Top 6 Smith and Wesson 39-2 Problems And How To Fix Them

I recently took the Smith and Wesson 39-2 for a field spin-out. Gotta say it has a lot to offer. But you know, nothing is perfect. While using it, I ran into a few issues that I bet some of you have probably experienced.

I’ll dive into six common issues I’ve faced with the Smith and Wesson 39-2. We’ll tackle takedown issues, extractor problems, magazine issues, decocking concerns, trigger hammer troubles, and precision-related issues.

The goal here is simple. I will share the issues I’ve encountered and, most importantly, offer practical solutions for each. 

Overview of Smith and Wesson 39-2 Problems & their Solutions

Problems	Solutions
Takedown Issue	Polish away the burr that’s causing the slide to get stuck.
Extractor Problem	Smooth out the burr obstructing the slide.
Magazine Issue	Switch to an original magazine designed for the Smith & Wesson 39-2.
Decocker Problem	Replace the old sear release lever with a new, compatible one.
Trigger Hammer Problem	Reposition the drawbar; if needed, clean and reassemble lower frame.
Precision Issue	Slug the barrel and optimize your powder charge for better accuracy.

Smith and Wesson 39-2 Problems & Solutions

1. Takedown Issue

The first issue on the list is the takedown problem. You know, that awkward moment when you’re all set to clean your gun, you retract the slide, align the takedown pin in the slide’s slot, and then boom—things go south. 

Instead of smoothly gliding forward, the slide gets stuck after a smidge of movement. The gun just decides it doesn’t want to be taken apart. Annoying, right?

Solution

Don’t sweat it; I’ve got a fix for you. During one of my takedowns, I noticed the culprit—a tiny little burr that was stopping the slide from going all the way forward. So, I took a polishing tool and gently smoothed out the burr. 

Just like that, the slide started behaving again. This might sound a bit technical, but trust me, it’s a straightforward fix. All you’ve gotta do is polish that pesky burr away. 

Give it a try; it worked like a charm for me!

2. Problem with the Extractor

The first issue on the list is the takedown problem. You know, that awkward moment when you’re all set to clean your gun, you retract the slide, align the takedown pin in the slide’s slot, and then boom—things go south. 

Instead of smoothly gliding forward, the slide gets stuck after a smidge of movement. It’s like the gun just decides it doesn’t want to be taken apart. Annoying, right?

Solution

Don’t sweat it; I’ve got a fix for you. During one of my takedowns, I noticed the culprit—a tiny little burr that was stopping the slide from going all the way forward. 

So, I took a polishing tool and gently smoothed out the burr. Just like that, the slide started behaving again. This might sound a bit technical, but trust me, it’s a straightforward fix. All you’ve gotta do is polish that pesky burr away. 

Give it a try; it worked like a charm for me!

3. Magazine Issue

Alright, moving on to the next hiccup—wait, let’s call it an “issue” instead: the magazine problem. Picture this: You’re on the range, you load up your ProMag, and everything seems good. But then, the moment you try to eject the magazine, it gets stage fright and won’t budge. 

Weirdly enough, when the slide is locked back, the mag seems to find its courage and jumps right out. 

It seems the issue has to do with how the magazine interacts with the slide when it’s locked forward, making it hard to eject. And yeah, it’s pretty inconvenient.

Solution

Now, let’s cut to the chase. The solution here is a no-brainer: just switch out the ProMag for an original magazine designed specifically for the Smith & Wesson 39-2. I did exactly that, and guess what? The magazine problem was gone, just like that. 

These original mags fit like a glove and work seamlessly with the gun. So, if you’ve been struggling with a stubborn ProMag, making the switch is a pretty simple fix that works wonders. 

Trust me, it makes a world of difference.

4. Decocker Problem

Alright, folks, next up is the decocker problem. Now, the decocker is supposed to be a safety feature, right? Well, not so much on this gun. 

Whether you’ve got an empty mag or one that’s full, the darn thing just doesn’t want to work properly. To make matters worse, even after you’ve cleared the gun of ammo, the decocker still needs multiple resets to finally come to life. It’s like the decocker just takes the day off whenever it pleases. 

And let’s be real: a feature that’s supposed to enhance safety should work each and every time.

Solution

So, what’s the fix for this nagging issue? It’s simple but crucial: you need to replace the old sear release lever with a new, compatible one. 

I went ahead and did this, and you wouldn’t believe the difference it made. Suddenly, the de-cocker was back in action, doing its job like it was supposed to. 

If you’re experiencing the same problem, I highly recommend this solution. It’s a direct and effective way to get that de-cocker back in line.

5. Trigger Hammer Problem

So, let’s talk about another pain point—the trigger hammer. It’s pretty simple; you pull the trigger and expect the hammer to do its job. 

But here, that’s not happening whether you’re trying to shoot in double action or single action.

Specifically, something goes awry once the slide is back on the frame. It’s like the gun’s inner workings aren’t syncing right.

Solution

Now for the part we all want—the fix. First, ensure the mag and chamber are empty; safety is priority number one. 

What worked for me was repositioning the drawbar when the gun was fully assembled. I double-checked to ensure all levers were in their right places. 

But if a quick check doesn’t solve it, then roll up those sleeves and go for a full disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly of the lower frame and its components. This did the trick in my case, and the hammer started working as it should. 

Trust me, a little elbow grease can make all the difference.

6. Problem with the Precision

Alright, let’s dive into another issue I faced—precision. I’m counting on my pistol to be as accurate as possible when I’m out in the field. However, using 124-grain cast bullets, this thing was all over the place at 25 yards. 

Imagine trying to hit a bullseye, and you’re off by a whopping 5 inches! Now and then, I’d get a group that acted normal, but then the next would be scattered.

The sight didn’t seem to be the issue either, so it was perplexing, to say the least.

Solution

So, what’s the secret sauce to solve this? Turns out, it’s not the gun but the ammo. After some tinkering, my advice is to slug your barrel if possible; the bullets could be undersized. Next up, check your powder charge. 

Even if it’s enough to move the slide, that doesn’t mean it’s optimized for accuracy. In my tests, getting the powder pack just right made a world of difference. 

Aimed and fired, and voila! The spread got noticeably better. It’s all about those minor adjustments, folks.

Final Verdict

In wrapping up, the Smith and Wesson 39-2 is a solid firearm with a few manageable issues. Let’s be real: no piece of machinery is flawless, and this pistol is no exception. 

I’ve been through the wringer with this gun, from takedown snags to de-cocker dilemmas. But here’s the upside: every problem has a fix. There are solutions for every issue, whether it’s smoothing out a burr for an easier takedown or swapping out the sear release lever to fix the de-cocker. 

And let’s not forget that tweaking your ammo choice can make a real difference in shooting precision. If you’re willing to invest a bit of time and effort, the Smith and Wesson 39-2 can be a reliable, safe, and accurate tool for your shooting needs.

FAQ’s

What year was a Smith and Wesson Model 39-2 made?

The S&W Model 39-2 was made from 1971-1983.

How many rounds does a Smith & Wesson Model 39 hold?

The magazine holds eight rounds of 9mm Parabellum.

Is a Smith and Wesson Model 39 double action?

Yes, it was the first U.S. designed double action semi-automatic pistol.

Is Smith and Wesson high quality?

Yes, Smith and Wesson has been making quality firearms for over half a century.