Author Topic: Marlin 39 being dropped? (Read 951 times)

armory414 · « **on:** February 07, 2005, 02:05:32 PM »

Do any of you guys know if there is truth to the rumor that Marlin is dropping the 1897 and 39 lever actions, following in the footsteps of Winchester dropping the 9422?

Kurt · « **Reply #1 on:** February 07, 2005, 07:28:39 PM »

I can't see them dropping the 39, but ya never know. I think any company will drop anything that starts showing a low profit for the cost of production. I guess they don't want to see one model "carry" another model.

chuckles · « **Reply #2 on:** February 08, 2005, 04:15:55 AM »

If Marlin cannot justify the "profiability" of the 39, then I hope they do drop it rather than cheapen the construction to the point where it is no longer the high quality firearm all of us so appreciate. Forged and milled steel, Walnut, and cut checkering may not be profitable in todays "mass" market. I would much rather see them raise the price to $800, or drop it altogether rather than cheapen it. There will always be a market niche for quality, and the 39 fills that niche.

armory414 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 08, 2005, 04:34:06 AM »

Apparently that was the problem Winchester ran into. The tooling for the 9422 was wearing out, and they didn't think they could make enough sales to pay for the cost of the tooling. So, they dropped it. Since then there has been a rumor that Marlin is facing the same problem soon with the tooling for the 39 and 1897, and that they may drop the gun since they can't compete with the cheap Henry's (and Taurus is about to release a .22 lever gun, which you know will undercut the Marlin).

Rustyinfla · « **Reply #4 on:** February 08, 2005, 11:42:34 AM »

I have a M39 that is my go to gun around the house. When varmits come calling it's great to have. I wish it could be had in a .22 mag.

Rusty <><

armory414 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 09, 2005, 07:39:40 AM »

Marlin 1894 was made in .22 WMR for about 2 years. Very rare, but they're out there.