A couple of my Marlin Model 97's..
Both of these are pre 1908 as they have the 'free to fall out of the gun ejector' when you field strip them.
The secure unit started being used after that time IIRC. Those are held in with the two small screws seen on the top outside edge of the left rec'vr wall.
That still holds true even for the later M39.
The shorter of the two is a 'plain' deluxe. Straight grain wood,,pistol grip, checkered, half octagon barrel & half magazine. I added the Lyman tang site and the 2 leaf fold flat rear sight.
The original factory standard semi buckhorn rifle sight was removed & kept of course. I just couldn't see the oen sights anymore!
No case colors left anymore, the wood is solid and never been refinished. It'll stay just the way it is AFAIC. It's a perfect range and woods rifle for me.
Great shooter. Had to repair the cartridge stop as it was double feeding at times, but all is good now.
Standard velocity only with these old guys. The square cut notch in the bolt at the locking surface is a weak spot and I've seen many that have cracked. The later production changed the tiny square corner to a rounded cut and fixed the problem.
The longer barreled M97 is also a deluxe but with fancy wood and it is factory engraved in the simple #1 pattern. This one is full octagon, half magazine and it came with the tang site, 2 blade fold down rear site and a beech front site.
It has a few problems,,a cracked forend, no finish, a splinter missing off the toe of the butt stock and butt plate and that ejector is gone. But the bore is a mirror (as is the first rifle) and is a perfect restoration candidate.
I hope to complete it this winter or coming spring.
These early Marlins have the round top receiver w/ 'Marlin Safety' marking on top. Inside the mechanical difference between one of these and a later M39 is small.
Slim & trim classic lever action .22's they are just plain fun to shoot, no matter what brand is on them.
