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The Marlin 39 Club

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Yeah, Mo, they all fire with a second hit. There's a couple of red squirrels out in the woods who should be feeling mighty lucky on account of those light strikes!
I have been working on the April 39a match, but I haven't had time to do the lever gun match yet or the centerfire bonus pistol match. As a novice reloader, I've been trying to load my own ammo for the lever gun and centerfire matches. I think by the last week of April I'll have something to send you. The snow is melting fast now thankfully and with it, there comes a whole list of things I have t'do 'round the homestead. This winter was really hard on the home and garden stuff this year. Moles are running rampant in my yard ; I'd like to find a remedy for that, preferably with .22 slugs, but the darn things don't show themselves very often. Anyone know how to bring 'em out into the open?
 
Went to the gun show today. Now I have 2 - 39A's Picked up one with a letter P prefix this time, haven't looked up the year yet. It's in much better condition than the first one probably between 80% and 90%. I even paid less for this one.
 
Way OT - intro

Hi Nemo, Hi everyone.

Stumbled across this little 39 fan club this evening. Quite a long thread y'all got here! Figured may as well introduce myself. :neener:

I'm like a few others I saw in the other THR thread (aka What's the general opinion about the Marlin Golden 39A ???), in that I bought it years ago without knowing what I had found. Right at or about 1976, first full year in the USN and assigned to the sub base in Groton, CT. A shipmate was a rabid squirrel hunter, so I had to get something to go along. The PX had this 39A new for about $70. I was in business!

Sadly, I never took a single tree rat that season. It went into non-use for a long time, but I joined a nearby range 8 years ago, and shot it a lot. It's killed around 80 - 100 bushy-rats (lost count way back) and assorted chipmunks in my backyard using Aguila / Colibri non-powder cartridges. With primer as their only fuel, the 20-gr. pills are only effective to about 35 yds. Beyond that, they'll thump a rodent but it only annoys them; accuracy suffers as velocity quickly declines. Squirrels may look cute, but they're dang tough to kill.

Gotta mosey on for a while, but I'll check back with y'all from time to time.

Mark in Birmingham / aka Sadlsor
 
Sadlsor, welcome to the club. Good to have you with us.

Cool story. I'm envious of the numbers of squirrels you've taken.
Hope you're eating those little delicacies.

... assigned to the sub base in Groton, CT
Click to expand...
I lived very near there in the 80's, mostly in Westerly and Wakefield over in RI.
Even considered taking a job at Electric Boat for a while during grad school,
but found something else closer. (Managed a deli.)

39's rock, eh? And you got a new one for $70? That's outrageous. :D

Nem
 
Thanks for the welcome, Nemo. After reading a good while, I felt welcome even before I registered here. :)

Seventy bucks seems like a steal today, but for perspective, consider that I could never put a whole $5 of gas in my VW Beetle then. Today, that same feever wouldn't budge the gas gauge off of "E." :banghead: Shoot, that won't even fill the empty tank on my motorbike.

Ah well, this site, and this thread in particular, has renewed my appreciation for my little pill popper, to the point I'm considering a second one. Problem with zeroing the gun for these "Super Colibri" hecho-en-Mexico (off the box - I don't abla Espanol!) is I have to re-zero for *real* .22 ammo. If I were a *real* shooter, I'd note the scope settings and it wouldn't be an issue to reset. I killed a ton of 'em with iron sights here in the 'burbs before I mounted a Bushnell Elite 3200, 3x9 vari. Aging eyes, you know. Maybe some readers can relate.

Of all my long guns, I only have 1 other with optics. I primarily embarass myself in NRA hi-power matches. Local only - I try to limit my foolish exploits. :eek: But, it's all fun, and at least I'm exercising our 2nd Amendment rights in attempt to prevent atrophy. (I know this is preaching to the choir - please forgive.)

The good news is, a quick search last night led me to a dozen or so used models, some at fairly reasonable prices. So, they ARE in fact available at less-than-retail.

In closing, I'll simply relate a mildly frustrating hour this morning of sitting on my deck during coffee consumption (i.e., daily constitutional), I watched 4 'munks and a young bushy-tail scampering around just beyond effective range. It's as if they know the kill zone, and don't want to tempt fate. So, I'm actually considering a 2nd 39A for .22 shorts. I live in a heavily-wooded suburb, so shooting down from the deck, careful selection of backdrop, and waiting till most neighbors are off to work might net some serious rodent de-population.

I'll never forget my first foray into property protection - I hadn't shot the gun in years, and lit off a .22 long at a squirrel, shortly after moving in our house. I distinctly recall the resounding KAA-RRRAAA-CC-CCKKKK!!!! that seemed to resound for miles. I ran upstairs, tossed the gun under the bed, made sure all the lights were off, and trembled in dread. I just KNEW the local constabulary would be knocking on the front door in moments, with sidearms drawn and shiny handcuffs at the ready.

It is tempting to postulate whether I could get away with the relatively mild, occasional sound of a .22 short. When shooting the Colibri's, the sound of a small lead round striking dense squirrel flesh is considerably louder than any report resulting from firing pin contact with the primer. That still surprises me, but the non-sound makes for less non-welcome visitations by those of different opinion. If the idea of shooting a firearm in proximity of neighbors is offensive to some, I'll apologize, but likely won't repent. I feel my judgement and situational awareness will not limit , but prevent collateral damage.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
 
Sweet Lips

Hi All
Well as I posted in the rimfire stickie Sweet Lips threw a fissie hit when I dared to shoot Calamity ahead of her at the range.:what: I definitely have decided to go back to the peep sites on the levers tho. Absolutely no fun poppin' off one round every 20 seconds or so and then checking with the spotting scope to see how I am doing.:barf: Have a Marlin 883s for the touchy-feely stuff and it does a very good job at that. Put the Skinner back on Sweet Lips and the Williams back on Calamity and what ever I get, so be it. Lot more fun playing original assault rifle.(also have a marlin M60s to REALLY relieve stress);) Can't get back to the 50yd range by the end of the month so will have to sit this one out.:banghead:
TaKe CaRe
Ted
 
Putting a Scope on a Model 39 Brace of One Thousand

I got these guns years ago in payment for a debt and decided to make them shooters since they are such sweet guns and the value never went up much. This is the Marlin 100 year commemorative set Model 39 Presentation and Model 336 Presentation Brace of One Thousand. I don't believe the 30-30 has ever been fired. I want to put a scope on the .22 but it doesn't appear to have any mounting holes. (unless they are under the rear sight) It is probably a simple answer clouded by my ignorance. Do I need to go to a gunsmith? And what would be a good scope, assuming I can put one on it? I am mainly shooting varmints (ground squirrels) as I seem to be overrun with them.
 
First of all, Welcome to THR!

Unfortunately, I can't give you any ideas on mounting a scope on a 39 Presentation Model because my eyes are all watered up for some reason - must be the oak pollen.



No! Don't do it! I beg of you.
 
Time on my hands

Hi all,
Unable to make the 50 yard range in time to get a decent target with the 39A
this time. Read an article on accuracy with the .22 where they talked about measuring the rim thickness and weighing the cartridge. The weight didn't seem to make as much difference as the rim thickness did. So I took a couple of boxes of Fiocchi and measured the rims on them and separated them by .002 into 2 piles. The accuracy within each group (5 shots/group) at 22 yards, max for the range, using a Skinner aperature was the best I had ever shot without a scope. Have done the same with 2 more boxes and will try again. Nuthin scientific. Not goin to get involved in proper way to measure or all that stuff, know now standard for BR guys due to how FP hits, shell sitting on rim, etc, etc. Jus stuck a caliper on rim edge and did best at repeatin it on each cartridge. Don't have shell holder, ain't investin in one.
Was interestin and seemed worth the effort to try again.
TaKe CaRe
Ted
 
Shaky, an easy low cost method is get yourself a fired .223 case, measure the OAL then slide in a 22 cartridge, remeasure, subtract the first measurement form the second and you get the same rim thickness measurement as the $50 device they sell for it.
 
Shaky, an easy low cost method is get yourself a fired .223 case, measure the OAL then slide in a 22 cartridge, remeasure, subtract the first measurement form the second and you get the same rim thickness measurement as the $50 device they sell for it.
Click to expand...

Excellent! Now I have finally found a good use for the old dial indicator I have sitting in the drawer of my reloading bench.:cool:
 
Still seeking a totally clean 39A! That was my first rifle at 10, and was quite a jump in quality, beauty, and shootability from the Wards 410 single shot shotgun I got late in my 8th year of age! I had it till I was 16 when my mom helped me buy a Colt Diamondback in .38spl. I have really missed the 39A ever since!
 
The May Match has been posted

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=360371

In the spirit of comradeship, it is May Day after all... I've allowed other action types into the game. :eek:

Now Fast can show us what his Model 60 can do! The rest of us can dust off those inferior (to the Model 39) rimfires and remind ourselves why we like the 39's better. :p

Eligible rifles are repeating rifles that came stock with iron sights. You may use scopes but the rifle had to have come from the factory with irons on it. Use the rifle(s) you'd pack around all day squirrel hunting.
 
Eligible rifles are repeating rifles that came stock with iron sights. You may use scopes but the rifle had to have come from the factory with irons on it. Use the rifle(s) you'd pack around all day squirrel hunting
Click to expand...

Since I go to the range 2-3 times a week anyhow for shooting my target .22, I'll have to dust off the 581 and see what I can do with it.:D
 
Rim Thickness

Hi Mo
Thanks much for the suggestion. As you know there are literally thousands of those shells lying around any range. I will pick a couple up the next time at the range. The actuall thickness is not as important as the uniformity between the rims. Using the calipers I am separating them by .003 groups at the moment. ex: .040-.043; .043-.046; .046-.049. That is the widest spread I have found +/_ .004 which is .008 total in one box of Fiocchi. Not high priced stuff. But just a few minutes doing this and the results were quite noticeable. Next time will try to be more careful in recording results.:uhoh: Maybe. I shoot for stress relief, not to start a new stress.:evil: That was why I quit golf.:fire:. Anyway, thanks again Mo. Another great Postal match and hope to enter the May one with two or three rifles.
TaKe CaRe
Ted
 
Rim thickness

Hi Mo
Thanks again for the tip on the .223. Works like a charm. Picked a couple up at the local "short range". yesterday. I think there really is something to the thickness theory, especially with the WRM. I shot 2, 5 shot groups so small that I had trouble realizing that 5 shots had gone through. Granted this was at 22 yds. but I had never done anything like that before. Can't wait to get to the "long range" to see how things wring out.;) By then I should have several boxes of WRM and LR sorted and ready to go. :D:D The article I got this from is Achieve Maximum Accuracy from Your .22 Rimfire by Layne Simpson in "Guide to Accuracy" a Shooting Times special publication.
TaKe CaRe
Ted
 
Mo,
I'll do that. But it looks like it will probably be from the "short range" for a while. May not get down to the "long range" in time for the center fire time limit either. And that after buying Calamity specificly for that match too. Bummer. Still trying tho.
TaKe CaRe
Ted
 
Another .22

Hi All,
Well when Mo had the handgun sideshow, and someone said they used a S&W M17, I got the shakers up for that revolver again.:what: And wouldn't you know, my pusher has one in his case. After some dealin' with a beater M28 that I have not used since when+, I now have a M17-4 to go with the Marlin 39A. Those 2 should be a hoot to shoot.:D It has the target trigger, hammer, and grips(tho not # to the gun). Really looking forward to getting it to the range.
TaKe CaRe
Ted
 
New 39A owner

I picked up an unfired but once transferred (ffl) 39A for $375.00 Thursday. Since it was new / unfired Marlin agreed to give me the warranty even though it was transfered once prior to me getting it. Apparantly some guy changed his mind after filling out and filing the ffl paper work. My son was in visiting for Mothers Day so we hit the Range with the new 39A, customized 1022 and a Browning Buckmark. Put about 150 rounds through her and it was flawless. After reading all of the post here I am going to order a Skinner sight this evening. I think I have found another keeper! I must say I was very happy with Marlins representitive for allowing the warranty to apply in this case. I sold my last Marlin 336 about twenty years ago. Based on how this .22 shoots and Marlins service I think I will be adding a new 336 to the collection as well.

James
 
Jwh2, welcome in. $375 for a 39? You scored.

I just posted basically this same msg over at the 336 club.

Sorry to be such a flake. I'd rather be here. :(

(Well, actually, I'd rather be at the range, then here.)

Absolutely being eaten alive by the business right now.
I'm at work now on Sunday night; note the time stamp. Been here since noon.
Just checking in to regain a bit of my sanity with a momentary diversion from work stuff ...
(Haven't even been able to pay all of May rent yet ... but going in the right direction.)

Delighted to see the club house in good hands. Please continue.
Click to expand...
 
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I went into the shop last week and got told my new Marlin 39A could be 6 months away, and I ordered it in February - D'OH! :cuss:
 
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