Opportunity to buy a new Marlin 39a. Good idea?

[bergmen]

Was outbid on the 39D I bid on. That's okay. It was one that someone duracoated black. After I bid on it, I started to wonder WHY someone felt the need to put a coating on it. If I had won it, I was going to take it to a gunsmith in my city to strip and reblue it. But not sure how much something like it would be worth. It had a "buy now" set at $400. Not sure how much it would cost to have it reblued. What would YOU do with that deal?

It looks like the 39D is the same as 39A except for a 20" barrel (and respective shorter magazine tube) vs. 24" barrel, right? I could look it up (I have the thick Marlin Firearms book by Brophy but this is easier).

Personally, I would pass on a Duracoated rifle because you really don't know if the owner was trying to cover up some sort of damage. Plus, this is not historically correct.

Many of the 39As on Buds look pretty good, I would recommend being patient and keep your fingers on the pulse of these auctions. You will be successful at some point.

Dan

 

[Jackal]

There's one local gun shop here (same place where I got the Mountie). Its a 39A and I'm going off memory after looking at it last week. Condition is original, not a showpiece, but it looks to have been carried/used maybe for grouse. Its missing the rear sight elevator (easy/cheap fix). Super dirty though, needs a good cleaning/oiling. It does need a new stock, the original is functional, but really ugly. Stocks from a 336 fit, so no issue there. Its been epoxied together at the wrist, looks like someone fell on it years ago. I think the price was in the $350 range though, which would allow lots of room for fixing the issues. I think it was from the 60's-80's. If I head out there today, I'll stop by and take a look at it again.

 

[Orion8472]

I am a 39a novice, so greatly appreciate this level of advice. I tend to TRY to find a decent one for less than the almost $600 range I've seen on gunbroker, but it may be that if I want a good example, I may have to just jump in.

So, I just bid on another one. Metal is in good shape. Stock okay. Have to wait 4 days [though] to see if I get it.

 

[Art Eatman]

Let us know how you make out, and how it shoots.