Sav .250
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Indecision on your part gives others a chance at buying it.
Opportunity to buy a new Marlin 39a. Good idea?
- Thread starter Orion8472
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Orion8472
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I will let them. I would rather find what I really want, rather than settling for a slightly off center front sight and minor wood imperfections.
Again, after looking at the pic thread, I am [now] more interested in the cowboy style.
I DID notice that on gunbroker, many of these older ones are pretty high priced.
Again, after looking at the pic thread, I am [now] more interested in the cowboy style.
I DID notice that on gunbroker, many of these older ones are pretty high priced.
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bergmen
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The 39a has a forged (and hardened) steel receiver (two parts) bolt, lever and trigger. Although there may be others, I know of no other .22 that is made this way. It will last for generations if cared for properly.
I bought a brand new 39a in the early 70s for $120.00. Even then I had to go through several to settle on one with an action I could work with, every rifle was different (tight, loose, sticky at certain points, imprecise in function, etc.). I considered it (and do to this day) as a basis for refinement into the rifle of choice.
One must realize that the basis for this rifle was designed in the 1890s (or before). The design has not been modernized to make use of state-of-the-art CNC machining methods (like the 336 line has). These were roughed out and hand fitted by seasoned craftsmen that were masters of their trade (even though they were still roughly fitted in the 70s). Lots of hand work that resulted in an inconsistency in quality but capable of being refined. When Remington bought Marlin and moved the manufacturing, most of the masters didn't go with the move. Hence the quality issues while the new owners scratch their collective heads trying to figure out how to make these things.
Last year I spent upwards of $800.00 (and 3-4 months) to have a local expert gunsmith do a complete makeover (see my posts in the other long thread). I did a lot of work prior to handing it over (smoothed the rough edges on the lever and trigger) and had all of the steel parts mirror polished and deep, dark blued. A new checkered black walnut stock hand fitted and hand polished.
It now is a sight to behold (and an absolute joy to shoot) and will be an heirloom for my family to enjoy long after I'm gone.
I can post pics here if desired but they are in the other thread...
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=261635&page=157 post #3914.
Dan
I bought a brand new 39a in the early 70s for $120.00. Even then I had to go through several to settle on one with an action I could work with, every rifle was different (tight, loose, sticky at certain points, imprecise in function, etc.). I considered it (and do to this day) as a basis for refinement into the rifle of choice.
One must realize that the basis for this rifle was designed in the 1890s (or before). The design has not been modernized to make use of state-of-the-art CNC machining methods (like the 336 line has). These were roughed out and hand fitted by seasoned craftsmen that were masters of their trade (even though they were still roughly fitted in the 70s). Lots of hand work that resulted in an inconsistency in quality but capable of being refined. When Remington bought Marlin and moved the manufacturing, most of the masters didn't go with the move. Hence the quality issues while the new owners scratch their collective heads trying to figure out how to make these things.
Last year I spent upwards of $800.00 (and 3-4 months) to have a local expert gunsmith do a complete makeover (see my posts in the other long thread). I did a lot of work prior to handing it over (smoothed the rough edges on the lever and trigger) and had all of the steel parts mirror polished and deep, dark blued. A new checkered black walnut stock hand fitted and hand polished.
It now is a sight to behold (and an absolute joy to shoot) and will be an heirloom for my family to enjoy long after I'm gone.
I can post pics here if desired but they are in the other thread...
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=261635&page=157 post #3914.
Dan
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Orion8472
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bergmen, that is one FINE looking 39a. If you found the one I did [with the slightly, but noticablely leaning front sight], would you buy it to "fix" later, or pass for one that has a good front sight?
And would the $530 price tag be worth it for one of these new ones?
And would the $530 price tag be worth it for one of these new ones?
bergmen
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Boy, these are very good questions. And this would be hard for me to advise not having the ability to inspect first hand. The front sight being off like you describe is a big red flag as far as I'm concerned since it is a sign that there may be other much more serious internal flaws.
The only thing that I might suggest is to engage a very knowledgeable gunsmith (or someone with many years of Marlin experience) to accompany you and inspect the rifle in question.
There seem to be too many substantiated reports of various quality issues after the Remington acquisition to feel comfortable in assuming all is well unless thoroughly inspected.
Dan
I have a 39A that is very accurate and well-made. It and my Garand are the two rifles in my safe that might and well have a "NEVER FOR SALE" tag on them. I agree with your assessment of the Henry levers. But--if you're looking for a carbine-length .22LR levergun, don't forget the Winchester 9422, a very nice handling well-constructed unit that unfortunately is even more rare then the Marlin.
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Orion8472
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Thanks for the input, Litefoot. I don't really want to blow the bank on one, but just would like to find a used one in good shape.
I found two on gunbroker that I MAY consider [one of them, that is]. It is one of those situations where . . . not seeing it in person. . . there may be flaws that images can't reveal. They are at the $600 mark and LOOK good in the images, anyway. Is that a fair price for an older one is [seemingly] very good shape?
What to do?
I found two on gunbroker that I MAY consider [one of them, that is]. It is one of those situations where . . . not seeing it in person. . . there may be flaws that images can't reveal. They are at the $600 mark and LOOK good in the images, anyway. Is that a fair price for an older one is [seemingly] very good shape?
What to do?
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Jackal
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Wait around a little while. Ive been looking for about 2 years before I found mine. Right before I was going to order a new one, the carbine fell in my lap.
bergmen
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Thanks for the input, Litefoot. I don't really want to blow the bank on one, but just would like to find a used one in good shape.
I found two on gunbroker that I MAY consider [one of them, that is]. It is one of those situations where . . . not seeing it in person. . . there may be flaws that images can't reveal. They are at the $600 mark and LOOK good in the images, anyway. Is that a fair price for an older one is [seemingly] very good shape?
What to do?
I looked at one of them (about the fifth one down in the list) and it looks to be in excellent shape. Good price too (although there is no "buy it now" price).
If you could snag this one at $600.00 I think it would be an excellent deal.
Dan
bergmen
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moonzapa
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I used to have a Marlin 39A years ago and it was a fine rifle. It shot well but does not compare with the accuracy of my CZ-452 bolt gun. The trigger pull on my Marlin 39A was heavy, around 7-10 pounds. I should have taken it to a good smith and had the trigger re-worked. When I was serving in the military service, I had my storage locker broken into and this rifle, among others, was stolen. It was a terrible feeling, it felt like someone had sucker punched me in the gut!
If you are into 22 LR lever guns, the Marlin 39A is a classic. Go for it!
If you are into 22 LR lever guns, the Marlin 39A is a classic. Go for it!
Jackal
Member
My Mountie carbine holds 15LR's. Here's a better pic. The 39M is the best of both worlds. Accuracy/quality and a nice handy size. Keep in mind: Do not let small cracks in the wrist put you off older 39's. Most of them have a crack or two behind the tang, due to the factories recommended method of takedown (loosen thumb screw and whack barrel against something). Mine has 2 small cracks that have been stabilized (by me). Once a crack has been fixed, it will not crack further and is actually stronger than the surrounding wood.
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Zeke/PA
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I purchased a 39-A about a year or so ago that my local FFl had on consignment.Well, . . . I left the gunstore without the Marlin. First of all, it wasn't $450 [not sure where I got that price from], . . . but $530. There was some slightly ill fitting wood on it. But the most offending part was that the front sight was slightly off center to the left.
I think I will just wait until I can find a used one someday.
The Rifle was made in 1968 but was very well cared for and the price was right.
After some dickering I got the rifle for $300.00 out the door.
I topped it with a vintage Weaver 6X glass and the rifle is VERY accurate.
I haven't heard good things about the new Marlins.
Keep looking for a used one and good luck in your quest.
bergmen
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Hey, were pullin' for ya!
Let's hope you are successful, this is one of the finest rifles I've ever owned (and I own many fine rifles).
Dan
crow killer
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what serial # would make it a pre-remington? any other features to tell a real marlin from a newer one? thanks
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soonerfan85
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Those are nice looking rifles bergman. Thanks for the links. I just bought all three.
As the owner of a 1969 Marlin 336 in 35 Remington and a 1978 336 in 30-30 Win., I too have been on the lookout for a 39A. Sadly there are too many reports of shoddy workmanship on the new Marlin lever action rifles coming out of Ilion to ignore. As much as I like the Marlin rifles I have, I would not buy a new one if I could find one made in North Haven, CT for only $100 or so more. If you do find a used one, just make sure you check the serial number to verify it was made in 2008 or earlier. I assume the 39A, like the 336, would have a JM stamped on the barrel if made by Marlin in North Haven. The Remington made rifles have REP stamped on the barrel to indicate they were made in Ilion, NY.
Oh, and I was just kidding about buying them.
As the owner of a 1969 Marlin 336 in 35 Remington and a 1978 336 in 30-30 Win., I too have been on the lookout for a 39A. Sadly there are too many reports of shoddy workmanship on the new Marlin lever action rifles coming out of Ilion to ignore. As much as I like the Marlin rifles I have, I would not buy a new one if I could find one made in North Haven, CT for only $100 or so more. If you do find a used one, just make sure you check the serial number to verify it was made in 2008 or earlier. I assume the 39A, like the 336, would have a JM stamped on the barrel if made by Marlin in North Haven. The Remington made rifles have REP stamped on the barrel to indicate they were made in Ilion, NY.
Oh, and I was just kidding about buying them.
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Orion8472
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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?
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