Comments on the classic Marlin 39A

[Sandy50]

'Morning fellow shooters!

In 1966 a good friend of mine let me shoot his Marlin 39A....impressively accurate. I promised myself that someday I would buy one for my collection. Finally, in 1992 I found one at a gun show in Denver. The serial number dates it as produced in 1957. Also, a damned fine year for Chevrolet. While this rifle is a real shooter, someone, somewhere did some heavy sanding on the forearm. Don't know why since it essentially ruins the value as a Collector Piece, but this rifle is such a classic and the model has such personal value to me, I bought it anyway just for the accuracy and marvelous lever action.

I have read other threads discussing the virtues of the Marlin 39A, but I'm now thinking of doing some small bore iron sight competitive shooting at the Colorado Rifle Club and was wondering how others have faired in similar competitions.

I would appreciate comments from fellow shooters.

Best regards,

Sandy

 

[dfariswheel]

Use of a Marlin 39 in competition depends on the competition.
It'll work very well in some types of shooting, not so well in others.

Accuracy is going to depend on the individual rifle and on how serious you are at testing with different ammo until you find the one brand/type that gives the most accuracy in that specific rifle.
Many people report getting minute of angle groups at 100 yards with a good 39-A and selected ammo.
This would usually be with a real Match grade ammo like Eley 10-X or one of the other match grade brands like CCI Green Tag.

Another factor is sights.
If the match allows scopes, you'll do better with a good scope. If it's iron sights, take a serious look at the fine "click" adjustable Lyman or Williams aperture receiver sights and a better front sight than the factory bead. A straight military type blade or even an aperture front sight will increase your scores.

If you're going to be shooting in a standard, formal smallbore match with other shooters using Anschutz target rifles you may not fair too well, but you can still have a lot of fun.