The Marlin 39 Club

A&PMechanic

Here's a link to an online Marlin Owner's manual.
You can also contact Marlin for a hard copy.

http://stevespages.com/pdf/marlin_39a39m.pdf

I'd suggest field stripping the rifle and giving it a good clean and some fresh lube.

When disassembling, COCK THE HAMMER ALL THE WAY BACK before separating the receivers halves. Otherwise the bolt, hammer, and receiver can get damaged.
Also pay attention to the part about locking the ejector down while cleaning the bore.

As for shooting High Speed ammo....Why?

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High speed .22 ammo seems to be more common in the stores around here. I've tried 2 different Standard Velocity varities and am acutally encountering some FTFs where the lever gets stuck all the way open and I have to break the gun down to get the round removed and the action closed. Sounds like a couple other folks are having a similar issue. I've got a couple of different makes of ammo on order and am hoping they will feed properly.

tmr612 said:

High speed .22 ammo seems to be more common in the stores around here. I've tried 2 different Standard Velocity varities and am acutally encountering some FTFs where the lever gets stuck all the way open and I have to break the gun down to get the round removed and the action closed. Sounds like a couple other folks are having a similar issue. I've got a couple of different makes of ammo on order and am hoping they will feed properly.

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What ammo were you using when you had the FTF???? Please list by brand/manufacturer & what they named those cartridges......wondering if they were same brand as the ones that I have trouble with for FTF.
I don't have the early model so not limited to standard speed ammo.....I can't believe the OAL of cartridge would be the problem since my bbl is marked S, L, LR.....it should feed any length then you would think.

What ammo were you using when you had the FTF???? Please list by brand/manufacturer & what they named those cartridges......wondering if they were same brand as the ones that I have trouble with for FTF.
I don't have the early model so not limited to standard speed ammo.....I can't believe the OAL of cartridge would be the problem since my bbl is marked S, L, LR.....it should feed any length then you would think.

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So far just two types. I was at a crowded indoor range and didn't want to be disassembling the rifle too many times, so I gave up after around four jams. So far I've tried CCI CB 22 Short 29 GR 710 FPS, and Remington Target Std. Velocity Round Nose 40 GR 1150 FPS. I got one of the shorts to fire and then it started jamming.

I've got some CCI longs, Winchester, and Federal on order, they should be here next Wed. Hopefully I'll have better luck next time I'm out. I'll post my results.

tmr612 said:

So far just two types. I was at a crowded indoor range and didn't want to be disassembling the rifle too many times, so I gave up after around four jams. So far I've tried CCI CB 22 Short 29 GR 710 FPS, and Remington Target Std. Velocity Round Nose 40 GR 1150 FPS. I got one of the shorts to fire and then it started jamming.

I've got some CCI longs, Winchester, and Federal on order, they should be here next Wed. Hopefully I'll have better luck next time I'm out. I'll post my results.

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Check post #3376 to see what ammo gave me the fits and what worked. Bear in mind I have a newer (1971) M39 so can use HS ammo.

I have a 64 Model 39.

I've fired CCI Standard Velocity and CCI Shorts in it as fast as I could throw the lever. Absolutely no problems!

This is one of the smoothest actions ever! It is a Mountie and I love it.

R

dfariswheel

I appreciate the link.

Model 39 feeding issues

Regarding post 3397: I think I may have figured out my problem. I don't think I mentioned it earlier but this rifle is new to me, just picked it up a few weekends ago. It is an early model 39. Today I recieved some different ammo to test my FTF problem. I ran two types through the action, same result lever got stuck open. I did notice that if I held the rifle vertically the rounds would cycle. My theory is that the magazine tube spring is worn out, although it seemed to have plenty of energy when I disassembled/reassembled it. My earlier tests were only with a couple/three rounds. Today I loaded several more rounds in the magazine and I was able to get a few to cycle through the action with the rifle pointed horizontally, then it would jam.

I think I'm going to try a new magazine spring. Seems pretty obvious now. Let me kwow what you think...

Regards,

Tim

tmr612 said:

Regarding post 3397: I think I may have figured out my problem. I don't think I mentioned it earlier but this rifle is new to me, just picked it up a few weekends ago. It is an early model 39. Today I recieved some different ammo to test my FTF problem. I ran two types through the action, same result lever got stuck open. I did notice that if I held the rifle vertically the rounds would cycle. My theory is that the magazine tube spring is worn out, although it seemed to have plenty of energy when I disassembled/reassembled it. My earlier tests were only with a couple/three rounds. Today I loaded several more rounds in the magazine and I was able to get a few to cycle through the action with the rifle pointed horizontally, then it would jam.

I think I'm going to try a new magazine spring. Seems pretty obvious now. Let me kwow what you think...

Regards,

Tim

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Tim, Let me know how that works out...new magazine spring idea....test with several types of ammo and even LONGS and SHORTS if you can find them..& the ammo that didn't work B4.....unless your older gun is not marked for the Longs & Shorts....it may be the answer to my troubles too...maybe....mean time I will try my 1971 M39 rifle in the vertical position with the ammo that did not feed....a long shot....pun intended......but we'll see.....

IBD

Just my 3rd post.

Today I received a Marlin 39 Century Ltd. which I bought via gun broker a few days ago. I bought it off the pics on the site and a little talk with the former owner. Its got some brass furniture commemorating 100 years, and an octagon barrel and a straight grip on the buttstock.

I wonder why it took me so many years to own one of these babies? It is a beauty! The wood shows just a little gentle use, and the blue and overall condition of the gun is 98%. I just finished taking it apart (via instructions I found here) and giving the action a good clean and oil. Cycles like new and has a nice trigger let-0ff. This gun was WELL cared for and shot very little.

Mine has the neatest petite-sized Redfield scope with what appear to be redfield rings too. All is in perfect condition. Did Marlin offer such a scope "package" or was this regular aftermarket add-on's of the period? The little scope really looks neat atop the gun.

I didn't like the way they had the scope set up....so I re-adjusted the position of the scope and rings a bit (not even ring marks underneath).... and boresighted the rifle. Now.....I need to get out to the range and sling some lead. This gun is going to get lots of use when shooting with my granson's this summer. It's a keeper!!

As you can tell.....I'm happy with my purchase. I may just have to find another.....hmmm.....maybe the pistol grip style? Decisions, decisions.

Oh.....and here's some pics of the new piece.

2 Wild Dueces: I do believe you have taken ownership of one of the finest 22lr rifles ever. Once you get it out to the range, or better yet into the field you'll find more and more excuses to be out there with it. That model is typically very accurate too.

Glad to have you with us.

Anyone in the Puget Sound area? There is a Silhouette match at the Machias range on Saturday. Good group of fellers and a well run match.



I'll be there with my 1897 Cowboy (though I'm tempted to take the 39 Century Limited) with the goal to knock down more than I did last time, which is the same goal I have for every match. I'm hoping the conditions are favorable for a chance at a good performance on the Turkeys and Rams.

Thanks for the reply. I read your site and it seems you have been smitten by this gun too....lol. I really didnt plan on owning one with a scope on it....but this rig is too neat. I decided to "plunge" into buying one.....and paid the seller his "buy it now" price of $510. in order to end the auction. (not sure if that price is good/bad/or about right) Now I need to get up to speed on prices before buying other(s).

Its a little early to say....but, if I buy a second 39 (which is highly likely) then I may swap the scope from this one onto another and put a peep sight on this one......or just use the factory sights. Something about a western style gun and scopes that just don't seem quite right to me.

I saw where you removed the stock "emblem".....and I'm considering that too. Really enjoy reading about this model. Thanks for the good info!

2 Wild Dueces said:

Thanks for the reply. I read your site and it seems you have been smitten by this gun too....lol. I really didnt plan on owning one with a scope on it....but this rig is too neat. I decided to "plunge" into buying one.....and paid the seller his "buy it now" price of $510. in order to end the auction. (not sure if that price is good/bad/or about right) Now I need to get up to speed on prices before buying other(s).

Its a little early to say....but, if I buy a second 39 (which is highly likely) then I may swap the scope from this one onto another and put a peep sight on this one......or just use the factory sights. Something about a western style gun and scopes that just don't seem quite right to me.

I saw where you removed the stock "emblem".....and I'm considering that too. Really enjoy reading about this model. Thanks for the good info!

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Check out this site for a receiver sight http://www.skinnersights.com/the_shop_9.html

I don't have one but they sure look good and I am considering one.....

39a repair

I am trying to fix a 39a that some one else took a part. I have all schematics and images of action. But since there not in 3 d i need some help have everything working but the carrier i need to know what the lever catches to pu the carrier. I thing maybe the rocker is broke because it is flat and cant tell in images if it sticks out and that is what the lever catches to raise carrier or something else lifts carrier

thanks

This depends on the age of the rifle:

Here's an exploded view so we're talking about the same parts:

http://www.stevespages.com/ipb-marlin-39a.html

On older rifles, the lever contacts the lug on the carrier rocker, part 50, and pushes the carrier up.
On this type of rocker, there's a lug on the side you can't see in the exploded view that faces inward toward the lever extension.
The lever catches on the bottom of the lug and pushes the carrier upward. When the slot on the lever extension gets even with the lug on the carrier, it slips over the carrier rocker lug.

The spring, part 51, actually fits inside the carrier under the carrier rocker and pushes it toward the lever extension.

On newer rifles, there's a round spring-loaded stud on the carrier that acts as a rocker.

Irish Bird Dog said:

Check out this site for a receiver sight http://www.skinnersights.com/the_shop_9.html

I don't have one but they sure look good and I am considering one.....

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Thanks for the link, I just ordered one for my 39A. I've been looking for a sight like this for years.

Thanks again!

Dan

Going long with open sights.

A local club is doing a long range 22lr match with 1/2 size silhouette targets out to 200 meters, there is an iron sight class so I decided to try the Marlin Cowboy to see how it would do.

Details:
Marlin 1897 Cowboy, 24" octagonal barrel, front sight .450" tall with 1/16" bead; rear sight is a modern Marlin "semi buckhorn" flipdown sight. Both the original front and rear sights were swapped out due to my preference.
Federal Bulk, 37 gr
Targets, standard black bulls and a ~12" gong at 200.
Sitting position.

Counting down from the top my zero's are as follows:
50 yards = 7 notches.
100 yards = 4 notches
150 yards = very top notch.
200 yard zero = ~24" hold over which is about a bead width above the target.

This looks like it will be a very difficult (but fun) match. Just hitting them will be a victory. Since the match is in meters and not yards I'll have to do some adjusting upward.

The rules
Chickens at 50 meters shot offhand
Boars at 100 meters, Turkey's at 150 meters and Rams at 200 meters may be shot from any position except bench rested.
Course of fire is five sighters and then five for score.

I'm not sure if the federal 37 grain HP will have much zip left when it gets out to 200 meters. Hopefully there won't be much wind that day.

Fast Frank was able to smoke a smaller white rock repeatedly at 200 yards with his scoped 39 so I'm confident the rifle is capable, just not sure about me...

Follow up from an earlier post: Yesterday's 3/19, silhouette match started out great. Shot the first nine boars before I started really stinking it up on the turkeys and rams (couldn't miss in practice... ) sort of got it back together on the chickens ending with a 26 out of 40. :banghead: Oh well, still had fun!

I can finally join your club!
Got my first M39A last week, it's a first year, 1939 model.
Still has a little case color on the receiver, bore is fine, wood is great. I had a chance to shoot about 100r through it, fed, fired and ejected perfect.
I have a 'h' of a time seeing that buckhorn rear sight, I'll be looking for a Marbles tang sight for it.

wrench....

Check out this site for a receiver sight

http://www.skinnersights.com/the_shop_9.html

I don't have one but they sure look good and I am considering one.....