The Marlin 39 Club

[stubbfarmer]

Gearchecker your 39A is a 1969.

 

[stubbfarmer]

That was pretty cool my first post on this 39A site starts page 100. I'll take it as some sort of honor!

 

[AStone]

<grins> Nice job, Stubb. Welcome in.

Gearchecker, nice rifle. And for $200. Wow.

Bob, $100 for a mountie, even in a bit of rough condition? Pffp. I'd say you scored.

 

[gearchecker]

Gearchecker, nice rifle. And for $200. Wow.

I told the lady that owned it and I told her it was worth at least $400 but she looked in her ledger and said her late husband paid $189 for it, so the $200 was fair to her. Her and her late husband kept perfect records of all their purchase in life. They had a set of books that looked like an accountant set it up.
She said she felt bad that I was buying a used gun for more than they paid for it. She said $200 was it, and that was fair enough for her. I wrote the check right there in front of my wife without asking her approval. The next day I went out and bought my wife a new marlin rifle as a thank you gift.

Thanks for the appreciation. This will be the one that Ill be sure to give to one of my grandchildren a bit later in this life.

It is 100% factory original. Is there anything special I need to know to keep it running smoothly? Or any tips and tricks for the same?

~GQ~

 

[cwelch]

Pawn shop find?

I stopped in a local pawn shop over the weekend just to see what they had. Nothing of much interest except for a Marlin 39a. On a quick look overall condition appears really good except for the stock, which is really worn on the left side. It's already wearing some type of aperature sight mounted on the left rear. I called a few minutes ago to get the serial, 4 digit beginning with an S which possibly makes it a 58-59 model.

Price out the door is $300.00. I'm going to stop by on the way home from work and give it a good hard look. Is there anything is particular I should be paying attention to?

 

[teetertotter]

I just had my 3 year old trigger reworked to 2-1/2 lbs. It really makes a difference on accuracy which was told earlier this year in competition. At 60m with Winchester Wildcat 22, in 40F temp, on sandbags, .600 five group or dime size. The lighter trigger sure does make a difference. Our outdoor Silhouette season is over and will be moving indoors January at 50ft on paper. My scope is a discontinued Simmons 6.5-20X44 Mag. Next Spring, I plan to try CCI Std Velocity and more expensive SK JAGD Std Plus to see if it will do as well as the Wildcat 22 or better. I might join the benchrest group at the club next year. Scope limit is 6X but sure they will allow my 6.5 with my not so precison class rifle for fun. I might surprise some in the group too. Been shooting a little over a year and love my lever action. If only I knew someone having tree farmland to go crow/squirrel hunting during the summer.

 

[CBulice]

New 39a with FTF problems

Nem,

I read where you had issues with your 39a. What was the problem and did you get it fixed? Did you contact Marlin? I just bought this gun brand new yesterday and took it to the range to site in my scope and several rounds did not fire on the first try. After ejecting several shells, I decided to pull the hammer back and fire again---then they fired. I am disappointed after spending over $500.00 on this gun. Please help!!

 

[tubeshooter]

Try some other brands first, to see if maybe you just got a bad batch of ammo. It does happen. You shouldn't really be seeing more than 3 or 4 duds or second strikers per brick though.

Which brand are you shooting?

Try a box of CCI Mini-Mags. They have been very consistent in my experience.

If you find out for sure it's the gun, send it to Marlin and they will make it right. I had extraction issues with my NIB 39a that I got 3 years ago, and I sent it back. They have great customer service. I know how you feel - I had the same thoughts when I had my problems. All is not lost. Give them a chance to fix it. Write a detailed note and put it in the box; that's what I did.


Hope it works out for you. And welcome to the club.

 

[vaupet]

Nem,

I read where you had issues with your 39a. What was the problem and did you get it fixed? Did you contact Marlin? I just bought this gun brand new yesterday and took it to the range to site in my scope and several rounds did not fire on the first try. After ejecting several shells, I decided to pull the hammer back and fire again---then they fired. I am disappointed after spending over $500.00 on this gun. Please help!!

I experienced the same problems with my rifle some months ago (also brand new).
solution: after take-down, fasten the screw with a screw-driver or a coin, just hand-fastened isn't good enough.
have a little patience, the trigger takes some breaking in I suppose. When I squeezed the trigger gently, it would fire buth the hammer would stop at what could be compared to the half-cocked position on an 336. It went better when I realy jerked the trigger (very nice on accuracy)
this got better in time
also, the rifle is sensitive on amo. I got best results with Federal Champion high velocity amo, strictly avoid amo for match or other pistols, because the rim is to thin and you will experience FTE

you can watch my posts and answers nrs 2341 > 2346 and 2436/2437

greetz
peter

 

[Seaquester5]

Must say, I was worried about FF issues too, after reading some posts here, but,after about 500 rounds now in my new 39a I have not had a single FF.I have even fired some long ammo that is unplated.
I have used Remington bulk Golden Bullet and CCI mag LR with no issues either. I do not think any of this is remarkable, just thowing it out for comparison. Just a comment too about Marlin, they have been one of the most helpful and considerate "factory" customer srevice people I have ever dealt with over the past 30 years or so with issues I had with various new and used Marlins I have owned, so if something ain't right, they will do right by you!

 

[JustsayMo]

I've been wanting a Century Limited for some time and had never seen one for less than $600, and most others a good deal more than that. Found one with some mileage on it that was a less (but probably still overpriced...) that I could not resist - had to sell one of my Mounties though...

I didn't want a gun I'd be afraid pack around hunting, so we were a good match.

Picked it up earlier this week. One of the first things I noticed was the deference in weight. The 39A Century limited is lighter (by 8 oz according to my scale) than my Mountie. The receiver halves and bolt are the tightest fitting I've ever seen - that was very evident when re-assembling after cleaning...

While cleaning I noticed the firing pin is not profiled like it is on the other four 39's I've owned. It looks like an aftermarket pin I bought for a backup. Might be a replacement for all I know.

It feeds, fires and ejects 100% so far (5 magazines worth). The ejection is quite impressive flinging the spent case at least 20' through the air. The accuracy looks very promising too. I'm still adjusting to the Marbles semi-buckhorn sights and trigger but I've managed a couple of enlarged hole groups. I like the sight but it is a bear to adjust the elevation the (short) spring tension is so high and the indents on the elevator ramp fewer with a greater differentiation. That is kind of a bummer for a silhouette match where it would be nice to be able to easily click it up a notch for the Rams without having to take steroids or have gorilla strength. It shows up on the target too. One click is about 2" at 25 yards. The second notch looks like it will work for dead on hold out to 50 yards. If it is like my Mounties that means that the front bead will cover the point of impact at 100 yards. I'll test that ASAP

The one complaint I have is that while the rifle was shipped it suffered some damage to the stock and buttplate.

It was insured and I will probably look into that. I'm also considering finding another stock. My Mountie Stock fits. Might also consider a repair.

The value to me is in its function, not its beauty and by that measure I'm pleased overall. I probably won't have time to shoot any Grouse with it this year but you can bet I'll be reaching for it every chance I get next year. It'll also be my Levergun Silhouette Match gun for the Rimfire class.

 

[CBulice]

Try some other brands first, to see if maybe you just got a bad batch of ammo. It does happen. You shouldn't really be seeing more than 3 or 4 duds or second strikers per brick though.

Which brand are you shooting?

Try a box of CCI Mini-Mags. They have been very consistent in my experience.

If you find out for sure it's the gun, send it to Marlin and they will make it right. I had extraction issues with my NIB 39a that I got 3 years ago, and I sent it back. They have great customer service. I know how you feel - I had the same thoughts when I had my problems. All is not lost. Give them a chance to fix it. Write a detailed note and put it in the box; that's what I did.


Hope it works out for you. And welcome to the club.

I have always used CCI mini-mags and I have never had that many FTF

 

[Wayne02]

I just bought this gun brand new yesterday and took it to the range to site in my scope and several rounds did not fire on the first try. After ejecting several shells, I decided to pull the hammer back and fire again---then they fired. I am disappointed after spending over $500.00 on this gun. Please help!!

Know that you are not alone, search the marlin forum for others with problems with the newly manufactured 39A's, and the solutions they have come up with. The new 39A I received earlier this year was a very poor example of quality manufacturing and the after sales service was lack luster at best. It's ironic that the box says something about the rifle being proudly crafted in the U.S.A or some such. If this particular rifle is an example of proud American manufacturing then it is no surprise that we have lost our manufacturing base.

I too would like an update on Nem's particular situation if possible.

 

[Badlander]

Found A 39m Article 2 Mountie with octogon barrel today. Unfortunatly I did not have the Cash. Asking price is $499. Very good condition. I gave them my number asked them to call if it doesn't sell. Im hopeing to join the club.

 

[Rangr44]

My 1946 M39a



My 1955 M39a



And my Marlin 1927 "Model 39 minus 1" (aka Model 38)



.

 

[teetertotter]

My 3 year old 39a is the only rifle I own with 6.5-20X44 and I shoot hunter class Silhouette at, 40m up to 100m 2X's a week summer and 1x a week indoor winter. I clean the barrel from the breech after each session or 115-130 rds where accuracy begins to tapper off at the longer distances. I stand by my 39a and when compete in area, I get a lot looks or....."I used to have one of those," or "I should buy one, one of these days," or "Can you let me try it?"
Scope is mounted 1" high for my fit with trigger pull of 2-1/2lbs. Hope you have as much fun with yours as I do with mine!

 

[AStone]

Sorry to be behind reading here.
Busy at work and recently fallen in love.

Mo, great review, beautiful rifle.

CB & Wayne, my issue is not yet resolved.

My gunsmith - very trusted, very experienced - ran two boxes of ammo through it a year ago and said, "not a single misfire. It's your ammo." I've been using CCI minimags, which he complains he's found to be inconsistent. There seems to be no consensus about that, however; many love them.

I went to the range once after that visit to the smith, still shooting mini mags (just to double check). FTF on 3 of 2 magazines. Next time, I'll try another brand.

Fast Frank on a sister forum related to this one that must not be named claims that he solved his problem by making a modification of his firing pin by filing off a tiny amount to allow a slightly deeper indentation on the rim of the cartridge. That's my intention, as soon as I get some time.

I'm also going to try Vaupet's suggestion about tightening that screw.
Makes sense on some intuitive level.

 

[powwowell]

My new old Mountie

I picked up this 1964 Mountie a few weeks ago.









The pictures do not do justice to the wood. It is beautiful. I wish the metal was perfect, but I don't wish to put $600 or more into a Mountie.

The rifle performs well. The only issue I have is with the ejector hold down. It does not turn and so, will not hold the ejector down. I removed ejector to clean the rifle. Somewhere down the line, I'll soak the uncooperative hold down mechanism, in penetrating oil. Maybe this will free it up.

 

[AStone]

^ Oh, wow, that's beautiful!

 

[JustsayMo]

Those mid-sixty vintage Mounties are the best. Fluted stocks, skinny forestocks... Beautiful 39 you have there.

Now go take it shooting.

 

[offthepaper]

Nem,

I read where you had issues with your 39a. What was the problem and did you get it fixed? Did you contact Marlin? I just bought this gun brand new yesterday and took it to the range to site in my scope and several rounds did not fire on the first try. After ejecting several shells, I decided to pull the hammer back and fire again---then they fired. I am disappointed after spending over $500.00 on this gun. Please help!!

I had the same experience in June when I bought myself a NIB 39A. I took it to the range to sight in the rifle. Loaded it, took the safety off, took aim, pulled trigger, and ....nothing. . Ejected that shell, and repeated this 8-10 x. Nothing
Ejected all the remaining shells and reloaded with a different mfg ammo. Took aim, pulled trigger....nothing I packed it up and came home and called Marlin. They sent me a prepaid shipping label to ship the rifle back to the factory. I really stressed the fact that this was a BRAND NEW RIFLE OUT OF THE BOX THAT WON'T FIRE!!
They assurred me that it would be handled on a priority basis. OK. I shipped the rifle out, but it was almost 6 weeks before I got it back. The work order stated they had "replaced firing pin and rebreech stock", not real sure what rebreeching the stock is. I've always wondered how something so blatent would pass the QA process at a major arms mfg. But it has fired without fail with all ammo I have fed it and is a very fun rifle to shoot. I liked so much, I have since bought another 39A, a very sweet 1969 39A for $325 OTD with a sling and brick of ammo.

 

[TCB in TN]

I have since bought another 39A, a very sweet 1969 39A for $325 OTD with a sling and brick of ammo.

Just where are you located and do you see prices like that very often?

 

[JustsayMo]

It is too bad that liability issues require firearm manufacturers to dumb down guns that were used safely for decades. I guess legally common sense is not defensible. One would think that while using ANY tool or driving we wouldn't need a nanny to watch over us or laws that seem more like revenue generators than real concern for public safety...

I've had one 39 with a rebounding hammer. It took some tweaks to make it 100% reliable. The other four - all mfr prior to the rebounding hammer - function with complete reliability.

I am aware that the hammer down on a live cartridge poses a risk of accidental fire if the hammer is struck smartly and I take care to insure my rifles are not in that condition at any time. Safe handling practices greatly mitigate the probability of a negligent discharge. If I am hunting alone and stalking game I typically have one in the chamber with the hammer on half-cock. I also practice muzzle control - loaded AND unloaded- at all times.

I don't mind the cross bolt safeties on Marlin Centerfires though...

 

[offthepaper]

Just where are you located and do you see prices like that very often?

I live north of Baltimore. As far as the price goes, it was typical Murphy's Law. I had looked for an older 39 for about 6 months and finally got discouraged, as there weren't really very many to look at. The ones I did see were either in poor shape for the money or in good shape for a lot of money. So being tired of looking for an older one I decided to treat myself to a spanking new 39 for last Fathers Day. I made the purchase through Walmart (best price around, no ffl fee and free shipping included). Bust as my original post stated, the joy was short lived.
Fast forward 3 months later, I decide to kill a rainey Sat morning and go to an extremely small gun show at a local VFW. Very small show 25-30 tables, but I had time to kill. I drive down, pay my $2 entry fee and walk in the door. There on the 2nd table sits the very sweet 1969 39 in VERY good condition. The seller is asking $350 for it w/ accessories. I talked to him for a few minutes and told him I really didn't need the accesories, just the rifle, but he said I could take the whole package for $325. I still think of that as one of my better gun deals.
Now I need to get them a big brother 336 to keep them company in the safe.

 

[sting97]

marlin 39

I think rebound hammer system sucks . Any ideas ?