The Marlin 39 Club
- Thread starter AStone
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40-82
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- Jun 28, 2013
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- 527
My father bought a pair of 39A's in the late 40's. I have one. One of my brothers has the other. It was the first rifle I shot. I was four years old. Mention of the 39A brings back the memories. It has been a little over a year now since I have fed myself with something I shot with the 39A. I'll have to correct that soon.
Hardtarget
Member
My dad had a 39 and I shot a truck load of .22"s through it. Sadly, it was stolen a decade ago. He replaced it soon after...and gave it to my brother! That's ok...I have other rifles.
Last March my brother died suddenly. In his will...my grandson is named to receive the Marlin.
So, even though the rifle is in my safe, I'm no closer to being able to join this club than I was last year...rats.
I miss my brother but it was good of him to remember my grandson in such a way. He will be long remembered and loved.
Mark...(still looking for my Marlin
)
Last March my brother died suddenly. In his will...my grandson is named to receive the Marlin.
So, even though the rifle is in my safe, I'm no closer to being able to join this club than I was last year...rats.
I miss my brother but it was good of him to remember my grandson in such a way. He will be long remembered and loved.
Mark...(still looking for my Marlin
)Hardtarget;
One of the single most effective things you can do is to make use of "The Old Girls Club". If you're a grandpa, your wife is almost certainly in it. Ask her to put out the word that if anybody her circle of friends knows wants to get rid of the guns after the husband passed on, to let you know. You would be really lucky to actually find a 39 you understand, but it's entirely possible to pick up something for trade material. And I'm not talking about doin' a low-ball on an ignorant widow either. Pay for it, help her realize the worth of what she's got, and you are a hero. And word gets around in that O-G-C, yes it does.
900F
One of the single most effective things you can do is to make use of "The Old Girls Club". If you're a grandpa, your wife is almost certainly in it. Ask her to put out the word that if anybody her circle of friends knows wants to get rid of the guns after the husband passed on, to let you know. You would be really lucky to actually find a 39 you understand, but it's entirely possible to pick up something for trade material. And I'm not talking about doin' a low-ball on an ignorant widow either. Pay for it, help her realize the worth of what she's got, and you are a hero. And word gets around in that O-G-C, yes it does.
900F
dfariswheel
Member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2002
- Messages
- 6,656
First, you need to know when your 39-A was made, since parts did change over the years.
Look here for dating info. For post-war rifles use the second field:
http://oldguns.net/sn_php/marlinlookup.php
Here's places you can usually get bolts. Be sure to talk to them so you get a correct era bolt:
http://www.jackfirstgun.com/
(Gotta call but probably the best parts house)
http://www.poppertsgunparts.com/index.htm
http://www.gun-parts.com/marlin/
(For parts not listed, call and ask)
http://www.parts4guns.com/
BREECH BOLT 39A G1023860 $45.00
These may not fit older 39-A rifles. Call and ask first.
Last, contact Marlin and ask them. If they don't have a correct bolt, they may know who will.
Look here for dating info. For post-war rifles use the second field:
http://oldguns.net/sn_php/marlinlookup.php
Here's places you can usually get bolts. Be sure to talk to them so you get a correct era bolt:
http://www.jackfirstgun.com/
(Gotta call but probably the best parts house)
http://www.poppertsgunparts.com/index.htm
http://www.gun-parts.com/marlin/
(For parts not listed, call and ask)
http://www.parts4guns.com/
BREECH BOLT 39A G1023860 $45.00
These may not fit older 39-A rifles. Call and ask first.
Last, contact Marlin and ask them. If they don't have a correct bolt, they may know who will.
dfariswheel
Thanks for your reply.
However my rifle is not a Model 39-A.
It is a Model 39. I have been told that the breach bolt for the 39-A will not fit in the Model 39.
I will call those dealers that you gave me and see if they can help.
Thanks again
Thanks for your reply.
However my rifle is not a Model 39-A.
It is a Model 39. I have been told that the breach bolt for the 39-A will not fit in the Model 39.
I will call those dealers that you gave me and see if they can help.
Thanks again
otteray
Member
39a bolt fits. I had to do a little filing. Sometimes they drop right in, others have reported.
I got one so I could use high velocity ammo, few years ago, because standard velocity can be hard to locate. There was a good discussion that I initiated over at Leverguns.com a few years ago.
I got one so I could use high velocity ammo, few years ago, because standard velocity can be hard to locate. There was a good discussion that I initiated over at Leverguns.com a few years ago.
dfariswheel
Member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2002
- Messages
- 6,656
Here's a site with some good info on Marlin bolts.
Click the first yellow link for bolt info:
http://www.wisnersinc.com/rifles/marlin/rflever.htm
The Model 39 used two bolts.
The old style will break if used with modern High Speed ammo.
The later bolts are good for HS ammo and the serial number of the rifle will start with an "HS" prefix.
These should be interchangeable with the Model 39-A up until the 1970's or even later.
Click the first yellow link for bolt info:
http://www.wisnersinc.com/rifles/marlin/rflever.htm
The Model 39 used two bolts.
The old style will break if used with modern High Speed ammo.
The later bolts are good for HS ammo and the serial number of the rifle will start with an "HS" prefix.
These should be interchangeable with the Model 39-A up until the 1970's or even later.
fastfreddie
Member
I have not checked in for quite a while now. I'm on number 4 as of yesterday when I picked up a like new Century Limited from armslist!
Is Brasso safe for the buttstock, forend cap, and 100 year emblem on the receiver on these guns?
Thanks! Fred
Is Brasso safe for the buttstock, forend cap, and 100 year emblem on the receiver on these guns?
Thanks! Fred
Fast Freddie;
I'd be very careful using Brasso, be sure to thoroughly remove all traces when done. But, I think there are better products out there. Is there any possibility that you can simply remove the buttstock & forend & put them in your media tumbler?
Oh, and would you possibly have an NSA500 in your rear pocket?
900F
I'd be very careful using Brasso, be sure to thoroughly remove all traces when done. But, I think there are better products out there. Is there any possibility that you can simply remove the buttstock & forend & put them in your media tumbler?
Oh, and would you possibly have an NSA500 in your rear pocket?
900F
Froggigger
Member
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2013
- Messages
- 1
Serial number location on my golden 39A?
I have a number on the tang behind the hammer. But no site reconises this number. Where is it located?
I have a number on the tang behind the hammer. But no site reconises this number. Where is it located?
fastfreddie
Member
Wow. Apparently I have a lot to learn. I don't know what a media tumbler or the NSA 500 is!
Fastfreddie;
A media tumbler, AKA brass tumbler is what reloaders put their fired cases in to be polished up before reloading them.
The NSA500 is what THE Fast Freddie Spencer rode. That was, however, after he went to Europe and had graduated from HRC and the AMA superbikes.
900F
A media tumbler, AKA brass tumbler is what reloaders put their fired cases in to be polished up before reloading them.
The NSA500 is what THE Fast Freddie Spencer rode. That was, however, after he went to Europe and had graduated from HRC and the AMA superbikes.
900F
fastfreddie
Member
That explains it! Thanks!
dfariswheel
Member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2002
- Messages
- 6,656
Froggigger
The serial number is on the bottom tang of earlier rifles, on the top tang of later rifles.
Later Model 39-A rifles used a sort of coded serial number to ID the year made. Check the list here:
http://www.marlin-collectors.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2288
The serial number is on the bottom tang of earlier rifles, on the top tang of later rifles.
Later Model 39-A rifles used a sort of coded serial number to ID the year made. Check the list here:
http://www.marlin-collectors.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2288
Fast Frank
Member
*Fast Frank nudges CBR900, and whispers in his ear:
(That's NSR, dude.)
(That's NSR, dude.)
az_imuth
Member
Just recently picked up a model 39D (1971) to go with my 39A (1954) and 39M (1972). It only took me a few shots to determine that I'm really gonna like this D model. Fast handling, accurate and seemingly lighter with the shorter, tapered barrel, which makes a great combination for a field gun.
Wildlifeforever
Member
FrankenMarlin
Hello Everyone, I wish to report that I purchased what was to be a AO Carbine
I thought . What it turned out to be was a rebarreled 1969 Mountie with a Octagon AO barrel. Metal finish looked new. AO barrel looked new. Wood not bad but had used look. After inspection I decided not to return it. It was priced modestly. One big clue when it was in my hands was no rolled engraving. Also no takedown thumb screw. Oval head screw in its place. How common is this? Purpose of post is to set record straight I don't have a Original AO. It will do. Photo page 170
Hello Everyone, I wish to report that I purchased what was to be a AO Carbine
I thought . What it turned out to be was a rebarreled 1969 Mountie with a Octagon AO barrel. Metal finish looked new. AO barrel looked new. Wood not bad but had used look. After inspection I decided not to return it. It was priced modestly. One big clue when it was in my hands was no rolled engraving. Also no takedown thumb screw. Oval head screw in its place. How common is this? Purpose of post is to set record straight I don't have a Original AO. It will do. Photo page 170
Last edited:
Fast Frank
Member
BUMP!
Believe it or not, I actually fired a model 39 today.
Yes, I took my 1950 rifle along to a place where I could pop off a few CB caps, and proceeded to do just that.
That rifle just plain old works, and it's a joy to shoot... even with reduced power loads like the CCI CB short.
As you can see in the pic, I was standing on the back porch and firing into the woods behind the house. There are neighbors maybe 100 yards away on either side, but they didn't appear to notice the soft pop of the CB caps. Heck, it didn't even set their dogs to barking and those dogs will bark at almost any noise.
CB caps are GREAT!
I wish the .22 availability would come back to normal. I really miss taking my Marlins out for a day of shooting. I felt guilty burning that ammo knowing how difficult it is to replace it.
Any of you guys get to fire some rounds lately?
Believe it or not, I actually fired a model 39 today.
Yes, I took my 1950 rifle along to a place where I could pop off a few CB caps, and proceeded to do just that.
That rifle just plain old works, and it's a joy to shoot... even with reduced power loads like the CCI CB short.
As you can see in the pic, I was standing on the back porch and firing into the woods behind the house. There are neighbors maybe 100 yards away on either side, but they didn't appear to notice the soft pop of the CB caps. Heck, it didn't even set their dogs to barking and those dogs will bark at almost any noise.
CB caps are GREAT!
I wish the .22 availability would come back to normal. I really miss taking my Marlins out for a day of shooting. I felt guilty burning that ammo knowing how difficult it is to replace it.
Any of you guys get to fire some rounds lately?
Last edited:
JustsayMo
Member
I'm seeing it occasionally but it is more expensive than it was, at least 25% more. I think we now have a "new normal", gone are the days when you could count on getting ammo in quantities or prices we formally enjoyed.
At the range I've noticed that among the regulars there are those who were well stocked are still competing and practicing. Others are shooting what they can find ammo for and less frequently.
I've been working with some new reloaders and they've really struggled to find powder, primers and bullets. When they do find them they are typically double the price... $35 for a pound of powder!!!
At the range I've noticed that among the regulars there are those who were well stocked are still competing and practicing. Others are shooting what they can find ammo for and less frequently.
I've been working with some new reloaders and they've really struggled to find powder, primers and bullets. When they do find them they are typically double the price... $35 for a pound of powder!!!
Fella's;
One of the local big sporting goods stores recently got in some Federal American Eagle 36 gr HP .22lr ammo. In the not-so-distant past I remember seeing this same gun fodder on a pallet in the store & selling for $8.99 a 400 brick. Now it's $39.95 for the same amount!
I've got a case of it back somewhere. At one time it was what seemed to be the best ammo I could get for a couple of guns. Later on I found other stuff that worked better. The newspaper ran an article on Sunday about the lack of ammo & interviewed people actively involved in retailing and the shooting sports. The head of the range mentioned that they are out of ammo for their 4-H program and training. So I called him up & offered the case, got fobbed off on another member, left a message on his phone, and haven't heard a thing back. Oh well.
900F
One of the local big sporting goods stores recently got in some Federal American Eagle 36 gr HP .22lr ammo. In the not-so-distant past I remember seeing this same gun fodder on a pallet in the store & selling for $8.99 a 400 brick. Now it's $39.95 for the same amount!
I've got a case of it back somewhere. At one time it was what seemed to be the best ammo I could get for a couple of guns. Later on I found other stuff that worked better. The newspaper ran an article on Sunday about the lack of ammo & interviewed people actively involved in retailing and the shooting sports. The head of the range mentioned that they are out of ammo for their 4-H program and training. So I called him up & offered the case, got fobbed off on another member, left a message on his phone, and haven't heard a thing back. Oh well.
900F
dfariswheel
Member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2002
- Messages
- 6,656
Wldlifeforever
An oval head screw in the receiver is NOT original.
Sounds like someone stuck in an "expedient" screw.
No problem, new thumb screws are readily available.
One hint: Never use a screwdriver on the thumbscrew, they chew the slot up.
Use a coin or do what I did. I used a piece of 1/8" thick brass strip to make a screw wrench.
I filed the end to a curve that perfectly fit the curved bottom of the screw slot, then bent the strip into an "L" shape to give leverage.
Snug the thumbscrew down snug enough to insure the two halves of the receiver are mated, but don't over tighten.
An oval head screw in the receiver is NOT original.
Sounds like someone stuck in an "expedient" screw.
No problem, new thumb screws are readily available.
One hint: Never use a screwdriver on the thumbscrew, they chew the slot up.
Use a coin or do what I did. I used a piece of 1/8" thick brass strip to make a screw wrench.
I filed the end to a curve that perfectly fit the curved bottom of the screw slot, then bent the strip into an "L" shape to give leverage.
Snug the thumbscrew down snug enough to insure the two halves of the receiver are mated, but don't over tighten.
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