Got my first Marlin!

[SGW42]

Brought my NIB Model 39A home today! My first Marlin and my first lever action. Can't wait to try it out, maybe next week after the hurricane.

Paid $430 for it, seems like a great deal on a new model. According to the serial it was made in '06. It came complete with the lock and all the literature, except the user manual. Someone must have swiped it while it sat in the back room for so long. Will have to call Marlin on Tuesday.

Questions -

- Any good source of general knowledge on lever guns (besides THR of course)? All of my other rifles are bolts.

- Is there a safe way to dry fire it? I'm assuming spent case won't feed in this kind of action.

- What's "Mar-Shield?" Mine looks deep blued to me.

 

[streakr]

marlinowners.com

s

 

[Shawnee]

Congrats !

Keep it for Life !

 

[Shade00]

Man, I've been wanting a Model 39A for a while. I can't find one new or used locally, though, after passing one up for $279 a month or so back.

However, I too picked up my first Marlin today - a used Model 60 for $80. Congrats on the great choice!

 

[JustsayMo]

Levers are addictive. Others will likely find their way into your safe...

I've had four 39's and still have two of em. They are my most used firearms. Fun, accurate and rugged.

Congrats and be sure to post a range report in the 39 club thread!

 

[jkingrph]

My first gun, Dad bought me one back in 1952 when I was in second grade. I still have it and will until the day I die, or give it to my son who had better keep it. I also have one of the newer cowboy models, actually for my wife. Then there is Dad's old 336 SC in 35 Rem, a 44 mag, 3855 and several in 45-70. Far better rifles in my opinion than the Winchesters in similar calibers.

 

[Zedo]

Owner's manual is available online. You can download and print it.

What caliber?

Dry firing modern guns is not an issue these days. They're designed better. Still, I don't dry fire guns -- just a good rule of thumb.

I don't know why a fired case wouldn't feed in the gun -- unless it's a straight wall caliber like 44 mag. or 45-70 Govt.

But you should be able to breech load a fired case manually.

 

[aka108]

For a lot of dry firing, the firing pin should just pick up out of the top of the bolt. (Unless the design has been radically modified since 1955)

 

[76shuvlinoff]

You will seriously enjoy the 39A. I have a 1977 that I have had for over 25 years and for a while this summer I had a 52. I made the mistake of offering to buy the 52 after I rebuilt it instead of before, now it's butter smooth and out of my hands.

:banghead:

 

[ThomasT]

Go to www.rimfirecentral.com Everything you want to know about rimfires including you model 39 is there.

I have a 39 i bought 12-15 years ago from a pawnshop for $225.00. It is an amazingly accurate rifle. Its the whole reason i haven't bought a CZ trainer rifle. I don't think anything in it price range can beat it.

Congratulations on a dandy rifle. It doesn't matter what they cost You will forget the price when you shoot your first 1" group at a hundred yards.

 

[SGW42]

The pawn shop/gun shop I bought it from had two used pre-cross-bolt 39As in decent shape for only a bit less money. But I figured the new fangled things didn't bother me much and for something this special I wanted it to be my own. I buy enough milsurp stuff and have had used guns before, wanted something new for myself this time.

I was thinking of trying to shoot it off hand at 25 yards at first, and then taking it to the 50 yard bench with a front rest.

Just sitting here on my couch I'm still trying to get used to the sights. The front bead seems really tiny, but I suspect my eyes are getting really bad. Never used buckhorn or "semi" buckhorn sights before. I suspect I will be in the market for an aperture setup.

I'm still trying to get over how there is no plastic anywhere that I can see on this thing.

Going to go through marlinowners.com tomorrow.

 

[B.D. Turner]

I wanted a 39A but went with a Henry. Still want a 39A.

 

[MachIVshooter]

The pawn shop/gun shop I bought it from had two used pre-cross-bolt 39As in decent shape for only a bit less money.

No cross bolt means no "A" designation. Just model 39.

Anyway, congrats! The 39 is probably one of the finest .22's ever (and currently) made, save only the big-dollar Kimbers, Coopers, etc.

 

[rangerruck]

the marlin 39a is arguably the most sought after 22 that is made, typcically there can be waiting periods for them. Even used, they draw a premium price.
They are also the longest continuously made firearm without change, in America, basically 70 years now. Go to marlin owners, or rimfirecentral and get all the info you will need.

 

[SGW42]

What's this white/black doohicky in the stock above the sling swivel? Parts diagram just says "bullseye." Is it like a Marlin trademark or does it serve a purpose?

 

[ThomasT]

That is a trademark emblem that Marlin has used for years. A lot a people think thats where you drill for a sling swivle. Its not. I just says "Marlin" thats all.

 

[jkingrph]

Two ways to dry fire a later model with side safety. First, simply remove firing pin. second engage the safety, it simply blocks the hammer from hitting the firing pin, simply a solid block in there.