Marlin 39A: Old or New?

[BradGad]

I've got a hankering for a Marlin Model 39A.

What are y'all's thoughts about today's vs. older guns? Is there a "golden age" for these guns?

The new ones look pretty sweet to me, but I'd like to know if I should be scouting around for some other vintage.

Thanks

 

[dewalt-2]

On the newer guns anything up to 2008 should be good. After that the Remington takeover problems started showing up. There are some real horror stories about the new ones.
The most desirable are pre 1988 guns which don't have the cross bolt safety.
Expect to pay a premium on the older rifles, but they're worth it. Good luck with your search, the 39 is a fine rifle-I have 2, a '47 and an '08.

 

[mister2]

The most desirable are pre 1988 guns which don't have the cross bolt safety

...and the ones that do not have the "bent paperclip" extractor! My 1993 has it, and I have to fiddle with it constantly to keep it running well. However, when it's running good, it's swell!

I also have the crossbolt safety and the rebounding hammer, though neither are as annoying as poor extraction due to bad design. In the old days, the rifle manufacturer would send out free replacements for this kind of malfunction. These days, that would mean one less golf trip for the corporate jet, and we can't have that, can we?

 

[BradGad]

Thanks guys.

mister2... how can I identify the good/bad extractors, please?

 

[BradGad]

Oh, and,

>Expect to pay a premium on the older rifles, but they're worth it.

What would you say is a reasonable price?

 

[SGW42]

Mine's an '07, fit and finish are 100%. Haven't seen a Remington one.

 

[red rick]

I was in my local gun store yesterday and they didn't have any rimfire Marlins. This is the best GS in my area, a lot of long time sales people with experience work there.

I was looking for a Model 60. They didn't have any Marlin rimfires. So I asked one of the salesmen when they were getting anymore 60's in. He said since Remington bought them they have been hard to work with. He also told me that a rep. with Remington told them that Marlin might quit making the Model 39, because they are to compilcated to make.

 

[BradGad]

>He also told me that a rep. with Remington told them that Marlin might quit making the Model 39, because they are to compilcated to make.

Gah!!!!! <strangling motions!>

 

[red rick]

Was this at GT in VA.

 

[Red Cent]

Have any of you looked around the Net? Everywhere I look says "Out of stock". Betcha every 39A just increased at least 50 bucks.

 

[mister2]

mister2... how can I identify the good/bad extractors, please?

There are more extractor-related articles on this site, here's just a couple:

http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/index.php/topic,63101.0.html

http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/index.php/topic,60876.0.html

They may be able to give you dates/serial #s to help you better identify what vintage you're looking for.

Best,
MR2

 

[Onmilo]

My choice would be a straight stock 39M carbine, so, old.

 

[dannyr3_8]

i have one its the model with the squirrel carved on the stock supposed to be somewhat rare don't know for sure but it shoots great

 

[dannyr3_8]

anybody know about the squirrel stock model by the way