Turnbull and a Marlin 39A

[CZU]

I had been looking for a 39A for quite sometime and this one appeared at my LGS a few months ago. It wasn't perfect but it was the best one that I had seen in a while. The rifle had a few nicks here and there, an indicator to me of honest use through the years. That, however, was about to change..

After the sale, the`LGS gave me a zippered case to take the rifle home in. I don't use these cases much anymore but when I do I usually, out of habit I guess, leave the butt end open just enough to breathe. That was a BIG mistake because as I headed to the truck, maneuvering around and between vehicles, I raised the case vertically by the handles and the next thing I know the Marlin was laying in the parking lot. One of those slow motion "I can't believe this is happening" and the rifle laying in the parking lot not looking quite right. It hand landed square on the butt and part of the stock has sheared off. Looking underneath both cars on either side of me I didn't see it and after stepping away to get a better view of the parking lot there it was, three parking spaces over. Total disbelief, a nice rifle and one minute later not so nice.

I got it home, removed the rest of the buttstock from the rifle, tried to see how the pieces mated back up and it just wasn't there. It would not be a simple put back together, probably mess it up more than it already was. I mulled it over for about a month and then decided to call Turnbull Restoration and see if they would take it on. The person I talked to said he would have to have it in hand and would let me know if they would do it so I sent it off. I talked to him a couple weeks later and he told me that it was something they could do.

Back to the rifle, the thing that was making me hesitate on taking it home were the four holes tapped on the barrel. After looking at it several times I finally decided that the holes were to perfect and that a gunsmith probably did not do this. I had never seen this before on a 39A so after doing some research I found that they were indeed done by the factory at the request of a couple of retail stores. From what I read, these stores wanted to be able to sell a scope and rings along with the rifle. This was done for only a couple years and I did find that Weaver made barrel side mounts to fit this rifle. Pics below with the now repaired buttstock.

 

[Baxter6551]

CZU - you are not alone ! I have also done that same thing and also with a Marlin - my father in laws 336RC. Luckily I just cracked a piece of the butt plate which I was able to repair. I don't learn cause I've done it more than once with other rifles.
I also have a 39a I'm mulling over having repaired. Fore end and sides of stock show evidence of a fall or falling over when leaning against something. Mine also is drilled and tapped from factory with plug screws. But with 4 holes on top of receiver. I've never seen sides of barrel like that.

 

[CZU]

Baxter6551, I have never had anything like this happen before and I have learned a costly lesson. Luck to you on getting yours repaired.

 

[ken158]

You got a good match on the replacement stock. We all know you beat yourself up enough just posting your story but what is the "letting it breathe" comment all about?

 

[Charlie Foxtrott]

Those guns also had an option to come with factory glass.

I picked up this one earlier this year. The glass is actually still clear and the adjustments work. I had to zero it for the ammo I had and it worked great for that. I am pretty happy overall with the rifle.

 

[s&wchad]

What did Turnbull charge to repair the stock? They did a nice job!

 

[2152hq]

Nice rifle, glad it got fixed up!
Those 4 holes were Factory and done exclusively for Sears contract at the time the rifle was mfg'd.
The rifles with these 'Sears' bbl mt holes are supposedly
carry Ser# prefix L, M or N
That id be yrs 1954,55,56.

The rifles were all Marlin marked,,not House Branded with JC Higgins or otherwise.

During the same time you could send your non-D&T'd 39A back to Marlin, New Haven and they would D&T the bbl the same way for the same Weaver N mount.
Cost was less than $5 at the time.
So a FActory D&T is another option on a rifle from the era.
Then there are the many that were done by 'smiths and would be gunsmiths. Those are generally easy to spot but many are also professionally done.

The real hint of orig is that the holes were D&T's bwfore final polish which was a 'spin polish' on a belt. So the grit lines go around the bbl not length wise.
That removed any burr turned up by the D&T process as well and left the hole(s) with a sharp edge. They were NOT chamfered after D&T.
The bbl was then Hot Salt blued, so the hole and the threads should be blue to the bottom. All holes are even depth and quite deep.


When Marlin did begin production line D&T'g for 'scope mts, they often sold a package deal with a Marlin branded scope in the box with the rifle.
Often a Sling as well.
When sold this way, the 'Scope and or Mounts were Never pre-mounted, nor was the Sling.
Just included in their own little boxed packages in with your new MArlin.

Marlin avoided a few cents in Fed Excise Tax this way on each rifle sold.
Since the FETax is figured on the total value of the Rifle (firearm) as sold at retail, the scope and/or sling would add extra value to the 'rifle'.
Not being mounted on the rifle itself and instead just included in the package/box,,the 'scope, mounts and sling had no addition total value when figuring FETax to be paid to Unca'Sam.

FWIW I think they started placing sling swivels on the 39A in '57.

Great .22 rifles. The 97 and the 39/39A
The first 2 just for Std Vel though.

 

[Marshal Tom]

I dumped my 5 screw K-22 out the end of a pistol rug onto the concrete at the range several years ago. It took a chunk out of the left grip that was of course numbered to the gun. I had the repair done by a forum member who is no longer doing it. Same think happened to a Parker Shotgun many years ago. That was a bad day. It was repaired but not all that well. I have considered sending it to Turnbull for a full restore.

 

[CZU]

You got a good match on the replacement stock. We all know you beat yourself up enough just posting your story but what is the "letting it breathe" comment all about?

Turnbull repaired the stock and yes, they did an excellent job of matching the color and putting it back together. I have looked at it closely and cannot detect the repair.

As to the let it breathe comment, years ago when I had just a few long guns they were stored in those padded, fully zippered cases. One of them was a Remington 552 and when I retrieved it one day there was light rust all over the barrel. The other two were fine, no signs of rust anywhere. The Remington had been zipped up tight and the Mossberg and Czech 98 were not. I figured that the 552 was in the case without any air circulation. I don't use those cases anymore preferring instead to use the bore stores or Allen silicone socks. The day I picked up the 39 I had forgotten to take a sock with me. I didn't want to use that case they gave me but figured some protection is better than none.

What did Turnbull charge to repair the stock? They did a nice job!

Initially it was right at $300 but after talking with him further he asked if I wanted them to take care of the buttplate, spacer, and the bullseye and I said sure. That then put it at about $400 which was toally worth it to me.

 

[Miracle Man]

As to the let it breathe comment, years ago when I had just a few long guns they were stored in those padded, fully zippered cases. One of them was a Remington 552 and when I retrieved it one day there was light rust all over the barrel. The other two were fine, no signs of rust anywhere. The Remington had been zipped up tight and the Mossberg and Czech 98 were not. I figured that the 552 was in the case without any air circulation. I don't use those cases anymore preferring instead to use the bore stores or Allen silicone socks. The day I picked up the 39 I had forgotten to take a sock with me. I didn't want to use that case they gave me but figured some protection is better than none.

It happened to my cousin many, many years ago as well. He put his new Rem. 870 into a zippered case and left it for quite awhile, months? a year? When we pulled it out to go hunting it was covered in rust, bad.

I've never stored any firearm anything even approaching longterm in a zippered case since.

Glad to see you got the Marlin repaired back to her original glory.

 

[ameridaddy]

Turnbull did a fine job. I've had my 39A since I bought it new in 1960, and the wood never looked that good.

 

[chief38]

Turnbull's repair and refinishing work is about the best available! While his prices and lead time are somewhat of a hard pill to swallow, there is no argument when it comes to his quality and thoroughness. He is the best!

About 25 years ago I was using my Dad's High Standard semi auto shotgun to hunt Pheasants with - it was a gift from him as he no longer hunted. A bird went up and while I did get it, the stock cracked in three pieces. One big piece was never found.

I searched for months to find a replacement stock - no luck. Apparently the HS Shotgun was never a commercial success, never popular and so I could not get a new or used stock as they were just not available.

Since my Dad had given this gun to me, that meant a lot. After lots of phone calls I finally found a custom stock maker somewhere in MT who was willing to do the job - most stock makers weren't interested. He did explain to me that his wood stock was much higher grade than the SG ever came with new and it would be rather pricy. After swallowing that big pill, I said - go ahead. Bottom line is I paid the high price, he did an absolutely beautiful job, and the SG never looked so good. The stock is now worth more than the gun - LOL! But hey, it's a family heirloom now and a conversation piece. While I have not taken it back in to the woods, I have shot plenty of clay birds with it. Still looks great!

As far as your Marlin is concerned, it came out spectacular! I guess going forward, anytime you use a case it will be fully zipped up - lol. Don't beat yourself up too much - it was an oversight and these things do happen, been there - done that! BTW, I never store any guns in a case - you need air flow.

 

[Baxter6551]

I loaned a friends brother my Weatherby Vanguard to hunt with in PA as I was leaving and he didn't have a rifle to hunt with. Apparently they hunted in the rain and he put it away in a zippered case. When I got it back ….. enough said. So I totally understand about air circulation.

 

[rosewood]

I loaned a friends brother my Weatherby Vanguard to hunt with in PA as I was leaving and he didn't have a rifle to hunt with. Apparently they hunted in the rain and he put it away in a zippered case. When I got it back ….. enough said. So I totally understand about air circulation.

This was because it was stored with moisture in the case. Typically if you place the gun in a case and the ambient humidity is low and the gun is lightly oiled as it should be, rust shouldn't be a problem.

If you run your AC in your home, the humidity is usually about 40% or lower which is good for firearms. If you put the gun in the case after they both have acclimatized to the humidity in the home, rust shouldn't be a problem. Putting the gun in a case outside on a high humid day and zipping up will trap that humid air in there and cause issues.

I have had one gun slip out and scratch butt stock, but it was because the gun was too long for the case and I couldn't zip it up. I should have took the time to find a case that was long enough.

Rosewood

 

[duman444]

Zippered up case

In 77 started at Texas A&M. Lived in a dorm where they did not allow firearms, so had to keep my Winchester 1200 pump in my car. Stored in zippered case in truck of my 1966 Chevelle. Luckily enough
dove season started less than a month after school and the rust was barely starting. Light steel wool buffing with lots of gun oil and finish was back to normal. From then on I stored the 1200 in oiled up bedsheet. No more rust, then moved into apartment where it could come into a normal environment.
Since then, for me, zippered cases are for temporary storage only.

 

[mrchick]

Turnbull's repair and refinishing work is about the best available! While his prices and lead time are somewhat of a hard pill to swallow, there is no argument when it comes to his quality and thoroughness. He is the best!

About 25 years ago I was using my Dad's High Standard semi auto shotgun to hunt Pheasants with - it was a gift from him as he no longer hunted. A bird went up and while I did get it, the stock cracked in three pieces. One big piece was never found.

I searched for months to find a replacement stock - no luck. Apparently the HS Shotgun was never a commercial success, never popular and so I could not get a new or used stock as they were just not available.

Since my Dad had given this gun to me, that meant a lot. After lots of phone calls I finally found a custom stock maker somewhere in MT who was willing to do the job - most stock makers weren't interested. He did explain to me that his wood stock was much higher grade than the SG ever came with new and it would be rather pricy. After swallowing that big pill, I said - go ahead. Bottom line is I paid the high price, he did an absolutely beautiful job, and the SG never looked so good. The stock is now worth more than the gun - LOL! But hey, it's a family heirloom now and a conversation piece. While I have not taken it back in to the woods, I have shot plenty of clay birds with it. Still looks great!

As far as your Marlin is concerned, it came out spectacular! I guess going forward, anytime you use a case it will be fully zipped up - lol. Don't beat yourself up too much - it was an oversight and these things do happen, been there - done that! BTW, I never store any guns in a case - you need air flow.

I'd love to see some pictures.

 

[chief38]

I'd love to see some pictures.

More than happy too next time I can dig it out. Probably towards the end of this week.

 

[chief38]

As promised I snapped a few pictures of the High Standard SG that had the new stock and forearm made for it. I am the worlds WORST photographer, but believe me it looks much better in person!

The SG is not an expensive one and I only did this because it was my Dad's hunting gun. Sometimes sentimentality wins out at the end of the day.

 

[chief38]

While I was digging out my High Standard SG for mrchick I also snapped a few pictures of my Marlin 39A. This rifle was made in 1946 and was also my Dad's. He bought it when he got out of the Navy. He gave it to me about 20 years ago and I sold my more modern version that I had bought brand new. While the new one was OK, I did not care for the rebounding hammer, cross bolt safety and a few other things they changed over the years. It just wasn't the quality of this one!

The original finish on the stock had been peeling off for many years and I knew the only way to permanently fix it was to strip it and refinish. The original finish came off very easily and I sanded it quite smooth. Almost no wood was taken off and the original dimensions are pretty much still there. I used 10 - 12 coats of 100% pure Tung Oil to refinish it and steamed out a few minor dings before doing so. This rifle has tens and tens of thousands of rounds through it as we shot it all the time while growing up. It's also a tack driver with an incredible trigger! I've also got a Lyman peep sight for it, but recently reinstalled the original.

In the pictures it actually looks a bit more glossy than it does in person and anyone who is familiar with 100% Tung Oil knows it is famous for its satin sheen. All in all I am incredibly pleased with the refinish I did and still shoot it on a regular basis. The rest of the rifle was always cared for and so all the parts are 100% original. This one might go in the casket with me - It's my FAV! LOL!

 

[clang444]

The Marlin Model 39 is one of my favorites. The 3 on the left are a 39A from the 50s a 39A from the 60s and a 39 from the 40s.

 

[boykinlp]

Great 39A's ALL! I know that everyone on this forum agrees with me that there is NOTHING finer than fine wood and blued steel.

OP, Turnbull did a fantastic job on your rifle, and while it isn't inexpensive, it's definitely worth it. In fact, knowing what Turnbull is really known for, I might have been extremely tempted to have him do a case color job on it too!!: You only pay for it once, but get to look at the results forever.
Larry

 

[CZU]

OP, Turnbull did a fantastic job on your rifle, and while it isn't inexpensive, it's definitely worth it. In fact, knowing what Turnbull is really known for, I might have been extremely tempted to have him do a case color job on it too!!: You only pay for it once, but get to look at the results forever.
Larry

If you look at the stock closely you'll see some dents and dings, those were there when I took ownership of the rifle. I asked Turnbull to just repair the damage that I caused. I wanted it to remain as it was when I first saw it. To me, that was the right thing to do, just fix what I broke, no more or less.

To your point though, when I first saw it and the work that was done it did cross my mind as to what do I have that would be a good candidate for a restoration. I have a 1911 Colt Commercial transitional that was built in 1923. Typical Colt blue but with some of it flaking off. Tempting, but it wouldn't be the way I found it and it's character would then be gone forever. Just a fleeting thought..