Smith & Wesson M39
1st generation Smith & Wesson pistol
Overview
S&W Model 39
Left side view of a Smith & Wesson Model 39-2 pistol.
Source: MoviePropMaster2008 via IMFDB -
© Copyright lies with original owner
1971 - 1982 (M59)
United States - US Navy
Description
Introduction
The Model 39 is an early Cold War era pistol of US origin. The Model 39 was developed at the request of the Army Ordnance Corps for an American equivalent of the German Walther P38. The Model 39 was the first in a long lineage of Smith & Wesson pistols that spans three design generations over many decades. Military use was limited, but it was slowly adopted as one of the first pistols in the American law enforcement market that was dominated by revolvers.
Design
The Model 39 uses a short recoil design similar to the P38 and its magazines are near identical. Internally the design differs in using a locked breech that is more akin to the Browning Hi-Power. Externally it is more similar to the M1911 and uses a barrel bushing design and a slide that covers the entire barrel. The Model 39 uses wooden or black polymer grips. Weight was kept down by using an aluminum frame. A steel frame was offered for military use. The aluminum frame was later switched to an alloy for increased durability.
Firepower
The Model 39 is chambered for the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge. It is a semi-automatic weapon using an eight round magazine. The Model 59 uses a double stack 14 round magazine. Effective range is several dozen meters.
Users
The Model 39 did not win large military contracts. It was used by the US Navy in both original M39 guise and modified as the Mk 22 Mod 0 Hush Puppy. Law enforcement sales started slow but grew over time. The M39 was adopted in 1967 by the Illinois State Police as their standard issue duty sidearm. The M39 was replaced in the early 1980's on the production line by the 2nd generation S&W pistols identified by their three number model designations.
Variants
Production models
S&W Model 39
Original version with single stack magazine as introduced in 1954. Produced up to 1966 with an aluminum frame, when production switched to using an alloy frame. The slide remained steel. These later models with alloy frame are known as the M39-2.
S&W Model 59
Double stack magazine variant of the M39. Developed from an earlier request of the US Navy for a larger magazine capacity. Introduced in 1971. Only ever produced with an alloy frame.
Special modification
Mk 22 Mod 0 "Hush Puppy"
Variant of the M39 modified for Navy SEALs in the Vietnam war. Fitted with an extended barrel threaded for a suppressor. Much taller sights were installed to clear the height of the suppressor. A slide lock prevents noise from cycling. Subsonic ammunition was used. An attachable wireframe stock was issued as well. Prototypes using Hi-Power magazines were developed but never used in combat.
Details
Related articles
Browning Hi-Power
The M39 uses a locking mechanism as used on the Hi-Power.
Colt M1911
At a glance the M39 looks similar to the Colt M1911. A similar barrel bushing design is used.