Sleeping Beauty 39A Awakens

[VaTom]

Several weeks ago I purchased a Marlin Golden 39A (1958) at a local estate auction. When I first saw it and examined it pre-auction I knew it was in excellent condition. It had been stored away for a very long time evidenced by the heavy dust accumulation. Upon winning it I brought home and did an initial cleaning, lube, and took to the range It worked flawlessly.

Since then I have done an extension exterior cleaning and broke it down to thoroughly clean and lube the action (I don't think it had ever been opend and cleaned). Used flitz and Ren Wax to clean the bluing and also waxed the stock. Replaced the buttstock bullseye that was missing and bought a weaver scope mount and 4X32 scope. Before and after photos (sorry I could not get second photo rotated).

Thanks to all the forum members for their advice as I bought this this beauty back from the deep sleep.

 

[6518John]

Squirrels of Virginia run for your lives!

 

[Pisgah]

Ten years or so back I bought a 39a on Gunbroker. It was made in 1941, had seen plenty of use but no abuse. Only two minor problems with it -- it was missing a forend cap screw and somewhere in the distant past it had been drilled and tapped for a scope. I suspect, but cannot prove, that the D&T was done by the factory service department as it was very neatly done, an old Marlin-marked scope base was in place, and I know this was a service they offered back in the '50s. I paid $215 for it, which was a bargain even ten years back, and if I were asked to name the favorite gun in my collection this one would be a prime contender for the honor.

Congratulations on your acquisition. Treasure it, enjoy it. Very literally, they don't make 'em like than any more!

 

[Usmc5811]

Great rifle you got there. I’ve killed more squirrels with a 39 then any other rifle or shotgun combined.

 

[sailor723]

Nice find!....and nice job bringing it back...looks great.

 

[67tempest]

Looks good! The 39A is my favorite .22 rifle. I have three of them, two 39A Golden Mounties and a 39A. Great shooting rifles, you will enjoy it.

 

[kraynky]

Best 22 rifle on the planet! My opinion of course.

 

[Jebus35745]

It came out nice, you bought a great gun. Since you have a scope on it and went to the range, how’s it shoot??? I found a 48 model with the Ballard rifling. Fun to shoot gun, no scope and it shoots accurately. Enjoy, Larry

 

[chief38]

VaTom:

Looks like it's a real beauty!! Almost appears it was a "Safe Queen" most of its life - good for you! I have a soft spot in my heart for the 39A and think it's about the best lever action .22 ever made. While the Winchester 9422 is also a high quality well made rifle (carbine), it does not have the full sized adult length stock as the 39A does.

Back in 1958 they made 'em RIGHT! Nice wood, high quality, great fit and finish, no rebounding hammer, no cross bolt safety, and the white accent is a real nice touch. Use it well!!

 

[redlevel]

Best .22 rifle ever manufactured. First gun I bought with my own money.
Bought mine in 1962, from my uncle. I was going to be 13 years old that December.
Still one of my most prized possessions.
I also have a Mountie from the 60s I bought about 20 years back. It was sort of rusty, scratched, etc.
Had it hard chromed. Love it.

Yours looks great! Enjoy it!

 

[Not Getting Any Younger]

Congratulations! That 39A is a beauty!

About 20 years ago, I happened upon a used (mid-80's built) 39A TDS in a sporting goods store.
I bought it and it is still one of my favorites.

The pic includes a Marlin Papoose and a Ruger 10/22 takedown (all with 16" barrels), but I think the 39A is the nicest of the three.

 

[VaTom]

It came out nice, you bought a great gun. Since you have a scope on it and went to the range, how’s it shoot??? I found a 48 model with the Ballard rifling. Fun to shoot gun, no scope and it shoots accurately. Enjoy, Larry

Haven't taken to range since I put scope on. On my initial trip after first getting it I was only shooting out to 25 yards checking function, etc. Very accurate with the iron sights. A very well balanced rifle and just seems to easily shoulder and hold steady with its heft. Could see the brass bead front sight easier without the hood. Anxious to see how it shoots with the scope at longer distances.

 

[VaTom]

VaTom:

Looks like it's a real beauty!! Almost appears it was a "Safe Queen" most of its life - good for you! I have a soft spot in my heart for the 39A and think it's about the best lever action .22 ever made. While the Winchester 9422 is also a high quality well made rifle (carbine), it does not have the full sized adult length stock as the 39A does.

Back in 1958 they made 'em RIGHT! Nice wood, high quality, great fit and finish, no rebounding hammer, no cross bolt safety, and the white accent is a real nice touch. Use it well!!

I was very fortunate to get the rifle. The only firearm in a two day estate auction. The previous owner had been a high end antique clock, furniture and lamp collector. He knew quality. Even have all the original tags and paperwork from 1958. Box had deteriorated but did salvage the label and end flap. I think it must have set in an attic storage building or closet for many, many years.

 

[Bakebfr480]

It's a classic!