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It was the first US-designed double action semi-automatic pistol. Originally intended as a service pistol for the U.S. military, the Smith & Wesson Model 39 became a popular sidearm for law enforcement and civilians. Chambered for the 9mm Luger, it features a single stack eight-round magazine. This handgun was quite remarkable when first introduced. I've taken it to the range to see how it rates in three important areas.
There are three factors I take into consideration when evaluating a concealed carry handgun; Time to First Hit, Accuracy and Knockdown Factor. Each one of these is of vital importance if you find yourself in a defensive situation. MidwayUSA has created a scoring system that helps shooters compare concealed carry handguns based on these three factors.
First, how long does it take to fire the first shot on target using only one hand?
Next, how important is accuracy? Extremely. I'm shooting a paper plate at 20 feet. After the first hit, how many additional hits can I put on target using only one hand? Only hits will increase the score.
The third criteria is knockdown factor. Knockdown factor is the ability of the cartridge to knock down an assailant with one well-placed shot. So how does the 9mm Luger rate in knockdown factor? Not too bad.
That's the Smith & Wesson Model 39 in 9mm Luger. Now you know how it rates overall as a personal defense handgun in three important areas.
--Larry Potterfield
