The Smith & Wesson Model 39, inspired by the German Walther P-38, became the first American nine-millimeter pistol embraced by U.S. Navy SEALs during the Vietnam War. Celebrated for its reliability and adaptability, the Model 39 evolved into the legendary “Hush Puppy,” equipped with a suppressor for covert missions aimed at eliminating enemy sentries and silencing barking dogs.
One of the earliest American nine-millimeter pistols, the Smith & Wesson Model 39, was adopted by U.S. Navy SEALs for its exceptional ability to conduct silent operations. Originating from postwar America, the Model 39 was heavily influenced by the German Walther P-38, admired by U.S. troops for its reliability and firepower.
Smith & Wesson’s Americanized version of the P-38 featured several key differences, including a 1911-type full barrel slide removed with a twist of a barrel bushing. The Model 39 debuted commercially in 1955 as a double-action pistol, measuring 7.44 inches in length and weighing just 26.5 ounces empty with a four-inch barrel. Its recoil-operated mechanism utilized a modified Colt/Browning locking system, and it housed an eight-round single-stack magazine, mirroring the P-38’s design.
In the 1960s, the CIA experimented with suppressors for the Walther P-38, enhancing its stealth capabilities. These suppressors significantly reduced the pistol’s report, especially when paired with a slide lock that prevented the slide from flying backward. Although this modification turned the pistol into a single-shot weapon and caused considerable wear, it achieved the desired quiet operation.
As the Vietnam War intensified, Navy SEALs sought a new suppressed pistol. The Naval Ordnance Laboratory selected the Model 39, adapting the CIA’s P-38 suppressor and incorporating a slide lock. The enhanced pistol fired a heavy, full metal jacket 158-grain round developed with Remington Arms, which slowed the normally supersonic 9mm round to subsonic speeds, eliminating the sharp crack of a bullet breaking the sound barrier.
To meet the demands of covert operations, the Model 39 was engineered to function after being submerged in water. Plastic seals and muzzle plugs protected the suppressor and barrel, allowing the pistol to operate up to 200 feet underwater without removing the muzzle protection. This waterproofing ensured the Hush Puppy could be deployed in aquatic environments, crucial for SEAL missions.
The modified weapon was designated the Navy 9mm Pistol Mark 22 Mod 0, earning the nickname “Hush Puppy” for its ability to silently take out enemy sentries and barking dogs without alerting nearby forces.
Throughout the Vietnam War, the Hush Puppy proved its worth in numerous covert operations. As the war progressed, Smith & Wesson focused on enhancing the Model 39 to meet evolving combat needs. The company widened the grip and introduced one of the first double-stack magazines in an American handgun, nearly doubling the magazine capacity to 14 rounds. This significant increase was achieved with only an eight-ounce weight addition, thanks to the innovative use of aluminum. The resulting Model 59 entered the U.S. domestic market in 1971, symbolizing a major leap forward in firearms technology during the Cold War.
The Smith & Wesson Model 39/59 saga—from its Germanic roots to its deployment in the jungles of Vietnam—remains a unique chapter in American firearms history. Although no longer in production and rare today, the Model 39/59 earned its place as a reliable and versatile weapon beloved by those who served in some of the most challenging environments of the 20th century.
As fifth-generation warplanes like the F-35 Lightning II take center stage in modern warfare, the Smith & Wesson Model 39 finds its legacy preserved in the annals of military history. The Hush Puppy not only exemplified the perfect blend of reliability and stealth but also set the stage for future advancements in firearm technology. While the Model 39/59 may no longer dominate the battlefield, its impact on covert operations and American firearms innovation continues to resonate, honoring the silent guardians who relied on its deadly precision.
