The Marlin 39 Club
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dfariswheel
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- Dec 26, 2002
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In the case of these newer Marlin's with the rivet/stud holding the firing pin in, I'd suggest soaking the bolt clean instead of driving out the retainer.
If your retainer comes out with a push from a punch and light hammer, OK, but if it has to be driven, I'd soak the entire bolt in lacquer thinner for a few hours than scrub with an old toothbrush.
If you have access to an ultrasonic cleaner, even better.
One of the prime "Gunsmith's Golden Rules" is "Unless you absolutely HAVE to take it apart....Don't".
If your retainer comes out with a push from a punch and light hammer, OK, but if it has to be driven, I'd soak the entire bolt in lacquer thinner for a few hours than scrub with an old toothbrush.
If you have access to an ultrasonic cleaner, even better.
One of the prime "Gunsmith's Golden Rules" is "Unless you absolutely HAVE to take it apart....Don't".
Jaguar
Member
Will lacquer thinner not damage the finish?
I honestly don't know but I do know that stuff is powerful. As reluctant as I am to punch out the retainer, I'm also reluctant to dunk my bolt in lacquer thinner for a few hours.
dfariswheel
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- Dec 26, 2002
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Lacquer thinner is a good solvent as long as you follow the cautions.
1. Watch the fumes, it's VERY inflammable.
2. Keep it away from most plastics. Although the plastics used in most guns are thinner-proof some small parts, particularly on older guns may not be.
3. Keep it away from painted lettering, sight highlights, and colored safety markings.
I've used lacquer thinner for blued steel, stainless, steel, and aluminum guns for many years as a quick cleaning solvent.
It does NOT harm gun bluing or aluminum anodizing.
1. Watch the fumes, it's VERY inflammable.
2. Keep it away from most plastics. Although the plastics used in most guns are thinner-proof some small parts, particularly on older guns may not be.
3. Keep it away from painted lettering, sight highlights, and colored safety markings.
I've used lacquer thinner for blued steel, stainless, steel, and aluminum guns for many years as a quick cleaning solvent.
It does NOT harm gun bluing or aluminum anodizing.
76shuvlinoff
Member
new guy
Hello,
I'm usually on bike sites hence the screen name. I like older stuff and ride a 76 shovelhead but that's another story.
I've been here lurking for a while and checking this whole site out when I have the time. I've been around the handgun threads learning about my pistols and I just found this thread last night.
I have learned more about my 1977 Golden 39A in a few hours on this page than I've known the whole time I've had it. I bought it "used" from a friend. He only had it a month or so and decided he was into much heavier calibers. He didn't need the puny .22 in his collection and sold it to me dirt cheap even then ... bad decision for him, lucky me. Fantastic piece and the more I shoot it and the more I read up on it the more I appreciate it. I have never had an issue with it. Sign me up!
further info,
Springfield subcompact XD40
Springfield Ultracompact V10 .45acp
Kimber Raptor II 1911 .45acp
Marlin model 60 .22
Marlin Golden 39A .22
Remington 870 12 ga. pump.
old stuff
Walther P38 9mm Dad brought home from WWII
Sears and Roebuck Ted Williams lever action single shot .22, circa 1970 (my first real plinker and my wife's favorite)
Montgomery Wards Hercules model 10 12 ga. hammer gun 1930's 40s? from Dad. It belonged to my wife's grandfather before Dad got it as payment for a pile of scrap steel.
Nothing of any huge monetary value but stuff with stories all over it.
Hello,
I'm usually on bike sites hence the screen name. I like older stuff and ride a 76 shovelhead but that's another story.
I've been here lurking for a while and checking this whole site out when I have the time. I've been around the handgun threads learning about my pistols and I just found this thread last night.
I have learned more about my 1977 Golden 39A in a few hours on this page than I've known the whole time I've had it. I bought it "used" from a friend. He only had it a month or so and decided he was into much heavier calibers. He didn't need the puny .22 in his collection and sold it to me dirt cheap even then ... bad decision for him, lucky me. Fantastic piece and the more I shoot it and the more I read up on it the more I appreciate it. I have never had an issue with it. Sign me up!
further info,
Springfield subcompact XD40
Springfield Ultracompact V10 .45acp
Kimber Raptor II 1911 .45acp
Marlin model 60 .22
Marlin Golden 39A .22
Remington 870 12 ga. pump.
old stuff
Walther P38 9mm Dad brought home from WWII
Sears and Roebuck Ted Williams lever action single shot .22, circa 1970 (my first real plinker and my wife's favorite)
Montgomery Wards Hercules model 10 12 ga. hammer gun 1930's 40s? from Dad. It belonged to my wife's grandfather before Dad got it as payment for a pile of scrap steel.
Nothing of any huge monetary value but stuff with stories all over it.
Jaguar
Member
Welcome 76shuvlinoff,
My other passion is riding motorcycles as well, I'm currently riding a 2000 Suzuki Intruder 1400 and love it. I like the styling which hasn't changed much since the 80's and in the same vein the Marlin 39A hasn't changed much since the 1890's. I guess I prefer new stuff, that looks like old stuff.
If you are interested, we would love for you to take part our postcard match currently going on. You can find all the info about it by clicking here. No sums of money or fabulous prizes awarded, just an excuse to go shoot and have a good time.
--------------------------------
Thanks dfariswheel for the information. I was concerned about the bluing. Good to know.
My other passion is riding motorcycles as well, I'm currently riding a 2000 Suzuki Intruder 1400 and love it. I like the styling which hasn't changed much since the 80's and in the same vein the Marlin 39A hasn't changed much since the 1890's. I guess I prefer new stuff, that looks like old stuff.
If you are interested, we would love for you to take part our postcard match currently going on. You can find all the info about it by clicking here. No sums of money or fabulous prizes awarded, just an excuse to go shoot and have a good time.
--------------------------------
Thanks dfariswheel for the information. I was concerned about the bluing. Good to know.
76shuvlinoff
Member
thanks for the welcome and I'll check out the contest.
my 31 year old shovel is kinda sorta built like that.
my 31 year old shovel is kinda sorta built like that.
AStone
Member
Shuv, welcome. Glad you found us and that the info is useful. We've got a very intelligent, knowledgeable group here. I'm learning lots, too.
I confess I had to google "shovelhead". (I'm a truck and bicycle guy. )
OK, a little OT question here, but since the topic of cycles has arisen ... I've been intending to ask motorcyclists who also shoot or hunt with long guns: are there cycle-mountable scabbards available for long guns? If so, anybody use one, or have images of one?
I'm not even sure if such a thing would be legal, but think the concept would be ... interesting. I sort of got the idea from watching Terminator II, early in the film where Schwarzenegger is ridding his (shovelhead?) and has a scabbard on it with a shotgun. Yes, I know that's fantasy and not indicative of reality, but my question is based more in curiosity than any serious intention.
I confess I had to google "shovelhead". (I'm a truck and bicycle guy.
)OK, a little OT question here, but since the topic of cycles has arisen ... I've been intending to ask motorcyclists who also shoot or hunt with long guns: are there cycle-mountable scabbards available for long guns? If so, anybody use one, or have images of one?
I'm not even sure if such a thing would be legal, but think the concept would be ... interesting. I sort of got the idea from watching Terminator II, early in the film where Schwarzenegger is ridding his (shovelhead?) and has a scabbard on it with a shotgun. Yes, I know that's fantasy and not indicative of reality, but my question is based more in curiosity than any serious intention.
AStone
Member
I like that.
Nematocyst said:
Hey Nem:
I've riden my motorcycle to the trap range a few of times. The broken-down shotgun, in a padded nylon case, straps conveniently across the rear seat and over the panniers on my bike. The panniers (think aluminum boxes) are large enough to easily swallow a case of shotshells and a box of clays
.There's also this thread from a while back...
76shuvlinoff
Member
I've seen hard scabbards on ATVs and on old military motorcycles. I don't know what the legal eagles would say considering it is cased.
JustsayMo
Member
JustsayMo
Member
A father and son came to the range today to do some shooting. The young man was obviously recoil shy and wasn't having any fun. I offered him the use of my 39A Mountie and he proceed to burn through a box of Federal Bulk at lightning speed. Later I put out some clays for him to disintegrate and made short work of them.
By the time they left the Mountie had won them over and now their in the market for one. This is the second time in as many months that this has happened. I better buy a 10/22 to loan out as introducing these kids is increasing the demand for 39's and is sure to drive up prices.
By the time they left the Mountie had won them over and now their in the market for one. This is the second time in as many months that this has happened. I better buy a 10/22 to loan out as introducing these kids is increasing the demand for 39's and is sure to drive up prices.
Jaguar
Member
Way to go, Mo
Always nice to see people help others, get kids interested in more than video games, and get someone who would otherwise be turned off from shooting to get excited about it. The .22 in almost any configuration is the perfect round for kids to learn to shoot with. I applaud you stepping up and making someone's day, I hope we all would do the same in the same situation.
~Jeff
Always nice to see people help others, get kids interested in more than video games, and get someone who would otherwise be turned off from shooting to get excited about it. The .22 in almost any configuration is the perfect round for kids to learn to shoot with. I applaud you stepping up and making someone's day, I hope we all would do the same in the same situation.
~Jeff
dfariswheel
Member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2002
- Messages
- 6,663
cane:
The "39-M" was named "The Mountie".
It's the most common of the 39 Carbine models.
The "39-M" was named "The Mountie".
It's the most common of the 39 Carbine models.
woof
Member
I just bought a 39a, 1977 vintage in great shape. Took it to the range for the first time this am and was disappointed that it consistently jammed with the federal bulk hollow points from wal-mart. I hope it was just the ammo, I didn't have any with me to try. By the way, the Henry I also had with me handled the ammo flawlessly. Thoughts?
I found a beautiful old Mountie and bought it.
The original owner had taken care of it, but apparently had never cleaned the action or checked the screws. The screws on the hammer especially can work themselves loose. The extractor can also get really gummed up and dirty. Also, if the ejector lock screw is turned ever so slightly, it can keep the ejector from swinging freely.
Do you have a manual that explains what to do to clean it from the breech? That will explain the ejector lock screw. Download a manual here: http://www.marlinfirearms.com/customersupport/manuals.aspx
I'd break it in two, go over everything with Hoppes and a good hollowground screwdriver, oil it lightly throughout with Bullfrog, and make sure the barrel, chamber and the ejector slot in the chamber face are good and clean.
Inspect everything. Maybe the extractor is messed up and needs replacing, but I'd look there last.
Then try it again.
The original owner had taken care of it, but apparently had never cleaned the action or checked the screws. The screws on the hammer especially can work themselves loose. The extractor can also get really gummed up and dirty. Also, if the ejector lock screw is turned ever so slightly, it can keep the ejector from swinging freely.
Do you have a manual that explains what to do to clean it from the breech? That will explain the ejector lock screw. Download a manual here: http://www.marlinfirearms.com/customersupport/manuals.aspx
I'd break it in two, go over everything with Hoppes and a good hollowground screwdriver, oil it lightly throughout with Bullfrog, and make sure the barrel, chamber and the ejector slot in the chamber face are good and clean.
Inspect everything. Maybe the extractor is messed up and needs replacing, but I'd look there last.
Then try it again.
woof
Member
Thanks Armed Bear I probably should not have assumed it was as ship-shape on the inside as it appears on the outside. I will give it a going over.
Yeah, I thought mine was damaged, because while it looked perfect, the two halves of the receiver didn't fit together.
Turns out, the internal screws were just loose and parts interfered with the receiver closing up tight. It had been shot a bit that way, too, judging by a dinged bolt where the hammer grazed it on the way down because it was offset slightly, and the blueing wear on one side of the hammer where it rubbed against the tang.
I almost didn't buy it, but I fieldstripped it at the shop and the counter guy, who didn't know about 39s but was good with guns, whipped out a toolkit, tightened the screws, etc. We wiped out the crud inside the receiver, and everything looked fine. But I wasn't going to shoot it like that!
I took it home and waited until I had time to do what I wrote above before I shot it. Works 100% perfectly.
Turns out, the internal screws were just loose and parts interfered with the receiver closing up tight. It had been shot a bit that way, too, judging by a dinged bolt where the hammer grazed it on the way down because it was offset slightly, and the blueing wear on one side of the hammer where it rubbed against the tang.
I almost didn't buy it, but I fieldstripped it at the shop and the counter guy, who didn't know about 39s but was good with guns, whipped out a toolkit, tightened the screws, etc. We wiped out the crud inside the receiver, and everything looked fine. But I wasn't going to shoot it like that!
I took it home and waited until I had time to do what I wrote above before I shot it. Works 100% perfectly.
AStone
Member
Woof,
Sorry it didn't perform well first time, but you're getting good advice from AB.
IMO, in general, I think it's wise to clean and inspect any gun - used or new - before shooting it first time.
I practice what I preach. ALL my guns - both new and used - get a take down and thorough cleaning before I shoot them first time. That way, I know what's going on inside, that there's no debris up the shoot, or loose screws/bolts in the action, etc. With factory QC what it is these days
, that's important even with new guns (unfortunately).
Nem
Sorry it didn't perform well first time, but you're getting good advice from AB.
IMO, in general, I think it's wise to clean and inspect any gun - used or new - before shooting it first time.
I practice what I preach. ALL my guns - both new and used - get a take down and thorough cleaning before I shoot them first time. That way, I know what's going on inside, that there's no debris up the shoot, or loose screws/bolts in the action, etc. With factory QC what it is these days
, that's important even with new guns (unfortunately).Nem
AStone
Member
Slow smithing
I reported this already over in the postcard match shoot thread, but I feel like whining, so I'll tell the story here also.
<whine>
My 39 has been in the shop going on two months now. (There's no date on the claim check, but I know I took it in early July.)
I took it to the smith to remedy the FTF firing pin issue rather than sending it back to Marlin because I thought it'd be quicker and reduce hassles of shipping, etc. I also didn't want to try to modify the pin on my own; even with Mo's capable help and directions, I just didn't feel confident. I thought - gee, this should be a simple, quick job for a smith.
I called about its status on Monday, and the smith hasn't touched it yet. He claims that he's overwhelmed right now with getting "rifles and shotguns" ready for hunting season.
I pointed out that my 39 IS a hunting rifle, too; I want to use it for squirrel this year.
He clarified, "Oh, no, I'm talking about center fire rifles and shotguns."
I wanted to ask him if he has something against rim fire rifles, but just let it go. I should have asked him also if he really works on a first come, first serve basis, but will do that when I pick it up.
This is so disappointing.
</whine off>
Nem
I reported this already over in the postcard match shoot thread, but I feel like whining, so I'll tell the story here also.
<whine>
My 39 has been in the shop going on two months now. (There's no date on the claim check, but I know I took it in early July.)
I took it to the smith to remedy the FTF firing pin issue rather than sending it back to Marlin because I thought it'd be quicker and reduce hassles of shipping, etc. I also didn't want to try to modify the pin on my own; even with Mo's capable help and directions, I just didn't feel confident. I thought - gee, this should be a simple, quick job for a smith.
I called about its status on Monday, and the smith hasn't touched it yet. He claims that he's overwhelmed right now with getting "rifles and shotguns" ready for hunting season.
I pointed out that my 39 IS a hunting rifle, too; I want to use it for squirrel this year.
He clarified, "Oh, no, I'm talking about center fire rifles and shotguns."
I wanted to ask him if he has something against rim fire rifles, but just let it go. I should have asked him also if he really works on a first come, first serve basis, but will do that when I pick it up.
This is so disappointing.
</whine off>
Nem
woof
Member
I always check the bore but you're right, I should make a more thorough check routine. Have there been any changes since my 1977 model that will make the Marlin Manual online less than accurate?
77?
Not sure.
My 73 has a non-rebounding hammer, and no crossbolt safety. It also doesn't have a few of the holes in the receiver, where you can see cartridges in the tube or chamber.
The new manual does mention the holes and the safety. Just ignore that part.
For the purposes of cleaning, there aren't any differences. The manual doesn't say how to do a full strip or reassembly anyway.
Not sure.
My 73 has a non-rebounding hammer, and no crossbolt safety. It also doesn't have a few of the holes in the receiver, where you can see cartridges in the tube or chamber.
The new manual does mention the holes and the safety. Just ignore that part.
For the purposes of cleaning, there aren't any differences. The manual doesn't say how to do a full strip or reassembly anyway.
Nem - you didn't go into any detail on your firing pin problem. What's wrong with it?
Fiseyou, I would go collect my rifle from that "gunsmith" and see if I could fix it myself or maybe send it to Marlin. Two months is too long for him to let it sit in the corner with no expectation of when he might be able to have a look at it. Not using a FIFO system, but instead a "this rifle/customer is more important" system is no way to run a service business.
Fiseyou, I would go collect my rifle from that "gunsmith" and see if I could fix it myself or maybe send it to Marlin. Two months is too long for him to let it sit in the corner with no expectation of when he might be able to have a look at it. Not using a FIFO system, but instead a "this rifle/customer is more important" system is no way to run a service business.
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