marlin 39a question

[bones454]

Hi I bought a used 39as 1990 model paid 340.00 for it at local pawn took it out yesterday and had trouble ejecting the cases,Took it back today for full refund
Went to local dealer looked at a new one but theres no bulls eye on the stock 479.00 plus tax.
(Question)Did they stop putting them on the stock and when?
found a really nice mountie at local gun smith but he wants 500.00 plus tax is that to much,not sure what to do?

Thanks DAVE

 

[JohnBT]

How does the Mountie compare to this later production "like new" one that sold for $640?

www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=117486092

I think $640 is too much, but I guess it isn't. They've always run a little higher than the longer barreled rifles.

I've had a Mountie for 45+ years and like the way they handle better than the rifles.

John

 

[JohnBT]

Marlin's FAQ on their site says:

"12. What is the small round black and white dot on the bottom of my Marlin stock?

This is the Marlin "Bullseye". This trademark has been used since 1922 on all Marlin walnut buttstocks. Please note that this is not a suitable place to install a swivel for you firearm. Swivels should be mounted approximately 2 inches from the toe of the butt"

 

[bones454]

The bulls eye is not on the new ones I looked at?

The mountie I looked at is in far better condition than the 640.00 one that insane.Book value shows 425.00 at 95% on mountie I think.''Why did they stop putting bulls eye on 39a and when?

Thanks

 

[ArmedBear]

I have a 2007 39A and it has the bullseye, just like my 1973 39M Octagon Mountie.

Said 39M cost me 400 bucks a year or so ago, and it was in about 98% condition and a rare variant -- only about 2000 made in one year of production (resembles a tapered octagon 1897, which was the earlier model number for the 39A - yes, it has been made since the 1890s with few changes ). Blue Book of Gun Values lists this variant as worth a bit more than a regular round barrel 39M from the same era.

Bottom line? You should be able to beat $640 for a standard 39M! Try a local gun shop, and keep looking. Also, as a shooter, 95% condition is PLENTY, maybe even too much. No need to pay for "like new" if you're going to use it.

Seems like the on-line auction sites are for the "I've gotta have THAT ONE, RIGHT NOW!" collector crowd. Good for the seller, but not for the more pragmatic buyer.

WRT the handling, I can't decide which I like best. That's how I ultimately ended up with one of each.

I put over 300 rounds through the 39A the other day, shooting at a buffalo gong at about 100 yards with iron sights. Finally had to go home because my neck was cramping. It was fun. (A lever wrap is mandatory for doing this with bare hands. I might start selling one I've come up with, that goes on and comes off quickly. I once shot a couple hundred rounds without it and my finger was chafed and bruised, but now I can shoot until my neck cramps up. )

Anyway, I like the 24" rifle for offhand shooting. I tend to like longer and heavier guns; they're easier to use for carefully-aimed shots IMO. But the Mountie handles so well, it's like a lighter 1892 carbine or something. It's the quicker of the two, most definitely. My wife really loves the Mountie, too.

 

[bones454]

Thanks,I just wonder why these new 39a has no bulls eye,But I am with you I want the long new one for offhand shooting but love the mountie for what it is,I'm going to call marlin and ask about the bulls eye not being on the stock but will probably end up with both and be done.

 

[ArmedBear]

I am still happy with what I did (by accident, really).

I bought a new 39A for $475. Once I'd shot it a bit and knew how much I liked it, I happened to see the 39M-O in a store -- the kind of store where people didn't know what it was. That gun wouldn't have lasted a day in some gun shops.

I had $400 in a savings account, and I hemmed and hawed, then bought the thing.

If I planned to get one of each, I'd just go get a new 39A, and keep my eyes open for a 39M over time. Buy it when the right one shows up for the right price; I've seen one for $300 in good shape, with a Lyman peep added, too, but it went quick. Sadly, I didn't know at the time what it was, or I could have bought it first.

I seldom see a used 39A for a price that really beats a good price on a new one. If you can't find one, call these guys; they have had them at good prices in the past: http://discountgunmart.com/ I'd just buy a new one. Then, you'll have a great gun to play with while scouring used racks and gun shows for "your" Mountie.

 

[winchester243]

Thanks,I just wonder why these new 39a has no bulls eye,But I am with you I want the long new one for offhand shooting but love the mountie for what it is,I'm going to call marlin and ask about the bulls eye not being on the stock but will probably end up with both and be done.

I can't remember where I read it, but I think the bullseye going has something to do with Remington taking over Marlin.

 

[bones454]

" can't remember where I read it, but I think the bullseye going has something to do with Remington taking over Marlin"

Thats probably it.
Thanks Dave

 

[76shuvlinoff]

Sometime my bullseye fell out of my 79 39a. Can they be purchased?

 

[ArmedBear]

" can't remember where I read it, but I think the bullseye going has something to do with Remington taking over Marlin"

BTW I'd buy a 39A now, before Remington changes more than the bullseye. I can't imagine that anything Remington does will improve things.

 

[JohnBT]

re: bullseye - "Can they be purchased?"

They could 10 or 15 years ago. You'll have to call Marlin to see what the deal is now.

John

 

[bones454]

Information in an e-mail I received from Tommy Millner, CEO of Remington, due to the many comments that they have received concerning the Marlin Bullseye logo no longer being put in the Marlin stocks.

He now has it under review. According to his e-mail Marlin had made the decision to stop putting the Bullseye in their stocks prior to Remington's purchase of Marlin.

I have no reason to doubt what the gentleman say's, and I will be checking back with him in the near future to see what the results of his review has shown and how he intends to abate the concerns of many Marlin owners concerning the Bullseye.



Re: Marlin Bullseye logo
« Reply #82 on: July 09, 2008, 12:45:34 PM »
Reply with quoteQuote
Here the official word about the Bulls-eye;

As promised, I wanted to follow up with you on the Marlin "Bulls Eye" issue which you brought to my attention.

Today, I spent most of the day at Marlin and I must tell you the initiatives underway to improve quality, speed up deliveries and modernise the plant were simply breath taking. The level of excitement in the work force was just very cool to see!

As a part of my visit I spent a good deal of time listening to the Marlin team tell me why they removed the bulls eye. All of their reasons were valid; this creates scrap, causes re work, and is a quality assurance pain in the neck. After listening to the reasons behind their decision I instructed them to put the bulls eye back on the guns from which it was removed late last year. This change is effective immediately.

In my discussions I reminded the team that some things, in spite of being a pain, are necessary as they are at the core of our most important asset-the Marlin Brand. They understood!

Thanks again for making me aware of this and I hope many more Marlin (and Remington) guns are in your future.

Best regards,

Tommy MillnerCEO

the entire 7 page thread is found here:
http://www.marlinowners

 

[76shuvlinoff]

Found that Marlin bullseye at Brownells for $2.75 "in stock"

and over $4.00 to mail it........