just got my first rifle... marlin 39a

[Dean C]

I can't say enough about Marlin Firearms. My first was a 336A, 30-30. Shortly thereafter, the 39A "Original Golden". My latest is the 1895 Cowboy 45/70. I believe the 39A is the favorite. Over the last 25 years, the 39A has hundreds of thouands of rounds with only one glitch. Firing pin broke but that was pure metal fatigue due to the usage. Dropped a new pin in and it was off to the races again. I can't say enough.
Congrats' pauli, you done good.
dean

 

[Brian Williams]

I just got my 2nd Marlin a 1985 Original Golden 39M Mountie. Great gun Now I just have to get it out and shoot it. I have looked for one of these since I wanted one when I saw it in 72. It came with an ugly bushnell scope on it, I need to find a Williams 5d for it.

 

[GunGoBoom]

I also like Marlins - my model 60 and model 917 have been a joy, as has my 1895. I really want a levergun rimfire however - just can't decide between the 39A or the Browning BL22 - both great guns.

 

[YodaVader]

The only complaint I had with my 39 was the 7.5 lb trigger pull that it left the factory with. A little work on the hammer and it now has the best trigger pull of all my 22 rifles! The accuracy is very good even with the older high velocity Federal or CCI. The 39 is no "cheap" rifle - forged steel parts , real walnut and solid feeling - it is a classic in every sense of the word.

My 9422 was has a smoother action but it was failing to eject and had to be taken back to Winchester. Hopefully they have fixed the problem.

 

[pauli]

ok, i got it to the range today, and i'm VERY happy. accurate as all get out, and it's actually quieter than the stapler i put up my target with (at least through plugs and muffs). virtually no recoil. i'm going to have to get used to balancing the weight, though.

i got 5-6" groups at 25 yards with either hand, and it was pretty clearly me keeping them from being a lot smaller.

it doesn't extract perfectly (sometimes it binds up), but i figure cleaning the chamber and oiling the action should take care of that, and if not, i'll just try different ammo.

 

[Mal H]

"... i'm going to have to get used to balancing the weight, though."

True, they are on the heavy side for a .22 rifle.

 

[Shane333]

My dad gave me his 1952 Model 39. It's a terrific rifle and great for offhand shooting.

Yeah, they're quiet. Last year I was shooting at a local range and there were three kids with 10/22's off to my left with an adult supervising them. The Model 39 was so quiet one of the kids asked the man if I was shooting a BB gun.

 

[gm]

They are even quieter with a 22 short.That tube mag holds ALOT of shorts too.

 

[scott5]

I was shooting one at the .22 range last summer then was leaning it up against the bench when a renge officer drove by, stopped looked my 39A
and said "You know this is for .22 and streight walled brass only?
That looks like a 45/70 to me." I said "Yes I know, That's a .22,
do you want to shoot it?"

I thought everybody knew what a 39A looked like.

 

[FPrice]

Mal H...

True, they are on the heavy side for a .22 rifle.

I'll let you try my Stevens Model 416. Then you won't think that a Marlin 39A is heavy at all.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I am 59 and was 6 when my father got our 39 My father passed it to me on my 12 birthday.I still have it and will be passed on to one of my children when I gone. I dam sure not giving up my 39 till I am dead. To good of rifle

 

[Dr.Rob]

Never heard anyone badmouth a Golden 39A... I know dad's rifle of that vintage will pluck the eyes out of a snake at 100 yards.

Marlin = good.

Old Marlin = better

 

[YodaVader]

The 39 is capable of very good accuracy - shot the two targets at 50yds. Gave the barrel a good cleaning , fired 5 fouling shots and then shot the two 5 shot groups. No bad for a lever action!

 

[JustsayMo]

Without a doubt, my Marlin 39a is the last gun I'd ever sell. It's fun, it's accurate with almost any ammo, the trigger is better than average, it's breaks down for easy maintenance and I've never seen one I didn't want to buy. In fact I still need at least two more.

I shoot mine more than any other gun. I take it to the range to shoot while my centerfires are cooling off. It'll put 5 into a 1" group at 50 meters all day long.

My CZ American with the Leupold 3-9x AO scope is a little more accurate and has a better trigger (with the help of Brookies kit) but the 39 is so much more fun to shoot and even more fun to hunt with. It's my go to 22 rifle.

NOTE: Don't ever put the hammer down on a live round. A sharp tap will fire the round. Use the halfcock.

Enjoy your 39. The only regret I've ever heard prior to this thread is why did I wait so long to get one.

 

[pauli]

just got access to a camera, and thought i'd let you guys see what i got... not the best pic, but i made up for it with a LOT of pixels

 

[Eightball]

A beaut of a rifle . It seems to be missing something, however.......either a happy owner stading behind it with a huge grin, or some appropriate-styled glass sitting on top, or a little bit of both

 

[brentwal]

Dad's old 1941 Marlin 39 is the best .22 I have, as far as being accurate. It's a classic design.

 

[Birdhunter59]

I have a 39A it is reliable and accurate. It shoots great groups at 50 yds with open sights. It is a great gun and fun to shoot. Congrats. You won't regret it.

 

[Sulaco]

My Golden 39A was made in 1964. I will never sell it. I love it.

 

[30Cal]

The 39 is capable of very good accuracy - shot the two targets at 50yds. Gave the barrel a good cleaning , fired 5 fouling shots and then shot the two 5 shot groups. No bad for a lever action!

I got mine in 1983 and haven't cleaned the barrel. It shoots like yours. It does really well with just about everything, but I prefer standard velocity. CB Longs are good too!

Ty