The Marlin 39 Club

[AStone]

Marlin History

Here's a few Marlin history articles I've found.

Most are not necessarily restricted to the 39,
but at least address the 39 in the context of their other rifles.

Here's a paragraph from a short essay on the 39A by Randy Wakeman; this is 39 history as condensed as it gets.

Billed as the oldest continuously manufactured rifle in the world, the Marlin 39 began life as John Marlin's Model 1891 (used by Annie Oakley), redesigned as the 1897, then the Model 39 in 1922. The "39A" designation appeared in 1939. The "third variation" of the Model 39 series appeared in 1946, the fourth variation added a fluted comb, the fifth variation was introduced in 1951, and Marlin's "Micro-Groove" rifling appeared in 1953. The "redesigning" is generally considered so slight that the rifle is regarded as essentially the same article for over the last 100 years with in well in excess of two million produced.

Then, there's this short little page about history on the Marlin web site, in About Marlin Firearms.
It's short, but informative when used in conjunction with other pages.

Wikipedia also has a short page devoted to the 39A.

Another more thorough history is "Marlin's Millions" by Sheriff Jim Wilson,
originally published in Shooting Times. He addresses 1894, 39, 336 and others.

My favorite article on Marlin history is "The Story of Marlin and the Levergun" by Glen E. Fryxell. As others, a bit short on details of the 39, but a fine read nonetheless and a great source for those of us who own multiple Marlins. (For me, that's two, which could become three by afternoon if I work up the courage to put a relatively rare (these days) 1894C on layaway. <Gulp: this is a financially dicey period for me ... big gamble ...>)

Here's a Marlin history article on Gunboards.com by Gatofeo.

I'm betting there are probably some references to articles on Marlin Owner's Forum, too.
I'm a member over there, also. I'll look around a bit.

Finally, there's the book shown below, which is mentioned in Glenn Fryxell's article referenced above.
I've never seen the book, but hope to read it someday. It's a bit spendy ($55-ish), but available.
There are some reviews about it on Amazon, most of them glowing.

 

[RimFire45]

Nem

The library for the 39 sounds good. I'll start digging more to see what I can find. Now that I have one and am considering a second I would like to know
all the history, care and feeding of the critters.

I'm taking the 58 Mountie I got as a gift to the range tomorrow for the first time with several brands and types of ammo. Should prove to be an informative day. Later all.

Rim45:

 

[rimfirerick]

Marlin Books and readings

Thanks Nem for puting all that together for us. I have read some of the online stuff and I intend to try and find the book.
Rick

 

[AStone]

I intend to try and find the book.

Rick,

I've seen threads where books on a particular gun or set of guns
were shared among readers/participants.

We might think about that.
Bunch of folks kick in $5 - 10,
get the book for X days/weeks,
then pass it on to another reader ...

Could be an interesting experiment.

Nem

 

[eliphalet]

Ya might take a look here.
http://www.marlin-collectors.com/

 

[jkingrph]

Ya might take a look here.
http://www.marlin-collectors.com

Just found this, thanks for the link, I have more Marlins, although none are collectible, I found the fourm interesting and imformative.

Jeff

 

[DennisE]

Over the years I've had and readed two 39As. You folks are making me feel like it's time to get another one! Thanks, Dennis

 

[rimfirerick]

Hey Guys,

My daughter and I took the newly aquited 39a to the range today. It shoots great. I could hit empty 12 guage shells at 20 yards. That's pretty good for my eyes. Very accurate rifle for being 60 years old. We had a great day.
Rick

 

[DennisE]

Well I'm now happily a full member of this club with my aquisition today of a 1978 39M! Pleasure to meet you all. Dennis

 

[borrowedtime69]

library suggestions

the library idea is pretty interesting. i know some books that have good information on the 39 if you can find them.

"The Complete Book of the .22", Wanye VanZwoll, The Lyons Press, 328 pages. ISBN # - 1-59228-047-1, $ 26.95. chapter 14, "Marlin and it's Marvelous 39"

"The Gun Digest Book of .22 Rimfire." James House, Gun Digest Books, 288 pages, ISBN # 0-87349-908-5, $ 27.99. 2005 . many mentions of the Marlin 39 and its variants.

"The Gun Digest Book of the .22 Rimfire." John Lachuk, DBI Books Inc. 224 pages. ISBN #0-695-81197-5. Alot of info on the 39 and its variants, incuding info about Steve McQueen and his 39! old book and is subject to collector's pricing.

"The Book of the Twenty Two." , Sam Fadala, Stoeger Publishing Company. 272 pages. ISBN # 0-88317-149-X, Sam is a big fan of the 39 and has info and experiances with it. Price unknown.

good luck - Eric

 

[AStone]

Rick, empty 12 ga shells at 20 is good with irons for any eyes.
If you can take out an empty shell, you can get a squirrel. Nice shooting.

Nice additions to the library, folks. Great work.

Dennis, congrats! A '78 version.
How'd you luck out on that one?

And hey, don't I know you from another club?
<cough> 642 <cough>

 

[DennisE]

Nematocyst: Hi! "How'd you luck out on that one?"

Total luck...I walked in the door and there it was calling my name!

"And hey, don't I know you from another club? <cough> 642 <cough>"

Yeap the 642 is just like the 39M except it fits in my pocket. Dennis

 

[rimfirerick]

Question?

I was just in our local gun shop. I saw an Original Golden 39A. It has a hole in the reciever. I asked the gun shop guy what it was for. He said that it was a pressure relief thing in case of a to hot load. This rifle was from 1985. I then looked a new one and it has the same hole along with another hole that was lower on the receiver. My 39A's are older versions without any hole. So I was wondering if anyone can explain about these holes, what they do and when did they first appear on the 39A's? What kind of .22 ammo would be to high pressure?
Rick

 

[eliphalet]

I donna know but it is not a bad idea if that is so Rimfirerick.
MY current 39 is late 40's model. I know I have shot well in excess of 100,000 22's in the guns I have owned and in my lifetime. First time i can recall a 22 shell rupturing, I had the rim burst on one in my 39 last weekend. I got a face full of burnt powder or whatnot back past the hammer. Good thing I was wearing glasses and no damage was done to me or the gun. It did sting on my face though.
It was some old 22's, no telling how old, that had been given to me, and not new ammo, I don't know the brand just that it was a nickel case, I think it had a H on the bottom but unfortunately I tossed it. I was told when given the ammo they thought it was from the 60's.

 

[rimfirerick]

I guess maybe the holes would relieve some of the pressure through the side of the receiver instead of directing it back toward the shooters face in such a case as you described like a ruptured case rim. Anyway I'm glad to hear you didn't get hurt.

 

[dfariswheel]

The hole near the rear of the barrel is to vent pressure and gas should a .22 case rupture it's case head.
This is rare, but it's another safety feature that's been added.

I "think" the top hole first appeared in the 1970's.

I haven't recently seen a more current Marlin so I don't know what the lower hole would be for, unless it's to vent a ruptured case that's feeding from the magazine.

 

[rimfirerick]

That makes sence to me. In a jam situation, the primer could be discharged I suppose. Then the lower holes would vent some of the gas. Rick

 

[ArmedBear]

39'ers, please see my thread here...

Buying advice needed, before a Mountie octagon goes away. Thanks!

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=290515

 

[ArmedBear]

Re the holes...

I think that you've been handed some BS.

The hole by the chamber lets you see if it's loaded.

The hole by the magazine tube will show brass if there's another round, red if the magazine is empty. You can see the next round or the follower through the hole.

I've had a case rupture. It's not bad; there's just a bunch of smoke in the receiver. I suppose the top hole could redirect some pressure sideways, but the receiver is not sealed. The pressure can vent through the lever opening.

 

[AStone]

Mo just posted a reference in the 336 club to a DVD called an armorers guide for the 336 and 1894.

In looking for a source for purchase or rent (see that club for links),
I found a DVD by the same company (AGI Videos) on the Marlin 39 and 39A, also.

Looks like a must have.

Nem

 

[rimfirerick]

Armedbear, If you like the Mountie with the octagon bbl, go for it. I just picked up a 39 Article II for $300 today. I don't go for commermorative guns, but I liked the octagon bbl, and the cressent butt stock. I'm going to use it for a shooter. As far as the holes in the receiver, what you said about them being to check for a round sounds reasonably. If someone has a manual, that could answer the question once and for all.

 

[ArmedBear]

I have a current 39A manual. It says that the hole at the magazine level is for checking to see if the magazine is empty, or if there is another round ready to be chambered.

Re the other hole, the manual doesn't say. I could be totally wrong about its purpose.

So, I just chambered a snap cap, and it doesn't appear to show the rim when the bolt is fully closed. It does make it easy to see a chambered round if you open the bolt slightly, though I'm not sure that it's any easier than it is from the right (bolt) side of the receiver. It could be intended to redirect the gas from a ruptured case, I suppose. The manual doesn't mention it at all. It could be intended to allow inspection of the bolt from the left side, also. Only Marlin knows, I suppose. Maybe they'll tell us.

 

[12voltman]

Sign me up

Stumbled across this thread last night, couldn't stop reading til the end.
Was going to try out my new (to me) CZ82 anyway, so I brought my 39 along.
Both ran without a hiccup, but I racked up most of my time with the 39. With .22s being so much cheaper, its so easy to practice more often. I really like the old time lever action. Makes me want to but another.

 

[rimfirerick]

Welcome 12voltman. Yes, .22 ammo much more affordable.

Hey all, I like pics of guns. Would like to see some more of yours. Here is a couple of mine. 1955 Carbine or (Mountie) and 1971 39 Article II, just aquired.

 

[AStone]

12V'man, welcome. Glad you're finding something of value here.
We've only just begun. Look forward to your contributions.

I really like the old time lever action. Makes me want to but another.

Yeah, we know.

Trust me: we know.

And another, and another ...

For me, there's just something about being able to shuck that next rnd into the chamber using one of the oldest technologies in the human tool kit: levers. It's that extra level of control, and the feeling of it, the sheer tactile sense.

I like it way better than 'matics.

A few nights ago, I sat with my unloaded 336 and just levered it about a hundred times, then let the hammer down real slow to half cock, feeling it, trying to make the feeling second nature.

The following night, I did the same with my 39A.

Some fast, but most just really, really slow - literally slow motion - just to feel every part of the motion, where metal contacts other metal, how the bolt slides back, then forward, noticing the points where something "new" in the sequence happens all along the way, trying to visualize the inside, and picture in my mind where a little polishing might smooth things up some.

It was not only educational - in a sense of getting to know my rifle better - but helped in the ongoing break in, and down right meditative.

Polishing coming this week ... for several guns actually ...

Nem