Opportunity to buy a new Marlin 39a. Good idea?

[Orion8472]

There is a Marlin 39a at my local gunshop [$450]. New. So with the Remington buy out, and reports of quality issues, is it a good idea to buy it? I looked it over on Saturday, and it seemed to be good, but not sure if it is something [in the QC] that can't be seen on visual inspection.

What is your comment on this?

 

[Paladin7]

I'd look at the gun very carefully and field strip it at the dealer to do so. You may want to bring a .22 dummy round to try it in the action. If everything checks out ok, fit and function, then go for it. The 39a is a GREAT rifle...

Here's a link to .22 dummy rounds for checking actions... http://www.amazon.com/A-Zoom-6-Pack-Precision-Rounds-Proving/dp/B0014VVHT2/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_1_0/189-2456504-1877110

 

[Orion8472]

I heard that they have been made since the late 1890's. What a shame that a company, making them for such a long time, was bought out by another [Remington] who may not be making them as good today. Is there an area where I should be more focused on [known issues]? I'll see if they have any 22 dummy rounds.

Thanks for the input!

 

[Orion8472]

Oh, . . . also, if you were going to sight it with something other than the OEM rear sight, . . . would you scope it, or use one of those Peep style sights that screw into the receiver [Skinner]?

Two options:

1. Scope - to see how accurate this can be at 100 yards. My 10/22 does about an inch at 100 yards with Velocitors. Can this rifle be more accurate?

2. The Peep sight would prove to be more accurate than the OEM rear site, and looks pretty neat as well.

Opinions?

 

[alman]

If the gun checks out , BUY IT . I 've been in the market for one for a year or so & the cheapest i've seen new is $599.00 .

 

[Paladin7]

To your first question, I'd check the general fit and finish first because that is very easy to do...parts all fit properly, wood to metal fit is good, no misaligned sights, bore is clean and no issues with rifling, muzzle is cut well with no dings or issues at the rifling, etc.

Then I would test the action for function with the .22 dummy rounds. Field strip it and look for any noticeable burrs or poorly machined parts. If the gun functions well with the .22 dummy rounds, fit and finish is good, and there are no visible problems seen when its field stripped, then go for it.

Now to the second question...
I have a Marlin 1894 CSS in 357 Magnum pre-Remington. Given my expected use for this rifle, which is NE Woods plinking and hunting, most shots within 50 to 100 yards, and my use of both 357 and 38 special ammo, I went with the FP series click adjustable Williams Peep Sights. They work great and the rifle is very easy to handle in the woods. There are also different apertures you can use for different conditions, which is great. There are also Skinner Peep sights and other manufacturers who produce a good product.

The 39a with Marlins micro groove barrel is very accurate. You could scope it. But that depends on your parameters for use. If you will be knocking around the woods with it, then it probably doesn't make sense.

Just one more point... If you go with a good set of Peep Sights, in most cases you will need a new front sight as well...

 

[alman]

1. Scope - to see how accurate this can be at 100 yards. My 10/22 does about an inch at 100 yards with Velocitors. Can this rifle be more accurate?

A vintage 39a will routinely out-shoot a stock 10/22.................

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Without really seeing it it is hard to comment to accurately but here's both of my cents being a big fan of these:

One could absolutely be worth 450.

Micro-groove barrels can be damaged by neglect/abuse if it is fitted with one.

Crowning returns a lot of accuracy to beat up muzzles.

Deep cleaning can return a lot of reliability to one perceived to have mechanical feeding issues.

If the action is exceptionally sloppy on dry cycling you might be holding a pile-o-parts.

In any case, given the model and the price, I'd risk say, driving across town to look at one for that number but recognize the likelihood of going home empty handed too. Good luck with it.

 

[Orion8472]

Since this is a new rifle, I will have them break it down so I can check for bad machining or burs, and will look down the bore. I hope they have some .22 dummies, but can get some if they don't. I think that sounds like good advice.

On my 10/22 [as a side note], it is a fairly moddified rifle. Bull barrel [16"], free floated, Volquartzen trigger.

I will shoot it with the OEM sights for a while, but will contemplate if I want the peeps or run a scope for more pin point accuracy. At this point, I may go with the peeps and keep it in that more "western" look.

 

[SGW42]

The good thing about 39As is if you have a quarter in your pocket you can break it open right there. The pictures I've seen of the new ones have ridiculous machining marks inside of them, I would be careful.

If everything checks out though, terrific rifle!

 

[Orion8472]

Does anyone have a link to pics showing bad machining? What would I be looking for? Or rather, what SHOULD I see inside? Should it be smooth surfices in there?

 

[Orion8472]

Well, . . . I left the gunstore without the Marlin. First of all, it wasn't $450 [not sure where I got that price from], . . . but $530. There was some slightly ill fitting wood on it. But the most offending part was that the front sight was slightly off center to the left.

I think I will just wait until I can find a used one someday.

 

[bikemutt]

Based on my recent purchase of a 2009 336 with an off-center front sight, and then to learn today my buddy just bought a newer 336CS in .35 Rem and discovered the same problem, I wouldn't buy one. I don't know what is going on with that company but it sure doesn't seem to me that quality control is high on their list of priorities.

I'm still a bit hot under the collar about a gun that came with iron sights that don't line up real good, just seems like they should get that part right.

 

[Orion8472]

Well, I have to say that it is disheartening that Marlin has come to this place, especially since they've been made for so long. Yeah, . . . I'll just have to hope I can find an older 39a.

I DID put an XT-22TR on order. I heard that they are usually good to go, coming form the KY plant.

 

[bikemutt]

I had very high hopes for the one I bought, I'd been following the older ones on gunbroker.com for a few weeks and did not want to chase a blued gun for almost $1000, and certainly not a stainless one for $2000.

Well, now I know why the older ones cost more I guess, shame on me.

Not to pile on but I took the gun to my local range to have the rifle expert look at it, he is quite the Marlin guy. He quipped "ya got a Remlin". Then directed me to an older, retired gunsmith we all know who's "fixed a few of these".

It's not often I find myself being the last one to know something, it is humbling however.

 

[Orion8472]

I feel for ya. It just sucks that Remington destroyed what was a once great company. I won't buy a Remington product now, because of that. Buy a company out if you must. But at least have the decency to release quality!

I'm going to risk the XT-22TR, but will be scoping it anyway.

 

[Jackal]

I just paid $550 for a clean 1983 39M Mountie (short carbine) with a brass Skinner peep. I think I did well even at that price. Amazing little rifles.

 

[bikemutt]

I just purchased a Rem 700 SPS tactical AAC-SD myself, incoming to my FFL. I have VERY high expectations for that rifle. I sure hope I'm not disappointed, I'm too old to absorb the old one-two punch these days.

 

[Orion8472]

Jackal, can you post a pic of the rifle you have? I would very much like to see it.

 

[Jackal]

Ya, here's a quick pic I just took. I have the sight hood, just not on it right now. This rifle deserves better pictures. One thing to bear in mind, these have a surprisingly tight action, when compared to other .22 levers like Henry.

 

[Orion8472]

Nice! Carbine AND Cowboy style. I really would rather find one like that, actually. Maybe someday. Thanks for posting the pic!

 

[76shuvlinoff]

There's a Marlin 39A thread here on the Rifle board that's been going on for years. Lots of pics and reading to enjoy if you wish.

I have a 79 and a 56, both are fantastic .22s. The 79 is cosmetically in nearly perfect shape, the 56 was Dad's, runs like melted butter and is just as accurate as the 79.

They're not cheap, but on the other hand they're not cheap.

 

[Orion8472]

Well, I hope to get lucky, one day, and find an older one. Still pretty sad about the new ones.

*Updated - DANG guys, . . . that is a LOT of pages for the "Marlin 39" thread. It makes me want to hold out for a Cowboy style, in good condition. Carbine, perhaps, . . . dark wood a plus, . . . . hex barrel would be nice, but probably ungodly expensive. That will be my wish list for a future .22 caliber lever action rifle.

 

[Roadking Rider]

Honestly If I was to buy a new 22 lever action rifle today. I'd buy a Henry. There a great company that puts out a good quality rifle that is priced right and 100% American Made. I have never met anyone who has one that had a bad word to say about there purchase of a Henry rifle. It might sound like I work for them, but the truth is I'm retired and do not work for anyone.(yes life is good) I've been on the fence about buying another 22 rifle with the prices of ammo going up,and that Hoo1 Henry is looking better to me all the time.

 

[Orion8472]

We have a Henry in the family. Good rifle. Rear sight was bent, though, and I had to fix that. Only have had it out to the range once and it shot to the left. I plan on taking it to the Bass Pro tube to get it hitting POA.

However, I want to find an older cowboy style 39a now. I love the mechanism and take down, . . . and heavy barrel. Though the Henry is fine, it looks much cheaper [materials used], . . . which isn't surprising, since it doesn't cost much to buy one.