Smith & Wesson Model 39
| Smith & Wesson Model 39 | |
|---|---|
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| general information | |
| Developer / Manufacturer: | Smith & Wesson |
| Manufacturer country: | United States |
| Weapon Category: | gun |
| Furnishing | |
| Overall length: | 192 mm |
| Weight: (unloaded) | 0.78 kg |
| Barrel length : | 102 mm |
| Technical specifications | |
| Caliber : | 9 mm parabellum |
| Possible magazine fillings : | 8 cartridges |
| Ammunition supply : | Bar magazine |
| Fire types: | Semi-automatic |
| Number of trains : | 6th |
| Twist : | Right |
| Visor : | adjustable |
| Closure : | Mass closure |
| Charging principle: | Recoil loader |
| Lists on the subject | |
The Smith & Wesson Model 39 is a semi-automatic handgun that was developed for the American armed forces .
history
The Smith & Wesson Model 39 was developed in the United States as a response to the German Walther P38 after World War II . The military leadership was looking for an equivalent to the P38 and commissioned Smith & Wesson in 1949 to develop the first American double action pistol. The powerful 9 × 19 Parabellum caliber should serve as ammunition . The Model 39 was launched in 1955. A short time later the Model 39-2 appeared with some improvements, including a. a shorter sleeve extractor. The weapon never became widespread in the United States because the 9mm caliber was not yet popular. This weapon was used by some naval units in Vietnam and the first authority to use this caliber was the Illinois State Police in 1968. In 1970 Smith and Wesson introduced the Model 59, which is based on the Model 39, but could already hold a magazine with 14 cartridges. Both models were produced until the early 1980s.
construction
The Smith & Wesson Model 39-2 is a recoil loader with a short slide back barrel. The handle is made of aluminum, the lock is made of steel. The decorative handle scales are made of walnut and are each decorated with a Smith & Wesson medal. The press button of the magazine holder is located at the connection point between the trigger guard and the grip. The magazine is based on that of the P38, the Smith & Wesson engineers only donated a small recess on the right side for the magazine catch. The slide catch lever is located directly above the trigger, which locks the slide in the rear position as soon as the last cartridge is fired. The visor can be adjusted laterally, but not in height. The safety lever is located underneath the sight, which secures the weapon in the lower position and, when swiveled upwards, arm the weapon. However, Smith & Wesson did not add a red mark for the unlocked position. To disassemble the pistol, the slide is pulled back a little and in this position the slide catch lever is pushed out to the left. Now the closure can be pushed out completely and removed.
literature
- Dean K. Boorman: "The Guns of Smith & Wesson". Motorbuch Verlag 2003, ISBN 978-3-613-30483-3 .
