All I want for Christmas is...a Marlin 39A

[Dirty Dawg]

I've had the bug for some time now but am close to pulling the trigger (no pun intended) on what looks to be a fun and reliable shooter. I already have a Henry varmint express .17 HMR but I'm thinking I'd rather have the full range of .22 caliber rounds at my disposal over the .17 HMR. Aesthetically, I prefer the older models with smooth stocks over the newer checkered stocks but I wonder if it's worth the difference in price. Are the older rifles better overall as a rule and what should I expect to pay for a nice shooter? What do Y'all think? Is the Marlin worth dumping the Henry?

 

[ArmedBear]

I have one from 1973 and one from 2007 and, quality-wise, they're the same.

The old one has no crossbolt safety and a conventional hammer.

The new one has the safety and a rebounding hammer.

The wood on the newer one is nicer walnut. The checkering is fine; so is the non-checkered version.

The only reason I'd keep the Henry is if I really wanted a lever action in .17 HMR. But I'm kind of partial to the Marlin 39.

 

[desidog]

May your wish be granted!

 

[CajunBass]

I've got one from 1982. Darned fine rifle, but I can't see any real difference between it and the new ones, other than obvious things that AB has already mentioned. Checkered stock vs smooth, crossbolt safety vs no safety. I like the checkered stocks myself and I think the wood on the new ones I've looked at look better than the smooth ones on mine, but that's a matter of taste I suppose. You might like the smooth better. The crossbolt safety is a non-issue to me. I've never shot a new one, but from what I read around here and other forums the new ones shoot just fine. So does my old one.

If I was looking I'd look for a used one, but only if I could get it for less than a new one. If I had to pay new price, (and some of the used prices I've seen are pushing up pretty close to new) I'd just go ahead and get a new one.

Whichever one you get. Merry Christmas!

 

[SwampWolf]

Start looking for a long stocking! As the other posters have said, it pretty much comes down to aesthetics. I happen to prefer the checkered stocks.

 

[sheepdog]

...maybe you ain't been THAT good this year...but the 39A's capability for s, l, and lr over the high price of the .17 round sure would be my deciding point...and a finer rifle's never been made...some length of .22 ammo will be available long after the .17 rounds have become a memory...(maybe Santa's been busy down Tiger's chimney and won't notice your slight indescretions...I hope you get your Marlin!!!)

 

[M67]

Dang, it's a zoo in here.

First six posters in the thread include three dogs, a wolf, a bear ... and a French-speaking fish?

 

[Big_E]

Dang, it's a zoo in here.

First six posters in the thread include three dogs, a wolf, a bear ... and a French-speaking fish?

Omg, that is hilarious great observation.

I would leap for the Marlin over a Henry in a heartbeat. Plus the Marlin has Microgroove rifling, don't know if its a gimmick or not but sure is cool. I believe the 39A is referred to as the "Cadillac of .22's"

I want one so badly too. But I am asking for cash again this year.

 

[sheepdog]

Asking for cash...

...how many billion are YOU after???

 

[desidog]

Billions? which third world denomination?

I ask for cash too...nobody wants to give me ammo, slings, scope rings....or guns for that matter....and i really don't give a hoot for sweaters. If i don't ask, its unwearable clothing or stuff for my dog; but she just buries bones, and likes going shooting too.

I hope Santa brings you all nice rifles, with bricks of .22lr as stocking stuffers.

 

[Big_E]

Lol, I have no idea what I want to get right now so I am just saving up for a rainy day.

I would like to get a .22lr pistol (Walther P22 or Buckmark Contour) but the damn CA laws and transfer thing is annoying since I'm not 21 yet.

Actually what I really want for Christmas is a decent job. I don't care if it's minimum wage I just want something tolerable. That way I can buy more guns!!!

 

[Dirty Dawg]

Thanks for the replies Gents! My schedule has been crazy lately, leaving just enough time for work and sleep but it's about to get much better. When things finally slow down, I'm going shopping. Sounds like the new Marlin 39A has the edge over the older model and it's a heck of a lot easier to find in mint condition! Can't wait...

 

[sheepdog]

...be sure to ask Santa for a few bricks of .22 short HP...he must have em'...can't find 'em anywhere else...I think the 39A will hold 25 of them at once...if I remember correctly....

...my bad...26+ one in the barrel makes 27...

 

[robctwo]

I bought the 39A a couple years ago. Looked at a few gun shows and the used ones, not collector quality were more$ than the new one, so I bought a new one for the grand kids. Don't have any yet, so I'll shoot it a bit. Put a 4x scope on it and it shoots lights out. It is a full sized rifle.

Have had so much fun with it I bought a Rossi Puma '92 in 45 Colt last Spring. Now I've got both ends of the spectrum covered in levers from the 1800s.

 

[CZguy]

I own 12 .22s and I'll have to admit the 39a is my favorite. And the way it's made there's a good chance it will be my grand children's favorite too.

 

[eastbank]

i just picked up three marlins, and this marlin 39 golden mountie made in 1967(ac prefix). in ex con. was one of them. eastbank.

 

[sheepdog]

...only lever action I'd prefer to the full-sized 39A...had one in the 70s and let it go:banghead:....someday I'll find another....

 

[Brian Williams]

That would be my third choice in a 39, I would take a 39T (Takedown) first, a 39M (Mountie) second and a 39A last.
May your wish be granted
OBTW I have a 39M, Great shooter and lots of fun.

 

[CZguy]

Watch out for the Stobor

OK, what's a Stobor?

 

[TCB in TN]

I own 12 .22s and I'll have to admit the 39a is my favorite. And the way it's made there's a good chance it will be my grand children's favorite too.

You sir are a man after my own heart. I have 8 .22s rifles of my own (not counting the ones for my boys and the pistols), including 2 mounties and they are by far my favs. They are great guns, period.

 

[Dirty Dawg]

Just when I had my mind made up to buy a new 39, eastbank goes and posts up a beauty like that! I'm still on the fence but going to have to make up my mind quick or Santa is gonna miss me all together.