Marlin 39A vs. 39AS

[RugerSAFan]

Hi.
I'm looking at getting a new Marlin .22 for small game hunting and plinking.

I can get a new 39A for 500 (plus tax) or a used 39AS (serial #0509xxxx) for the same price.

Recommendations?

John

 

[ArmedBear]

I have an old one and a new one. The new one's built just as well. I've handled 1897s (the model number of the gun before it was changed slightly and renamed in 1939) and they're remarkably similar to the newest ones.

I don't think there's a particular reason to get an old one, as there may be with something like a "Pre-64" Winchester. The new ones are not cheapened, rougher, or anything. Even the wood on my newer one is nicer than the old one. Not many guns you can say that about...

Is there a difference between the guns that attracts you to one or the other?

 

[salvo]

The only real difference is that the new ones have a safety and rebounding hammer that I do not care for. Therefore a pre-safety is what I looked for and bought.

 

[Mal H]

In essence there is no difference between a new production 39A and a 39AS. Marlin simply dropped the 'S' from the model after a year or so of using it. Older 39A's, as salvo said, didn't have the rebounding hammer and crossbolt safety.

I've got a 39AS, and frankly I don't know what the fuss is about concerning the new "features". They don't bother me one whit.

RugerSAFan - you might as well go for the brand new one if it's the same price. In the overall scheme of things regarding the age of the entire model line, the 39AS is also "new".

 

[ArmedBear]

Older 39A's, as salvo said, didn't have the rebounding hammer and crossbolt safety.

The 39AS has them, though, right? So it's mechanically no different, AFAIK.

I have a pre-safety 39 and the current model.

The mechanical differences do not influence which one I want to shoot.

The difference between the ones I have is that one's essentially identical a lot of 1897s I've seen: straight grip, skinny foreend, 20" tapered octagon barrel -- looks like the current Cowboy centerfire guns Marlin sells. The other is a current 39A with the pistol grip stock, curved lever and 24" heavy round barrel.

Frankly, I prefer the modern one usually, since it's a full-size, full-weight gun and is easier to shoot at 100 yards offhand. I plink at a buffalo gong target a friend traded me for a couple old reloaders when I moved.

The safety can be a problem if you forget to check it when using the gun. However, you don't have to use it; you can leave the hammer down and cock it when you want to shoot. The safety allows you to lower the hammer in complete confidence that you won't set off a round.

So, as much as some people hate the safety, it has its upsides -- and it can be locked if you really don't like it.