Marlin 39...Mountie or Full Size?

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az_imuth

az_imuth

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I've been wanting a Model 39 for years, but it seems as though a good deal on some other shooting iron always throws me off track. This time I am determined to stick to my guns (pun intended) until I have one in my hands. One problem has been the fact that I want a pre-crossbolt safety model that is in at least 90% condition and finding any used 39's in my area is really tough. I ran across a Mountie a couple of years ago and would have purchased it, but the condition was very poor including heavy pitting along one entire side of the rifle.

So now I'm going online to find the one I want and am interested in opinions on which is the better shooter...the Mountie or the full sized rifle. I have several other rimfire levers like the Henry H001, Golden Boy, Winchester 9422 and even an Ithaca 49 single shot and like them all. Help me choose a Marlin. And no, I can't afford both at the moment, but may be able to get another later on.

Thanks,
azimuth
 
$0.02

i have one of each. for what it is worth mine with the same ammo the mountie groups better, that said i might be able to switch ammo and change that. (ammo used cci mini mag). you would think the longer rifle bbl. would be more accurate but it (in my case) is not. however the difference that we are talking about still falls into the minute of squirle size grouping. nickle size groups vs quarter size at 50 yards. hope that helps.:)
 
Thanks one-shot...that's good to hear on the Mountie. To be honest, I'm leaning slightly toward the Mountie. Does anyone have a general preference as far as fit, finish and overall ergonomics are concerned between the models?
 
I haven't seen much difference in terms of fit and finish (or accuracy, for that matter) between the two models. I do prefer the handling (balance) characteristics of the rifle over the carbine and I can certainly see a difference between the two when shooting off-hand (favoring the rifle).

The ultimate choice, of course, is a purely subjective one. The carbine is lighter in weight and probably is more "handy" in heavy cover. The longer rifle barrel will probably generate more velocity but probably not enough more to really matter.
 
I have one of each. That's what I'd recommend. If you get one, you'll want the other one, too.:)

I'll concur re quick handling vs. offhand shooting. The rifle is very well balanced; it's different from the 39M, though. 39M feels like a lighter version of my 1894C; 39A feels more like a 336 with a bit more length. (My 39M is a rare variant with a tapered octagon barrel; I'm not sure how different it might feel from a regular 39M but I'm guessing not too different.)

Fit, finish, inherent accuracy are equal between my 39M and 39A. The 39M was made in 1973 and the 39A in 2007. If anything, the walnut on the newer gun is fancier, though that could be luck of the draw. But the machining, polish, blueing, etc. are equal between the different models, and between the different eras of manufacture.

Buy one now before Remington's influence is felt. Marlins are still made very, very well, with excellent finish, great machining, top quality, even nice wood. The wood on my 39A would be "semi-fancy" and cost extra on a Remington; the quality of manufacture hasn't been seen on a [strike]Big Green POS[/strike] Remington in a long time, and the price, though not cheap for a .22, is a bargain for what the gun is.
 
If you can find a nice Mountie, I would get it while the getten is good!
Worry about a rifle later.

Around these parts, it seems to run about 1 Mountie for every 50 - 75 rifles I see.

I have been waiting for a real nice one to cross my path for about 5 years now.

1224.jpg
rcmodel
 
I have been waiting for a real nice one to cross my path for about 5 years now.
Click to expand...

Here's a sure-fire method. It worked for me. Go spend $500 on a new 39A ($475+fees). Within a couple of weeks, a really nice 39M will appear at your favorite local store. This will work even better if you are married and tight on cash. Promise.:evil:

Here's the one I got that way:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=3686247&postcount=486
 
I have a 39M--is that the 'Mountie?' Mine has a 20" barrel, straight stock.

It is a very accurate, handy rifle. The full size 39 seems pretty big in comparison.
 
Thanks to all for the replies. I think I'll take the advice offered and look for a mountie first since they seem harder to find and then look at picking up the rifle at a later date. If anyone has knowledge of sites that frequently have used lever guns in stock, I'd appreciate the links.

Thanks again,
azimuth
 
"I have a 39M--is that the 'Mountie?"

Yes, they changed the model number from time to time.

My '63 is a "Golden 39-A Mountie" and looks about like the one in the link offered for $775, except mine is nicer. :)

That price is nuts, but what do I know. It only takes one buyer.

I think the Mountie balances and handles better, but after 45 years I suppose I'm biased.

John
 
Way back when, I had the same dilemma: 39A or 39M. At that time I chose the 39A. It has been great, but I always wanted a 39M as well. I found one in good shape 3 yrs. ago and snapped it up. Made in 1969, it was actually more accurate then the 39A. With the cowboy shooting I am new doing, I now find I prefer the straight grip of the 39M to the pistol grip of the 39A.

You should consider planning to get both. The 39M is harder to find. Get it first, then find a good 39A to go with it.
 
I don't think you'll find a lot of difference in accuracy. You might shoot one or the other better but they both shoot better than they oughta. The longer barrel gets you a little more velocity in tests I've done with my chronograph with 24", 20" & 16" model 39's. The longer barrel is quieter and it makes it easier to see the front sight with aging eyes.

The shorter barrels on the Mountie (20") and the TDS (16") are easier packing around in the woods. 95% of the time I hunt with a rimfire rifle its a Mountie.

It's a preference thing, either way you'll likely end up with a rifle that will become one of your favorites and among the last you'd ever willingly part with.
 
When I bought my 39M, it wasn't really the gun I wanted. I was really wanting a Browning SA-22 but convinced myself that it's inability to shoot shorts and longs would handicap me somehow.

I have shot about shot two boxes of shorts and no longs through it in the 35 years I've owned it. But in those 35 years I have become so fond of it that I wouldn't sell it for anything.

edit: The post reads as if my rifle has less than 100 shots through it. What I meant to say was that all the rest of the ammo to go through it has been long rifles. Cases of it.
 
rcmodel and JustsayMo...those 39's ARE nice! Thanks for sharing the pics. At least now I have an idea of what I'm looking for.

Thanks again,
azimuth
 
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