S&W Model 39-2

[Bo]

My cousin was given a S&W Model39-2. Not being much of a gun guy, he ask if I would look it over and check it out.
First thing I did was find a YouTube video on disassembly. Since the recoil plug and spring don't come out the end of the barrel, you're supposed to pull the slide back and match up the notch with the slide stop.
Here lies the problem, after pulling the slide back, I cannot push the slide stop out with my finger. I had to use the handle of a pair of needlenose pliers to push it out.
Am I missing something here? Why would the slide stop be so hard to push out?

 

[Murphys Law]

How much wear is on the gun? Could be it was only used casually and never broken down for cleaning very often? I've noticed that issue on even the newer Gen3 S&W's s so its not unusual. My own S&W 5906 (similar design) is so well worn now that I can pop the slide stop out with just my finger tip. Make sure the magazine is out.

 

[9mmepiphany]

It likely hasn't been disassembled very often.

I used to align the slide and then push the end of the slide stop pin against my bench...pops right out

 

[Stony]

It went in and it should come out. You just have to find the sweet spot where it fits in and out. Lots of 1911's have this same condition and guys end up putting a nice half moon on the frame.

 

[RainDodger]

Yep, it should come out relatively easily. Take care with it if it's in nice condition. I'm seeing those guns go for good prices these days. Many people don't like them much, but I had an early 39 and it was (and still is) totally reliable and fun to shoot. Works great. I traded it to a good friend who keeps it in his wife's nightstand... she likes the double-action and shoots it well. They're nice guns and fit smaller hands well with the single stack mag. Wish I hadn't traded mine!

 

[CajunBass]

I used to just give mine a light tap or two with the handle of my pocket knife when it didn't want to come out. They loosen up with use.

The Model 39 is still my favorite semi-auto. I'm a revolver guy at heart, but there is a special place for the 39-2. I wish I had kept one of the ones I've had over the years. It is the classic "more elegant weapon, for a more civilized age", at least IMHO.

 

[USAF_Vet]

It'll get better as you clean it. With my 469 (similar model, identical takedown) I had to use a brass punch to knock the pin out from the right. Found out, it was coated in black, nasty crud, as was much of the interior of the frame. Take it down, clean it, and it should go back together much easier, and subsequent take downs should also be easier.

 

[W.E.G.]

Be sure to give the firing pin channel a good cleaning.

 

[BlindJustice]

+1 on the suggestions i usually use hard plastic
box some .22 stingers came in to start the slide
release/lock Pin piece out from the RH side. on 1911s
and my CZ 75B.


In case the O.P. wants a brief history

S&W Model 39 came out around 1950,
DA/SA single stack 9x19 Illinois Highway
Patrol adopted it, in ''68 - 1st major LEO
Agency to switch from Revolvers to Semi-Auto.

ISP had reliability issues & Working with S&W
S&W fixed those issues with the 39-2.

R-

 

[hAkron]

The 39-2 slide stop has a small detent plunger in it that helps keep lateral tension. If that is gummed up, you may have problems removing the slide stop.

Parts 72 & 73 in the schematic
https://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufa...AutoPistols-42024/39Series-35283/39-34045.htm

 

[Cocked & Locked]

Every thread needs a picture of said gun.

 

[W.E.G.]

 

[hAkron]

Technically I'm cheating...this is a 39 and not a 39-2...let me see what other pictures I've already uploaded to picasa.