Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this RARE CUSTOM semi-automatic pistol for a penny-start auction, Smith & Wesson 639 “Trapper Gun!"
Lin “Trapper” Alexiou of Trapper Gun Works was one of the more respected custom pistolsmiths of the 1970s and 1980s, operating out of Fraser, Michigan and building a reputation for highly refined custom handguns tailored toward law enforcement, PPC competition, concealed carry, and defensive use. Alexiou trained under the legendary Larry Kelly of Mag-Na-Port fame, and that influence could clearly be seen in the performance-oriented modifications and attention to detail found in Trapper Gun Works pistols. The shop became particularly well known for its highly desirable “Scorpion” and “Trapper Gun” packages built on Smith & Wesson semi-automatics and revolvers, many of which featured custom sights, action work, carry modifications, engraving, and proprietary enhancements that were considered ahead of their time. A Smith & Wesson 639 “Trapper Gun” is an exceptionally scarce and sought-after example today, representing a niche era of high-end custom combat pistols before the rise of modern custom shops. Original Trapper conversions rarely surface on the market, and surviving examples in high condition are considered highly collectible among advanced Smith & Wesson and custom handgun enthusiasts.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson / Trapper Gun Works
Model: 639 “Trapper Gun”
Serial: TAL8840
Model: 639 “Trapper Gun”
Serial: TAL8840
Date of Manufacture: 1982-1988
Caliber: 9mm Para
Finish: Special Order (From Trapper Gun Works) Two-Tone Finish - Black Slide w/ Stainless Frame
Barrel Length: 3 ½" (Shortened from 4")
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front Ramp with Fixed Square-Notch
Stock/Grips: Special Order (From Trapper Gun Works) Smooth Black Synthetic Two-Piece Grips / Bobbed Hammer / Rough-Cut BackStrap
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / The right side of the slide is engraved with “TRAPPER GUN”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Lin “Trapper” Alexiou and Trapper Gun Works of Fraser, Michigan represent a highly respected era of custom combat handgun work, especially from the late 1970s through the 1980s. Alexiou had worked under Larry Kelly of Mag-Na-Port, whose shop was active in the Fraser/Mount Clemens, Michigan area and became known nationally for recoil-reduction and custom handgun work. Trapper Gun Works specialized in purpose-built custom pistols for law enforcement, PPC, IPSC, concealed carry, and serious defensive use, with customers able to special order features and “outfits” tailored to their needs. The best-known Trapper Gun Works pieces are the compact “Scorpion” / “Trapper” conversions, which were custom-built on Smith & Wesson semi-automatic platforms and are considered among the rarest custom Model 39-style pistols. These guns came from a fascinating pre-modern custom pistol era, before today’s large custom houses dominated the market, when individual pistol-smiths modified factory handguns for carry, competition, and duty use. Features could include action work, custom sights, barrel work, porting influence, shortened or refined profiles, carry treatment, engraving, and other customer-selected upgrades depending on the build.
Caliber: 9mm Para
Finish: Special Order (From Trapper Gun Works) Two-Tone Finish - Black Slide w/ Stainless Frame
Barrel Length: 3 ½" (Shortened from 4")
Optics/Sights: Fixed Front Ramp with Fixed Square-Notch
Stock/Grips: Special Order (From Trapper Gun Works) Smooth Black Synthetic Two-Piece Grips / Bobbed Hammer / Rough-Cut BackStrap
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / The right side of the slide is engraved with “TRAPPER GUN”.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Lin “Trapper” Alexiou and Trapper Gun Works of Fraser, Michigan represent a highly respected era of custom combat handgun work, especially from the late 1970s through the 1980s. Alexiou had worked under Larry Kelly of Mag-Na-Port, whose shop was active in the Fraser/Mount Clemens, Michigan area and became known nationally for recoil-reduction and custom handgun work. Trapper Gun Works specialized in purpose-built custom pistols for law enforcement, PPC, IPSC, concealed carry, and serious defensive use, with customers able to special order features and “outfits” tailored to their needs. The best-known Trapper Gun Works pieces are the compact “Scorpion” / “Trapper” conversions, which were custom-built on Smith & Wesson semi-automatic platforms and are considered among the rarest custom Model 39-style pistols. These guns came from a fascinating pre-modern custom pistol era, before today’s large custom houses dominated the market, when individual pistol-smiths modified factory handguns for carry, competition, and duty use. Features could include action work, custom sights, barrel work, porting influence, shortened or refined profiles, carry treatment, engraving, and other customer-selected upgrades depending on the build.
A Smith & Wesson Model 639 “Trapper Gun” is an incredibly rare and desirable example because it combines the stainless second-generation S&W semi-auto platform with the Trapper Gun Works custom legacy. The 639 was already a strong, high-quality 9mm single-stack pistol, but a documented Trapper conversion places it into a much more specialized collector category. Original Trapper Gun Works pistols rarely surface, and examples retaining clear attribution, strong condition, and recognizable custom features are highly sought after by advanced Smith & Wesson collectors, custom pistol enthusiasts, and those who appreciate the golden era of American combat pistolsmithing.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1175747561 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-06-21 22:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
0.01 |
