Author Topic: marlin 39a, the best squirrel rifle? (Read 3905 times)

pastorp · « **on:** September 14, 2010, 01:18:30 PM »

I just bought another Marlin 39a, mfg. in 1952...I think these are the best of the small game rifles ever made...

JMO

Regards,

Oldshooter · « **Reply #1 on:** September 14, 2010, 01:27:43 PM »

I have one and it is a good un.........that being said my 17 mach II is a smidge better because it holds elevation better at long distances and is a more accurate cartridge. But the lil 39A is a very fine 22 rifle for sure !

Lurker · « **Reply #2 on:** September 14, 2010, 06:56:04 PM »

I only have eight Marlin 39's. So I don't know too much about them...

The Marlin 39 is my favorite 22 LR lever gun, above all others.

Bill

pastorp · « **Reply #3 on:** September 16, 2010, 04:21:55 AM »

Lurker,

Among your 39a s is there any older ballard rifled ones?

Regards,

gvnut · « **Reply #4 on:** September 21, 2010, 03:47:55 PM »

Lurker,
Would you know the difference between the 39A and the 39D? I have a newer 39A and an older 39M but ran into a 39D in a small shop today and was wondering what the differences were.
Thanks
Glen

264fan · « **Reply #5 on:** September 21, 2010, 04:28:05 PM »

Quote from: gvnut on September 21, 2010, 03:47:55 PM

Lurker,
Would you know the difference between the 39A and the 39D? I have a newer 39A and an older 39M but ran into a 39D in a small shop today and was wondering what the differences were.
Thanks
Glen

39D is is in essence a Mounty with the same wood as the 39A, or a short barreled 39A

Swampman · « **Reply #6 on:** September 21, 2010, 04:48:39 PM »

I spent a year trying to find one that would feed, fire, and eject. I gave up and bought a Model 60 DLX Marlin.

pastorp · « **Reply #7 on:** September 21, 2010, 05:07:44 PM »

All mine feed, fire, & eject just fine. But then I saw rhe pictures of some of the ones you bought Swampy and they looked pertty tired. I generally buy older rifles that are close to mint condition. I don't buy in pawn shops or such but colector grade stuff. I do wait untill the price is right, but don't mind paying for quality.

Try buying a better condition 39a and you'll be pleasantly suprised I believe.

Regards,

Swampman · « **Reply #8 on:** September 21, 2010, 05:10:04 PM »

One was new and one was a 1976 that was like new.

pastorp · « **Reply #9 on:** September 21, 2010, 05:12:45 PM »

All my marlins were mfg in the 50s & 60s.

Regards,

Swampman · « **Reply #10 on:** September 22, 2010, 12:22:03 AM »

One of mine was a 47 and a 63.

gvnut · « **Reply #11 on:** September 22, 2010, 06:17:59 AM »

Thanks 264fan. The 39D did look much like the 39M. The only difference I could see was the 39D has a rounded lever like the 39A as opposed to the more squared lever on the 39M.

marine · « **Reply #12 on:** September 27, 2010, 06:12:36 AM »

I think these are pretty good guns. I have a 1980 model that i bought a few years ago. It has always fired and ejected even with a brick of shells through it. Mine is very accurate for my purposes, squirrel and rabbit hunting. My only complaint is that the lever doesnt work well with gloves and scoping the rifle was a pita. i have a set of ghost rings on the way and cant wait to try them out.

b44mag · « **Reply #13 on:** October 07, 2010, 12:01:19 PM »

i just got one last year for christmas from a buddy broken butstock surface rust over sprayed green and red from plow truck paint job cleaned it up put a plastic but stock on it i know ugly but so far it shoots great no ftf fte i love it hope to get some tree rats for lunch on the 16th
mfg 1985

Oldshooter · « **Reply #14 on:** October 07, 2010, 01:57:06 PM »

On that note I think everyone should buy a wood stock rifle then put a plastic stock on it to hunt. I sure have a hard time keeping scuffs and scratches off my lumber.

Save the wood for the ungrateful grandsons!

CajunBass · « **Reply #15 on:** October 11, 2010, 01:36:16 AM »

I guess my Marlin 39A was the first 22 rifle I ever bought. I remember when I got it, I had to order it because it was so expensive the little shop didn't keep them in stock. I guess it took a week or so to get it. All the hangers around thought I was crazy to spend "that much money on just a 22" (about $189.00 IIRC). The ol' boy who ran the shop told me "Don't pay any attention to them. They wouldn't know a good gun if it bit 'em in the arse."

I've killed a few squirrels with it over the years. I don't use it much anymore, I suppose because most of my squirrel hunting is done just walking out back for a few hours, and it's a lot easier to just pop a magazine in and out (and clear the chamber of course) of a 10/22 or a 77/22 and be done with it, rather than fool with a tube magazine, but I sure wouldn't sell it.

1894cfan · « **Reply #16 on:** November 09, 2010, 10:46:57 AM »

My first 39a was one I bought back in '77, the second one I bought a couple years ago was made in 1948. Both have taken a lot of squirrils, crows, racoons and cats over the years.

jedman · « **Reply #17 on:** November 09, 2010, 11:43:34 AM »

My 39 A is the first rifle I bought for myself, 1970's and it is still my favorite squirrel rifle. Jed

jrinfoley · « **Reply #18 on:** November 13, 2010, 06:14:18 PM »

I have a pretty good size collection of .22 rifles and the next one on my list is a Marlin 39A. I saw a really nice one for sale a couple of years ago at a good price, but had just lost my job and couldn't spend the bucks. Still kicking myself in the a__ for that!

VA Rifleman · « **Reply #19 on:** December 03, 2010, 08:22:37 PM »

Great rifle! Real wood and steel and sized for an adult. I like the lines and balance as well.