Marlin 39A FTF

[3Crows]

I have a Marlin 39A, one of three, that is a post CBS with rebound hammer. Of my three, a 56, 69 and this 84, it is my favorite shooter. But after many years last time I had it out I kept getting several FTF with quality CCI SV ammo. Hmmm. I though maybe it was just dirty, cleaned it all up, checked the firing pin, nothing seemed out of place. Still got FTF, several per tube. Okay, added a small nylon washer to the hammer spring and the FTF were gone . But, the hammer was too tight at end of cocking travel and this is because the old spring was getting coil bound. So, I ordered a new Wolf "extra power" spring. This spring was a little long so I flat ground each end a little and installed it. It does not feel any stiffer than the OE spring but it does not coil bind at full lock. And the FTF issue is gone. I drop the hammer and the little 39A goes kapow now every time like it always has.

Why do I like this one best, well, because my other two are Mounties, straight stock and shorter barrel and this one looks like Annie Oakley would have. A pistol grip, long barrel and it is a straight shooting fool. The auto-return to basically half cock position is a little weird until I got used to it but I quite like this rifle, always have.

Long live the (Marlin) lever gun!

3C

 

[jdavis123]

The Marlin 39A is considered by many to be the best of the .22 lever action rifles. It’s too bad that the rifle is no longer in production. I have hope that Ruger will reintroduce it since they now own the Marlin brand.

 

[3Crows]

I believe that it is true, in the various iterations thereof, it was the longest produced firearm in the world. The only lever RF that can compare is the Winchester 9422. I have one of those also though it is a 9422M. The Zamak receiver of the Henry takes it out of the running for me. But the 39/39A and the 9422 are beautiful and function wonderfully. I like that the 39 can cycle S, L, LR even all mixed up.

I have a feeling that the 39 will be back as it was last produced unless Ruger puts in a transfer bar. I am split on that. I would as soon they keep it the way Marlin made it even including the CBS and rebound to half cock that Marlin designed. And, make a stainless version and a Magnum (which I believe I have seen). Given the superb build quality of my new Ruger built Marlin SBL I have good faith that Ruger will not let the 39 down if they do bring it back to production.

Was just shooting my 56 Mountie and the Golden Boy and I decided to put the other new Wolf spring (it was a two pack) in the oldest Mountie as it seems to be soft and have a few FTF also. Things get old .

3C