The Marlin 39 Club

[dfariswheel]

On newer Model 39's the serial number is stamped on the top tang, right behind the hammer.

On older 39's the serial is stamped on the bottom tang, under the lever.

 

[Riptide]

As it turns out, there is some remnants of a serial number on the bottom tang. Can't make out most of it...

Not sure how it got like that. I think it might have been peened down from the lever, I guess. Maybe that's why they moved the location of the number.

 

[GMAN26]

Ok...I read all 117 pages. I did skim over some of the pages and don't know how much I really absorbed but there is tons of info here! Glad I found this club. My quest to find a vintage 39 is in full swing.

 

[flusher]

And just what date would be a Vintage to you??

 

[GMAN26]

If I could find a Golden 39A manufactured in 1961 with 20 inch barrel. Did they make a octagon version that year? If 1961 is Vintage than so am I!

 

[Leadhead]

No button safety and rebounding hammer would be vintage to me.

 

[CaliCoastie]

new but read the whole thread!

Well new here to this fourm but i read this entire thread before posting. and it only took me the better part of 4 days. I have a 39a from 65 that i picked up here on the 15th, only it was off to the smith to fix 3 different cracks in the stock. I picked it up for 300 with two silver eagles so around 260 for the marlin. I dont want to post any pictures of the 39 untill she's fixed so sometime here next week, but to tide everyone over untill then here are a few other levers i have. O and the 39 was damaged when it fell out of the previous owners tree stand looking for squirrels.
Top rifle is a Western auto model 116( marlin 57M, bought from the same pawn shop as the 39a) 22 mag 1964
middle rifle is a Marlin 336-44 mag made in 1965
Bottom rifle is a marlin 30-30AS from the 80's and was my first rifle. most of my rifles are peep the 116 is the exception due to it having it already mounted. the 30-30 wouldnt group with any combonation of scope or rings(i tried 3 different sets of rings and bases and two different scopes that worked on other rifles). when i get my 39a and my project 30-30 texan done ill throw those pics up also.

Gabe

 

[AmericanMeet]

Hello, I'm new to this site and posting a question but not sure if I'm in the correct spot, if so please let me know. Several years ago I bought a Marlin 1897 action, complete except for ejector. I had intended on having a rifle built on it. However, the barrel maker I knew died and I have purchased a new 1897Texan. So my question is: Can anyone refer me to a gunsmith familiar with this request, or since the Texan is how I would want it built, offer it(the action) for sale?

 

[CB900F]

CaliCoastie;

Once upon a time, I owned a model 57. Because I was young & dumb, I thought that the full-length stock of the 57 was superior to the two piece stock of the 39, and besides, it was cheaper! Little did I know.

The 57 was an accurate beastie, but the action works are a touch delicate in comparison to the model 39. Therefore, the model 57 is no longer in my collection, but a 39 has been aquired to fill the gap. And, in defense of the 57, I most likely don't treat any of my guns in the same fashion as I did when testosterone was the only hormone that mattered.

900F

 

[flusher]

Did the 1982 39 Mountie have a front sight ramp hood?

 

[GMAN26]

Are there specific years for the 39, 39A or Golden Mounties, where the forearm is larger than the current years model?

Thanks in advance!

Happy 4th to all and God Bless America.

 

[JustsayMo]

Gman Yes. The 50's vintage forarms were pregnant. The sixties vintages had the slimmed down sleek (the best IMHO). They got a little fatter in the 1970's onward.

 

[kimberkid]

if you want a slender forend, similar to the original 39, don't get the original 39 forend as it's about 1 inch too short... but you can get the Century model (100year anniversary edition) it fits perfect ... and IMHO much better looking.

 

[Flynt]

To chime in with Flusher's question, does anybody know whether the 1959 Mountie had a front sight hood? Thanks.

 

[stubbfarmer]

I have not been around for awhile. Both Moubties would of come with front hoods. The 1982 would be a wide scan. The 1959 would be the older style round top.

 

[Flynt]

Stubbfarm,

Thanks for the response. My 59 Mountie has a front sight ramp with slots for a hood, but no hood. I wasn't sure it came with a hood; had no way to make sure the ramp was original.

I have been trying to find a hood that fits off and on for probably a year. The ones from Brownells are for current manufacture Marlins. I also bought a hood from one of the mom & pop dealers. They swore up and down it would fit my rifle, but it didn't. (The slot on the ramp is too wide for modern hoods.) Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[JustsayMo]

Flynt, they do fit mighty tight. The slot on mine looks to be about half the size of the grooves in the ramp. I can just barely get it on without tools.

That being said I'm not certain there is much of a benefit from the hoods except for protection during transport. I've taken all of mine off as I want as much light on that front sight as I can get, especially when hunting in the shadows in the early and later parts of the day when critters are most active.

I did leave the widescan on my Papoose as the front sight was plastic...

 

[teetertotter]

I learned last week that my 3 year old 39a dislikes CCI mini mags, 1235fps, rd nose. The best I could do with sandbags at 77 yds was 2 inch group in best conditions. I wouldn't even use this at 40 yds either. So far the CCI blazers can't be matched. I have a box of Federal Champion 510 to try out. Has anyone tried std velocity, 1035fps or so, with any target accuracy. Our local Gander Mountain and Farm & Fleet, have limited selection in 22LR. The usual Remmington grades which don't match the Blazers. Nobody stocks Winchester anymore or they can't get it. High Velocity max is what I'm looking for to try.

 

[JustsayMo]

I've had very good luck with Aguila SE Subsonic in a number of rifles. It used to be a good value ~$14/500. Can't even find it now and that is the going price for the cheap stuff. The really good stuff shoots a little better but not enough better to justify the expense for anything but my target rifles.

 

[teetertotter]

Thanks MO.

 

[GMAN26]

ok...its official. my wife bought me a 1956, 39a here in Maine.
ill tell more when I get back home to That 100 degree heat.

 

[Maverick223]

I keep hearing how these rifles are not only handy little carbines but are also quite accurate, but I don't believe it ...I guess some of you folks will just have to show me in the Monthly Rimfire Match.

 

[CaliCoastie]

Finaly got my rifle back from the smith, everything looks good and i couldnt argue with the price, almost half of what he had quoted me. so here are pics of my lever 22's the 57m i already posted, my 39a that i havent shot and my ruger single six is hidded at the bottom behind my rifles with the extra mag cylinder.

 

[flusher]

Just realized that my 1978 39A bottom face of thumbscrew head is not flush with the receiver.
I assume this to be correct.

 

[Maverick223]

I assume this to be correct.

Yep, that is to both protect the receiver from wear and scratches (and therefore corrosion) as well as facilitate loosening it to break down the carbine.