New (to me) Marlin 39

[CAS700850]

My mother just presented me with a gift from my grandfather...a Marlin Model 39 .22 rifle. It has an octagonal barrel, a nice flip front sight with a hooded post and a post with a white tip, and a 4 digit serial number with an "S" preceeding the number. the letter from my grandfather indicates that it was given to him as a child (he's 85 now), which could indicate manufacture in the 1930's or earlier. It is all original except the bolt, which was replaced some 20 years ago after the original broke. A gunsmith indicated that it is safe to fire, though he indicated that the chamber is getting a bit large, and to avoid the hyper-velocity loads.

My questions are:

Any ammo suggestions?
Anyone know the dangers of shooting it with the typical bargain .22 ammo (Wildcat, etc.)?
Is this gun too valuable monitarily to shoot occassionally?

Trust me, it won't be sold. It's been in the family for four generations, so the sentimental value alone keeps it off the market.

 

[Brian Williams]

Shoot it and enjoy, find any standard level ammo and have fun.
I wish I had my Grandpa's gun.

 

[jwmtx]

You lucky rascal. Those rifles were the first model 39's. They were produced from 1922 to 1936. Some of them had weak bolts that would break. They were the ones labeled "S". I have one serialed "S948". Some time later they reinforced the bolt and caled them "HS" which I guess means "High Speed". The rifle is still being produced as the 39A, the longest produced firearm in history. In good to real good condition it may be worth $1,000 to $3,000. Take good care of it. Buy a cheaper gun to shot. James

 

[CB900F]

Cas700850;

Search for the Marlin 39 club here. Reading all 70 some pages of it is about a week's work. But there's a ton of information about your gun there, and a warm welcome too.

900F

 

[3sixbits]

If it was mine I would bush the chamber, and have no worries about ammo.

Take it to a competent gunsmith for the work. Or if the bore is not that good have him put a liner in for you. Ever barrel in rimfire I have ever had lined shot better than when new. Liners have a new chamber, so you can start all over again.

Before people start to howl about reducing the value with a liner, Let me remind everyone, that not ever gun that is a family rifle is for sale and the family really does enjoy shooting the old ones.