, of course. 
Token pic to show condition of the chamber. It is old but looks to be in excellent shape overall 
I accidentally deleted the only shot with the slide closed. Oops. 
ETA: We both noticed how hard it is to hit the slide release. Quite a reach, if that helps IDing at all. |
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Thanks for the positive ID.
That is very helpful and a very interesting piece. What are your personal opinions of the platform? Looks like it was a workhorse for a bit. As for the composition of the frame, I am not sure. Only handled it for a bit but am guessing alloy? Assuming this affects the value what can he expect to get out of it? Always grateful for the quick responses. FIL has a link to this thread, urging him to join, and I need to re-up mine |
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Will do. Thanks again!
Sorry, one last question. It definitely looks like a 39 and I don't really have much doubt, but all the pics I see are marked 'Model 39-2' While the pic is a littler blurry and I am not 100% it says 'Model 38', I am pretty sure there is no -2. I am having the FIL check when he gets home though to confirm. Does this make any difference? Nevermind. FIL looked and it does say 'Model 39'. It is an alloy frame (not magnetic). Now to come up with a price to offer him! |
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A model 39 in excellent condition seem to be selling for closer to $400 on gunbroker. Any listed for more than $400 don't seem to get any action. If the pistol shows wear like it may have been carried it could sell for $300 up just depending on how much wear. The model 39 was not particularly known for great reliability (feeding). The Illinois State Police issued the model 39 and had a lot of influence on S&W bringing out the updated model 39-2. The 39-2 had improved feed ramp and extractor over the original model 39. I sold my brother my model 39-2 back in the mid 80's for $400 because I had medical bills and wasn't carrying the pistol. Since this was my first pistol I carried as a Police Officer he gave me a chance to buy it back. I gave him $400 because that is what he paid me and I had sentimental value. For that same money you can buy a used police Glock or 3rd Generation S&W 5904 or 3904 for the same money as the model 39 and get a better newer pistol.
I personally like the model 39 and when I got hired by ISP in 1988 I was issued a 2nd generation model 439 (updated 39-2) which I wish I still owned. The original model 39 was designed around full metal jacket ammo like the Lugers and P38 of WW II and usually were reliable with ball FMJ ammo. The newer designed S&W autos were designed to work with the JHP ammo and didn't need to be tuned to work with JHP ammo like the original model 39. The Model 39 is a good gun for collectors of S&W because if was the first (D/A) semi auto adopted in significant numbers by Law Enforcement in the US. The 1911 45 ACP saw limited use back in the 60, 70 & 80's but the S&W's tended to be accepted more by Police administrators. The frame is andonized aluminum and is the reason the finish doeesn't match the blued slide. I hope I didn't ramble on to much. |