39A marlin

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So, to resurrect this post; I ran across a 39A in my favorite LGS today … after looking up the (4 digit) serial number it dates to 1956!! The action is tight, the bore is heavily leaded, but the finish is in excellent shape, the wood too. AND, they're asking $499 for it! After getting home and doing some research I guess I have to go back and get it. It's a hefty little beast, though. I REALLY need to stop going in this place … I almost always find something interesting. I just got my gun fund built back up a little bit after my last two trips there LOL.
 
$500?!...
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Be still my beating heart. Post pictures if you end up getting it. That would go really quick at my LGS.

My LGS has a used gun web page that updates multiple times a day. So I see them get added and deleted within hours.
 
So, to resurrect this post; I ran across a 39A in my favorite LGS today … after looking up the (4 digit) serial number it dates to 1956!! The action is tight, the bore is heavily leaded, but the finish is in excellent shape, the wood too. AND, they're asking $499 for it! After getting home and doing some research I guess I have to go back and get it. It's a hefty little beast, though. I REALLY need to stop going in this place … I almost always find something interesting. I just got my gun fund built back up a little bit after my last two trips there LOL.
Sounds like a great score! I too went to my local shop to pickup a gun that cleared the background check…and ended up leaving with 2.
 
Here's my lever actions, Marlin 39A, Marlin 336T and reworked Winchester Model 94.



I'll not tell youwhat the Marlins cost, but both under $100.

The Winchester was a beater old carbine and I asked my gunsmith to "make it look as muchn like an old blackpowder rifle as you can." Octagon barrel, rifle forearm, Lyman Hawken front sight. The two centerfires are .30-30, the .22 is a .22.

Bob Wright
 
My LGS had this one last year for $400 out the door (has original leather Marlin sling also), they have another not a nice now for $699 plus 6.3% tax.

$400 is a steal for any year model but when we get to $849, we really need to slow down and see what we're looking at. BTW, those slings are not original on all Marlins, only for several years in the middle. They're going for $75-175 (depending on condition) on eBay. I have one on my 783 and a spare like new one just in case.

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So, to resurrect this post; I ran across a 39A in my favorite LGS today … after looking up the (4 digit) serial number it dates to 1956!!

That long ago, Marlin used a letter to designate the year before the serial number so a 4-digit SN is not special like with Ruger which started at 001 (for example) and just counted up. The SN should have a letter and some numbers.

My 1951 39A has a brass insert (what makes it a one year only "peanut") that has not been engraved, it's in 95% or better condition, and it has a steel Redfield peep sight on it that is selling for $250 alone when a 39A base is included. I paid way less than $849 but more than the $400 mentioned above.

I would not take $849 for mine so if you find a peanut with no engraving, no extra holes drilled, and very good condition ... it's probably a decent buy at $849. If it's one of the re-issue ones with scratches and ding, $849 is not a good deal. BTW, the old ones like mine have Ballard riffling.

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If I really wanted one-yes. But have to be JM period, no cross bolt safety, no modifications, sharp rifling with blueing and wood in very good condition-not perfect but nice. Otherwise with time and patience you will find one for less but not nearly as "nice". I have a really clean one produced in '83. I wouldn't sell it for less than $800 and I would "need" the money to sell it.
 
About 25 years ago there was a Marlin 39 in the local Penny Saver.
I called the guy and made arrangements to see it.
The neighborhood was predominantly non-white but he had 2 Rebel flags in his front yard.
I commented on the popularity of them with his neighbors.
He asked if I knew who JEB Stuart was? I replied I did.
He proceeded to tell me he rode with JEB and was by his side for 3 days while JEB lay wounded until he expired. That was why he flew the flags. He was a Civil War veteran.
Hmmmmmmm. He seemed a little off but didn't look to be 150 years old.
Anyhow, back to the Marlin. It was a NIB Mountie, unfired, with a scope attached.
He wanted $250 firm.
He showed me his original receipt and then saw he paid $250 for the rifle and $100 for the scope. Suddenly he upped the price to $350. Still a deal but I was POd being he advertised for one price but was now wanting $100 more. I had no interest in the scope.
I declined saying I only bought $250 (I had $400), hoping he'd give in.
He didn't and I didn't.
I called him back a week later and told him I'd still pay the $250 but he was adamant.
I declined a second time.
By my third try, it had been sold.
But I did get a good story out of it.
How many here can say they spoke with a "Genuine" CSA soldier?

I have a new unfired 39AS in my safe that's to go to my daughter when I pass.
I hope she appreciates it when it becomes hers.
 
I have a Rossi 92 454 in stainless in mint condition. Butter smooth. It was gone thru by Steve's Lever Action in Texas by the previous owner, and had a peep sight added. Love it...
 
Not much to add but don't walk away from a late produced 39a if you find one. There have been over 2 million of these produced and of course many have their favorites. I have a 2009 produced JM marked model and it is a thing of beauty, excellent fit and finish with great wood and metal finish. It was most likely produced in the last year of the CT factory being open. With a little work the rebound trigger goes away and really who cares if it has a cross bolt safety, use it or not. I actually like it was one of the last produced before factory closing. Other than a couple of feeding issues with lead HP rounds, the function is flawless.
 
I have a Rossi 92 454 in stainless in mint condition. Butter smooth. It was gone thru by Steve's Lever Action in Texas by the previous owner, and had a peep sight added. Love it...
What ammo have you found that cycles well in your .454? I got one for myself for Christmas last year. It's been a busy year so it's only been to the range once; it cycled 250 grain Ammo Inc .45 Colt the best. I tried that along with BB 360? grain and Magtech 300 grain .454 loads. That was right out of the box. I have since cycled the action several hundred times while watching tv, which seems to have smoothed the action a little bit. Accuracy was great with all the loads above.
 
There's a vintage steel Redfield sight for a 39A on eBay that ends in a couple days. Same as mine but with the other style knobs. Mine has target knobs, the eBay one has hunter knobs.
 
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