Marlin 39 and 39A pre war and early post war

[bracebeemer]

I’m still photographing some of my guns I haven’t seen in a while. The four Marlins in the first photo from top down are a Marlin 39 from 1923 with octagon barrel and narrow fore end with outstanding case colors. Next is a 39A first Model made in 1939 only. It has the squared off lever and S shaped pistol grip made in 1939 only. Below that rifle is the Model 39A second Model from 1940 and 1941 with case colors and rounded lever and straight bottom pistol grip. At the bottom is the third model first variation made in 1946 which has a full blue receiver, rounded lever , straight pistol grip and round barrel. Marlins are great 22 lever actions and some of my favorite rifles. Bill

 

[moosedog]

Beautiful set. They just don't make them like that anymore.

 

[The Norseman]

I see your true colors

Very impressive. Thank you for sharing an explanation
and the pictures. Marlins Lever Release Bolts are a favorite.

I have question, is the Color Case Hardening the way they came
back in the day?

My Marlin TDS circa 1993.

 

[Golphin]

They are great 22's

 

[bamabiker]

WOW Those are very impressive. Thanks for showing them.

 

[Peak53]

You should see those great Marlins more often. Everyone should see those great Marlins more often. Outstanding!

 

[bracebeemer]

Norseman,the Marlin 39 was introduced in 1922. All the pre war Model 39’s were case colored. Starting in 1946 the third model first variation was all blue and the subsequent models were also blue. Bill

 

[D Brown]

Those are some beautiful rifles, bracebeemer!

Thank you very much for posting!

 

[model17]

Marlin 39d

Gotta love a .22 Marlin lever action!
Mine is a 1975 39d and I have shot thousands of rounds through it!

 

[tops]

One of my mentors told me a 39 Marlin may not shoot where you wanted it too but you can bet the farm it shot where you were holding. Larry

 

[Usmc5811]

My wife and I were just shooting my ‘54 Mountie with ballard rifling this past weekend. I love those 39’s!!! I have a 39 first variation that was rebarreled with a micro groove barrel at some point, still a great shooter. Plus the ‘54 mountie, a ‘70 century, and a ‘72 39m.

 

[Bob L]

What a fantastic collection you have! I really appreciate you sharing those with us. How long have you been collecting them?

 

[Muley Gil]

I bought a 1870-1970 .22 Centennial M39 in the '80s. I got it cheap because some fool put a scope on it. The scope wasn't the problem though; the fool didn't think the scope mounting screws were big enough. The top of the receiver had been tapped for 1/4-20 screws!!!

I really should have those holes welded up.

 

[bracebeemer]

Hi. Bob L , I’ve been collecting guns for over 50 years but my favorite rifles have been 22’s. I’ve owned Winchester’s, Remingtons, Springfields, and many others but Marlins in particular for the last 25 years. Bill

 

[crazyphil]

My first deer rifle was a Marlin 39A in 30:30, made after WWII. I went
in the USAF in 1952, wrote a letter to my Dad asking him to sell the rifle
for me, which he did. This thread makes me kinda wish I still had it.

 

[Shark Bait]

Very nice! I love the earlier Marlin lever action rifles.

 

[bracebeemer]

Phil, I think your Marlin deer rifle might have been a Marlin 336 in 30-30. The 39A’s were all .22 cal. Bill

 

[VaTom]

I bought a 1870-1970 .22 Centennial M39 in the '80s. I got it cheap because some fool put a scope on it. The scope wasn't the problem though; the fool didn't think the scope mounting screws were big enough. The top of the receiver had been tapped for 1/4-20 screws!!!

I really should have those holes welded up.

That's too bad! I bought this 1958 Marlin Golden 39A at an estate auction 3 years ago. Looked like it had never been opened up and cleaned, excellent condition and all the paperwork and remains of original box were include. Box was not salvageable as it looked like it sat in an attic for 50 years. Among the items was the original scope base but no screws. The plug screws in the drilled and tapped receiver was still in place. I wanted to mount a scope so to get the proper screws I bought a Weaver mounting plate for the 39A which included the screws. Fit perfectly. Great rifle and I think I got a bargain at $512!

 

[crazyphil]

Phil, I think your Marlin deer rifle might have been a Marlin 336 in 30-30. The 39A’s were all .22 cal. Bill

That is entirely possible. My memory has not been totally
reliable for some time now.

 

[Walter Rego]

Beautiful Marlins, I especially like the ones with the CCH receivers and S shaped pistol grips. I have had a Model 39 on my gun radar for a while, specifically one that still had the Ballard rifling but so far they have eluded me at gun shows and the stores that I frequent.