From the Vault: Elvis Presley's Smith & Wesson Model 39 Pistol

Today Steve Ostrem and Keith Ford put on their blue suede shoes and head back to Rock Island Auction Company, where they're all shook up about a certain Smith & Wesson Model 39 pistol. It's a Plain Jane, factory-stock Model 39-2, so why do the guys love it so tenderly? Because it was owned by Elvis Presley. It was presented to the King of Rock and Roll by a police officer fan in Charlotte, NC, and Elvis later gave it to his longtime bodyguard Sonny West. It's in overall good condition, with a little exterior surface rust, probably due to being carried in a shoulder holster. At the risk of engaging in too much conversation and not enough action, the guys give us some background on the S&W Model 39. Developed in the 1950s, it was one of the first domestic double action semi-auto 9mm pistols. In the late 1960s, the Illinois State Police adopted the Model 39, becoming one of the first American police agencies to hang up their revolvers in favor of a semi-auto. The big rush to "Wonder Nines" took off later in the '80s, but in the 1970s, the Smith Model 39 and the high-capacity Model 59 were the main choices in the U.S. for a double action 9mm. But now, after holding Elvis's personal Model 39, the guys have to return to sender - unless they wanna be singin' jailhouse rock!
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[@bryanshaw4434]

"Hunk of burning gun" lolol!

[@fredboat]

Enjoyed the story, I was at Graceland in 2006 and Elvis had a gun range on the back of the estate. It was just a single lane about 30 foot long and there were railroad timbers for the back stop. It looked like it had been used a lot. In the basement in the main house were the recording studio was ,there were a few Holes in the wall also.

[@lonebikeroftheapocalypse9527]

I have a S&W Model 39-2 in nickel finish with walnut grips. My dad bought it in 1981 and it was the last handgun sold by Montgomery Wards. I love it.

[@Junior-fd8ux]

My father had a very profitable business in the 70s and was visited by some guys who wanted him to kick up money there way.. he went out and bought a new mod 39-2 to replace his edc S&W mod 10 snub nose. My father never backed down an thankfully nothing bad ever happened. Out of all thats his favorite piece to this day. Her names ..ol blue. Thanks for sharing.

[@truthtone58]

That's pretty awesome. That is legendary for sure. I wouldn't mind owning it, but any 39-2 is something special, it's a collectors piece.

[@oiops]

With the King's gun I can finish the zombie apocalypse unbitten.

[@williambinions4205]

Elvis is not dead.he just went home

[@robertscott2210]

Lol. I just watched that movie again last week. 👽👍

[@elifoust7664]

Bought one in 1977,Hopkinsville,Ky.

[@marklarson3934]

That was actually Elvis's Television Remote control -- just point and shoot and the TV is OFF ! 😁

[@mohammedcohen]

I bought a Mod 39 from the Illesheim post Rod & Gun club in late 1972...IIRC I paid around $129 for it...I WANTED a P-38 but was talked into the 39 by the manager of the club...unfortunately (in retrospect) I sold it to my late brother, Tim, in 1979 just before I moved from NJ to FL.

[@BT1776]

If Elvis was alive today, I am sure he would have a large collection of firearms.

[@FoxtrotFleet]

I'm surprised he didn't err dress it up like he usually did with his collection. Elvis was quite a fan of decoration! Cool item.

[@GIJose]

Sold for $4,888.

[@chrischiampo7647]

Thanks Guys 😀😃😊

[@cameronmccreary4758]

I was hoping to see your steel frame version.

[@jimbowaters3343]

Best shooting pistol I have ever shot and I have shot a lot .

[@bosse641]

How cool is that.

[@douglass69]

It would be great to see the auction prices.

[@granthagen2996]

WAIT ELVIS CARRIED A 39-2? BADASS!

[@1jbunceiii]

This was the first semi auto that the Connecticut state police used

[@elifoust7664]

ELVIS DIED WHILE I WAS AT FT.CAMPBELL,KY.SAD DAY

[@mgabriel2636]

I was gonna give this a thumbs up until "hunk of burnin' gun". aargh!

[@doxxdeeznuts]

i have that gun. and first!

[@jakedee4117]

Well that's alright Mama
That's alright for you

[@donnkelley6823]

Please,
Take a cue from Ian, there at Forgotten Weapons.....
These guns are fascinating. We love them but they are all for sale there at
Rock Island. When the hammer drops list what they went for in the description......
It really helps to show just how rare and special these firearms are....

[@johndeotte3229]

It would have shot a hunk a hunk a burning lead.

[@jakedee4117]

Uh-huh hu

[@LocustMtn]

Thankyu.....thankyu very much...

[@rustytaylor7708]

That was my first 9mm about 1980 i remember carrying it in the orginal jack ass rig lol.

[@willh7278]

Jack ass rig?

[@russdennis7026]

How much?

[@LeewardStudios]

Unless he used it to shoot out a TV it’s not a true Elvis gun! Lol

[@stevew6910]

His body guard wasnt worth a crap,,, A firearm is a tool, You take care of your tools,

[@guaporeturns9472]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. tool

[@billterry967]

Nope not the gun used in zombieland lol.