marlin 39A or CZ 457lux

[brendonjames65]

My 39A is a N77## serial number. According to their website it was made a year before me, 1956.

The one below it is a Marlin Century 39 LTD.

I see you have a scope mounted on your Marlin too I don't feel so bad now. Perhaps not aesthetically as pleasing but helps you hit what you're aiming at.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I have several CZ .22lr and .22mag and .17hmr...... all are great guns.
Mine are older model 452s and 453.... can not recommend them highly enough.

My only lever gun is a Winchester Trapper in .357 magnum

 

[Murdock]

If money is an issue, buy the 39A now, then save for the CZ. Never worry that you will have too many 22's.

My 39A is eariy enough (1948) that is has cut Ballard rifling instead of the "Microgroove" type that Marlin used to tout. It has won several turkeys over the years in our annual youth association fund raiser. Three rounds at 22 yards, offhand, against 19 other shooters, iron sights only. You usually need all three in the X-ring to win. Plenty accurate with Lyman peeps.

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

If money is an issue, buy the 39A now, then save for the CZ. Never worry that you will have too many 22's.

Good advice…CZ rifles are still being made. The 39A is not.

 

[ncairman]

I have always wanted a 39a myself, passed on several when they were a lot cheaper...always regretted not getting one. Might see if I can find one myself as well.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Many happy days in the woods with a Marlin 39A rifle or Mountie carbine, truly great rifles in every way.

Many happy days in the woods with my old Winchester 62A, little older than I am but looking much better in comparison.

Most recent addition has been a CZ 455 American, a classic style rifle in blued steel and checkered walnut that I can carry in the woods without worrying about damaging the value of my vintage rifles. Truly outstanding in every way. The CZ 457 is the next generation in the series and I expect it to be as good or better. Parts and service for either of these are readily available from CZ-USA, and it is probably easier to find any needed parts for the CZ than for a vintage Marlin 39A.

I have all of them. I would hate to be forced to choose only one, but I would probably be happy with any of them.

 

[Empe]

You mention being in the mood for a nice accurate rifle . Only you can determine the level of accuracy you need but the CZ 457 will by far be more accurate than the 39A .
I own 3 39A's ...a 1939 ..1956 Mountie and a 1982 and while they are plenty accurate for their intended purposes none of mine will shoot any better than either of my Ruger 10/22 carbines and that is about 1.0"-1.5" at 50 yards. Again this is plenty of accuracy for hunting small game and general shooting purposes.
I do read from time to time of people claiming that their 39A will shoot 0.5" groups at 50 yds but I remain very skeptical of such claims and would have to actually see it to believe it.
The Marlin 39 and the 39A rifles are of very good quality and you not are not likely to regret purchasing one.
Also as others have mentioned they are no longer being made while CZ looks to be in business for some time.

 

[TIMETRIPPER]

The marlin 39A will be accurate enough for minute of squirrel, but the CZ may cost you less.

John

 

[Golphin]

I have 3 39A's and would never sell any of them. If you don't have a Marlin 39A then you need to get one. They are plenty accurate for squirrel hunting.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

There is nothing wrong with either firearm. Your heart though will tell you to get the 39A before you buy the CZ later. This old 39A functions like new.

 

[jeffrefrig]

I've been shooting mine as long as I remember. It was one of Dad's but unfortunately mine now. My 39A D serial puts it at 1947, 10 years older than me and in much better shape. My grandson was ecstatic when I pulled it out in one of our outings.

 

[BrovoEchoSierra]

You will never regret getting either one. However, even though the 39 and 39 A were in production for roughly 100 years, they are now getting collectable, and harder to find. Get one while you can, and pick up a CZ when you have the cash to do so.
Buy one with the little "JM" hallmark on the barrel, and no one that was made durring the Remington years.

 

[clang444]

Marlin 39A gets my vote, I have a 39 and two 39As. The Winchester 9422 is another great option.

 

[44wheelman]

The CZ if you want to put a scope on it and shoot for accuracy (yawn).

I was down the 39 rabbit hole, not all are perfect, I've had a lemon or two. One had feed issues, the another poor accuracy. Still have a Mountie, TDS, & regular model. My 9422 has a slicker action, and I find to bit a bit less clumsy/ better handling than a std 39A. I still like both.

No wrong answer, just the size of the smile on your face. Good luck.

 

[22lrfan]

My 39 Mounties were my favorite until I found a 39 Carbine. Now it gets shot more than the others.

 

[CptCurl]

39A Price Check

I'm a .22LR junkie. I have quite a few. Back in the '70s I had a Marlin 39A which I loved to shoot. It left in a long-ago gun trade. For years I have had some pangs of remorse, and I have considered replacing it.

Can somebody please educate me as to the going rate on an excellent condition 39A?

Thanks,
Curly

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Depending on when made, condition and variation…anywhere from $800-$1200…maybe more. The secret is out on these fine rifles. Winchester 9422s go for as much or more and the Marlin is a better and nicer gun.

 

[dave1918a2]

The Marlin 39's with the Ballard rifling are by far the more accurate of the 39's. The micro-groove, not so good. Of course the CZ will out plink either one. My favorite accurate lever gun is this Browning BL-22 grade II with a 24 inch octagon barrel. It will almost shoot with the CZ

 

[Golddollar]

I'm a .22LR junkie. I have quite a few. Back in the '70s I had a Marlin 39A which I loved to shoot. It left in a long-ago gun trade. For years I have had some pangs of remorse, and I have considered replacing it.

Can somebody please educate me as to the going rate on an excellent condition 39A?

Thanks,
Curly

Gunrunnerauctions.com in Ohio has a Marlin 39A listed as Item #26 in its current online auction.

 

[VaTom]

Can't comment on the CZ. But I have a 1958 Marlin Golden 39A. Most accurate .22 I own. The Marlin I have has a walnut stock and is a hefty full size rifle. Get an older one with the JM stamping on the barrel. The next most accurate of my collection is a 1977 Remington Model 572. The older Marlins are not getting any cheaper. Mine in the picture along with the Remington 572, Colt 1956 Official Police, and an Ithaca WWII 1911a1. (It was vintage day for me at the range).