Data Quality88%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the pistols category.
01 / Overview
Smith & Wesson Model 39
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
PISTOLS · EARLY COLD WAR
3
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
75
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the pistols category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General4MOD.4
- First Production Year1954
- DesignerSmith & Wesson
- Weight (Empty)0.78 kg
- Notable UsersUnited States Navy, Illinois State Police, Rhode Island State Police
◈Cartridge & Calibre5MOD.5
- Cartridge9x19mm Parabellum
- Calibre9 mm
- Case Length19.15 mm
- RimfireNo
- Caseless AmmunitionNo
▣Operation7MOD.7
- Action TypeShort Recoil
- Fire ModesSemi-automatic
- Select FireNo
- Feed SystemDetachable Magazine
- Magazine Capacity8
- Trigger TypeDA
- Safety Typecombination safety and decocker
◇Ballistics3MOD.3
- Muzzle Velocity350 m/s
- Muzzle Energy480
- Effective Range (point)50 m
◆Barrel & Sights5MOD.5
- Barrel Length4 mm
- Rifling Grooves6
- Optic RailNo
- Iron SightsYes
- Threaded BarrelNo
▤Construction6MOD.6
- Overall Length7.55 mm
- Receiver Materialanodized aluminum
- Furniture Materialwalnut wood, polymer
- Folding / Collapsing StockNo
- Bullpup LayoutNo
- Ambidextrous ControlsNo
⬢Features5MOD.5
▲Production & Cost2MOD.2
- Production Start1954
- Production End1983
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1945First deployment: Cold War
- 1954Production started
- 1983Production ended
72
years in service
29
years in production
2
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Conflicts
SMITH & WESSON MODEL 39 · CONFLICTS SERVED IN33% win·33% loss
Total Conflicts
3
Victories
1
Ongoing
0
Losses
1
1967–1975Cambodian Civil War—→1959–1975Laotian Civil WarDecisive victory→1955–1975Vietnam WarDecisive victory→
ⓘ Shown only from conflicts recorded in our database.
05 / Variants
▚ WEAPON FAMILY
07 / MASS Score
PISTOLS RANKING Pistols · Early Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
ⓘ Rankings are within thePistolscategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE3terms
A firearm feed system where ammunition is stored in a separate container (magazine) that can be removed and replaced, enabling rapid reloading.
Adjustable metal aiming devices on firearms, consisting of a front post and rear notch, used without magnification.
Short recoil is a firearm operating mechanism where the barrel and slide move together for a short distance after firing, then separate to complete extraction, ejection, and chambering.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources