Author Topic: Marlin 39A  (Read 1263 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline dmcentee

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 5
Marlin 39A
« on: June 04, 2004, 02:13:24 PM »
Hi

I want to buy a new level action 22. I lookee at a Browning BL-22, Winchester 9422 and a Marlin 39A in a gun shop.  The lever action on the Marlin seemed very stiff compared to the other guns.  Is this normal ? Does this improve with use ?

Thanks

Offline Bullseye

  • Trade Count: (9)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1879
Marlin 39A
« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2004, 05:38:51 PM »
Mine is about 25 years old and still seems stiff compared to the Winchester 9422.  It still jams every now and then also.  I like it and will always have it, but I would probably get a Winchester 9422 if I was buying one today.

Offline dmcentee

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 5
Marlin 39A
« Reply #2 on: June 04, 2004, 07:15:25 PM »
Bullseye,

Thanks for he reply.  I'm curious to know why you would pick the Winchester if you were buying a new one today.  Is it the jamming problem ?

Offline palgeno

  • Trade Count: (5)
  • Contributor
  • ***
  • Posts: 371
stiff lever
« Reply #3 on: June 07, 2004, 12:39:09 PM »
The lever itself operates the bolt and cartridge pickup-feeding mechanism ----break in and proper lube make a HUGE difference in the feel of the Marlins. Guns built with looser tolerances may feel easier to operate when new----some (no brand names need be mentioned) even rattle when you shake them!!!! :roll: ---pg
"Do what you can,with what you have, where you are."  Theodore Roosevelt

Offline Bullseye

  • Trade Count: (9)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1879
Marlin 39A
« Reply #4 on: June 15, 2004, 01:44:36 PM »
I agree that new guns are tight.  But after 25 years of breakin and proper lube my 39A is still not the smoothest gun around.  Maybe it will break in for my kids or grandkids.

Offline marlinman93

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 849
Marlin 39A
« Reply #5 on: June 16, 2004, 05:05:31 PM »
I've had great results lubing the 39a with Gunslick at key points like the lever pivot, the bolt to frame contact areas, and the lever to bolt contact area. It will really smooth up the action on any gun, without excessive breakin periods.
 There are a number of other really slick gun lubricants that will also work well to make the 39a action buttery smooth.
Ballard, the great American Rifles!