My son and his boys now own my second Marlin 39A, bought in 1968 and used very happily for many years until I was no longer able to hunt. Wonderful rifle, man-sized, slick action, and reliable with .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle rounds. If you look for one, be sure to get one with the JM stamping, not one made since Remington acquired Marlin (or however that deal went down--I think some damn conglomerate may have bought both companies). There are many reports that the Remlin rifles are of lesser quality. The one I gave my son didn't have the crossbolt safety added later by the lawyers. I found it perfectly safe to carry on half-cock.

I would love to have a Nylon 66. A brother-in-law had one many years ago, and I thoroughly enjoyed shooting it.

But that little Browning take-down sure looks sweet.

__________________
Oh well, what the hell.