Marlin 39A .22 Lever Action 

Thanks. I just had one of these given to me by my uncle. He got it for his 12th birthday present in 1955. What a quality piece and you've certainly confirmed my thoughts.

Great summation of an iconic gun. My father gave me one when I was 12. I mounted a Weaver J 2.5 ost and crosshair scope with tip off rings. To say that rifle was accurate is a gross understatement. Harvested 14 squirrels one season with 15 shots. The extra shot was tomdislodge the dead squirrel from the fork in a limb. Used to shoot with a law enforcement friend who owned a Remington bolt gun, 581 I think. He could not match up with the 39 A plinking at objects out to 50 yards. I agree the Marlin looks better naked, but since I cut my teeth on the gun with a scope I will leave it mounted. My 39 A looks like it came from the showroom. Cleaned it after every outing and at 68, I know this gun will outlast me.

LOVE the Golden 39A and the MOUNTIE even more! The first weapon I owned, paid for with my own money for the huge sum of 80/90 dollars, I was 12 years old when I rode my bicycle to the gun shop, walked in, picked out the Mountie, laid my cash down and peddled it home! MY MY MY how things have changed. This gun, the Mountie, and the Winchester 9422 are very pricey today. Buffalo, I really enjoy your videos, your style, the information you share, and the overall quality. THANK YOU

Ultimate Family Heirloom. An Investment. American Walnut and Steel. Something proud to pass down. Quality and Craftsmanship you don't see today. No truer words spoken. Great video, sir. Keep doing what you do.

My favorite rifle without question. Your review did it justice. Thanks!

You, Sir, are having entirely too much fun. Keep it up.

Sir, Along about 1969 I was twelve, mowed yards in the neighborhood earning enough($50)to buy my first rifle and bought a Marlin 39A from a friend, sold it a few years back ($350) because I found a 39A in amazing condition with a butt stock that you’ve never seen the likes of (four eyes it black walnut). It also has nice bluing, year of manufacture being 1961, mounted a 4x Leopold and a good leather strap, drive tacks.

One of the best gunchannels on my list. Mr buffalo is so sound and relaxed, makes it a joy to watch. Sir, you deserve a much larger audience.

I got my Golden 39A in 1971 for a high school graduation present. It is a beautiful gun that is about as quiet as a pop gun. It has had less than 500 rounds run through it. I have many guns but it was my first and favorite.

The 39A is a benchmark rifle it was Annie Oakley's rifle for trick shooting and small game, a beautiful .22 worth it's weight in gold where the lead meets the target. What fun. Nice review thanks the Quiets are the best out of the 39A .

A very good video. A beautiful 39A. I’m 72 and as a kid, saw a Marlin brochure that showed holding the butt in one hand, ejection port down. Set the barrel against a table with a cloth. Grasp barrel with offhand. A gentle push separates while you have a firm grasp with both halves.

I just saw your video on the Marlin 39A. You did a great job as always. I own one and a Marlin 39TDS. I thought I was getting a Marlin Mounte when I bought the 39TDS but found out otherwise after I purchased it. Some of the people on line have said it isn’t as accurate as the Mounte or the full size 39A but since it only has a 16” barrel I don’t expect it to be. It’s still a great gun, excellent craftsmanship and great for hiking and backpacking. It goes in a floating case like the Papoose model which is another plus. A tip that might help on windy days is a foam rubber cap for you microphone. I don’t know if they make them to fit yours but if not some 1/4” soft foam rubber wrapped around and over your mike will work just as good for home made. I’m not bothered by the wind noise, it’s something you encounter when filming outside. The foam rubber cap on the mike will hopefully satisfy those people that have trouble with the wind. Keep up the great work.

3yrs later. still love the old marlins. super fine our the winchester 9422 stopped production in2005. both guns for family generations great videos sir

I bought one new in 1978, best rifle ever made imho. These rifles are precision instruments.

That the gun I learned how to shoot with back in the '60s. Hasn't seen daylight in a good while, time to go plinking.

Lots of Marlin 39a vids out there but yours works . Short , sweet , to the point and informative . Was thinking of purchasing one and now I`m sold . Thanks !

I just got a mint new in box 39a on auction for $1000 can't wait till it arrives

Great intro/highlight overview on an American Classic! A family heirloom for sure. I ended up with my "39 Century Marlin" (1970 Bi-centennial model) thanks to my Dad. It's a bit of history AND great for shooting today. Workmanship is second to none for sure. Marlin and Henry Repeating Arms (i.e., Golden Boy) go nice together as iconic level action rifles and GREAT, fun 22s. Thanks for this clip (BTW...wind noise wasn't bad...:-) ).

I am so glad you fired those quiet rounds. Exactly what I was wondering about and then you did! Need a gun like this to teach my nephews to shoot.

I just found this old video here on RU-vid. Back in the mid 80's I was looking for a lever .22. The shop had a Winchester, a Marlin and a Browning to choose from. It was an easy choice for me to go with the Marlin as it was a full size rifle and the action was great. I still have it and recently added a ghost ring style sight to help my 71 year old eyes see my targets.

Back when Marlins were still premium quality guns

I have a 39A that was my Dad's and I recently put a Skinner sight on it and love it. I really like shooting shorts through it, with the longish barrel they make very little noise. I enjoy your videos

I bought a 1969 Golden 39A Mountie (straight stock carbine, 20" barrel) brand new in Wyoming for about $125. I haven't fired in in 30+ years (I'm 78) and it will eventually go to my son or grandson. It's a precision piece and a thing of classic beauty. Thanks for your video.

i have one from 1958,they are the best .22 rifle ever made.Great Review

Recently inherited a 39a. Fantastic rifle. Mine date codes to 1889

Awesome accurate rifle.. I love mine. I also shot at a pan someone left at 100yds at the range, and never missed. I recommend it. It's a keeper if you now have it.

Father gave me one for Chrismas 1959. It was stolen from me in 1969 when I went to VietNam. Can not tell you how much I enjoyed that gun. Great presentation, great gun. I am in the market for one now and hope to find a vintage 1959 or 1960. Most accurate gun I have ever owned.

Outstanding family heirloom...Good info and vid...Love the simple way it breaks down...Good stuff...

I usually wouldn’t care for a 22lr with a 24” barrel. When it comes to the Marlin 39a, I wanted it because it has a 24” barrel. Shooting subs, quiets & shorts it’s a lot quieter than 20” and under guns. The 39a is probably the most useful 22 ever made. There are other great 22 lever guns (9422 BL22 to name a couple) but with shorter barrels they’re not quite as handy in noise sensitive applications. I own plenty of suppressors but there’s nothing better than blued steel and walnut.

My father managed to get ahold of one of these that best we can trace is from the mid 30's. She is an absolute beauty. Traded for it about 8 years ago from an old timer who's grandad bought it new out the catalog.

Buffalo, you did your homework on the 39a. btw, looks better w/o the scope.

Little do You know that You undoubtably talked me into a purchase with THIS Video!! Thank You Buff, Greatly appreciate your wonderful Videos !!!

Grew up with the 39A and it is the best in accuracy and reliability over the decades. Shot lots of cottontail in CO as a boy. The large thumbscrew is invaluable for breakdown and cleaning. In the 1970s they had micro-groove rifling w/rear semi-buckhorn sights. The sights took getting used to but when I did they were always right on the money. Never jammed.

Great vid man. Thanks. I own a 1953, Ballard rifled and its a gem. Thank You for your vid

Nicely done on your video, and that's a gorgeous ol' 39A. I cut my teeth shooting one very much like that, and you can bet mine will definitely stay in the family. Forgive me if someone else already posted this, but the Marlin 1891/39/39A is the longest continuously produced long gun in America. There's definitely something to be said for that. The 1891 you mentioned with the loading gate was only made the first year, and then they changed it to top loading for the reasons you mentioned. I attend the Beinfeld Antique Arms Show in Las Vegas every January, and have seen two of them for sale in the past two years. I'd give my left arm to own one of them, but then again I'm quite happy with my 39A. Thanks again for your outstanding video.

Beautiful rifle and brings back lots of good memories growing up in Ft Thomas. KY in the 1950's.Love the lever guns. That gun is in great condition and top dollar is worth it to own a beautiful piece of history. Thanks for the nice video and good shooting.🇺🇸🔫🎥

Greetings from Ireland. Nice rifle. I have a Winchester 9422 mag lever action rifle, very similar take down.

I purchased a 1947 edition of the 39A just yesterday and ordered a few parts for it few minutes ago. My rifle needs a little mechanical love and maybe a refinishing of the stock and forearm thanks to a previous owner but I'm sure that once I'm finished with my new old rifle I'll be very satisfied indeed. I really enjoyed this video by the way. Take care and keep 'em comin'!

Man I'm glad to see these rifles, they were REAL Marlin lever guns. The new ones have gotten a lil better than they were a few years back. Thanks Buffalo and I always enjoy your videos...seems like we have the same taste and appreciation for firearms!!

I just purchased a Marlin 39a it's really really beautiful

THE BEST SQUIRREL GUN EVER MADE!!!

American Classic. longest continuously made rifle in America I believe. I was looking at some shorter barrel mounties on GB the last few days. Have to admit though, think I prefer the Win 9422, but these are def same class.

Another benefit of the long barrel is the long sight radius.

I've got the 1951 model. pre micro groove Ballard rifling. A receiver sight, no scope. I love it.

I'll be honest, the 39's are okay. The BL-22's are okay. But a 9422 they are not! The 9422 is hands down the BEST lever rimfire ever created!

Very nice presentation Sir. I will sure look for one of these when I am at the gun shops. Thanks, Tom

Hey buddy are these worth the money I've found one for 799.00 used in good condition..

100% agree with all you said about this rifle. I finally found an almost mint 1954 version that I couldn’t pass up. It’s a legacy rifle.

Nice gun, Hope that Ruger brings it and the model 60 back in the future! Thanks for your video!!!

I lost my dad this morning, brought his old Marlin 336 30-30 and a Marlin Golden 39 M home this afternoon. I was about ten when we bought the 30-30 for dad for Christmas. Me my brother and my mom spent all the money we had on it. ( I'm 65 now ). It's killed a LOT of deer over the years I assure you and it will belong to my grandson someday. I had a Golden 39A in my younger years and I always thought that was what dad's was but I'm learning it is not. It is what they called the ( Mountie Model ). NO idea how old it is but it has the stupid warning on the barrel but doesn't have the goofie cross bolt safety. After some serious cleaning and a bath in CLP , Pristine Condition. Eight Digit Serial Number so I'm guessing it's not a really early example.

A scope on a lever action looks as bad as a comb over on a bald head! Good video Buffalo.

That's just a classic looking gun. It's got the white outline's on the butt stock and around the pistol grip. The furniture on it is just outstanding. The thing with lever guns is that no matter the manufacturer, there lines of there lever gun haven't changed since the late 1890's or so give or take. If you look at that 39A vs your 1894 there's a lot of lines that are the same, you can tell it's a Marlin. Nice video.

Came across this exact gun and my grandfather safe was told that it was my uncles gun that he used for squirrel. It has a scope on it was looking for your video on dismantling the scope as well as where I can find iron sights for the gun thank you

My father used his iron sight 39 to hunt rabbits all the time even though he had a great shooting 60's era 12ga. 870 Wingmaster,but he only used it for shotgun shoots. Been a lot of years since I shot that 39,may have to dig it out some day.

I didn't think GO Pro shooting footage could be this compelling. Your narration is seemless and its a sweet, and somewhat overlooked rifle today.

Noticed the "JM" in oval stamp on right side of the rifle's barrel near frame. Very desirable !

Another mighty fine video Buffalo. Great rifle

Just love that gun. Took me 60 years to get the one I wanted.

Hi Buffalo, thank you for another fine video. Question for you. I am looking at one of these to buy, but oddly instead of a JM stamp on the barrel, there is only an M. It has to be a Marlin because first of all it was discontinued prior to Remington taking over, and, it says New Haven, Conn. USA on the barrel. Have you ever heard of this?

Excellent video on a beautiful, fun to shoot rifle. My parents wouldn't get me a lever gun. They thought for sure I would tear it up. They were probably right. I'll end up getting my kids one down the road I'm sure of it!

I've never shot that rifle but I do love my Henry Golden Boy which is very similar !

I'm kind of late to this video,.. only 4 years! I sure do hope that Ruger makes the correct decision here, now that they have all the tooling and legal stuff taken over from Marlin / Remington. I wonder, if they did, what they'd call it,.. 'Ruger/Marlin 39A-22'? Who knows!

I got one the carbine my second gun I must have been ten or eleven the first was a sport king. Well it's my understanding that 100 plus years ago target shooting was big rifle and of course it would shoot 22 shorts so the takedown feature feature is another advantage. And it is great you can leave all the bullets in it comes right apart stick it together and start shooting

Very nice looking Lever Action and beautiful wood on the gun.Great shooting Buffalo and again you have a great place to shoot.Thanks and God Bless.

A true classic.My brother had one that we put thousands of rounds thru.Never was cleaned and never jammed!

Good job! Sound quality was fine.👍

Hi there great video, comprehensive ! and well explained, I have a Texan mod 97, octagonal 20 inch barrel, superb little accurate rifle, love it,,

Excellent video, thanks. I love this great rifle as mine was made in 1972. There is a rumor that RUGER may reproduce this again as they are the new owners of MARLIN. Hopefully, it will reappear in the near future.

Like it, but mom and dad bought me a 9422 the year I turned 12! Ha dang I'm 51 now!...lol

I have a marlin 39 carbine that i bought used 50 years ago 1968 and it looks and shoots great. I have several other rifles, and this rifle by far is my favorite. I don’t know what year it was made. It has the western style long handled stock. The one I have is older than the one you’re demonstrating. It has the the little bullseye on the stock and it has a gold trigger.

I have fired a lever actioned rifle although it was not a rim fire, it was a center fire rifle.

great video. thanks for taking the time. collecting the JM marlins superior quality. lot of great info thanks

With any luck I will get mine someday soon..I don't mind paying top dollar for quality I can pass on down the generations.

This gun is such gorgeous condition.

Buffalo....been watching lot's of your videos. We share passions for alot of the same firearms. Of all the you Tube videos out there....I enjoy your's the most. Great Job Sir.

A nice review on this Quite Nice 0l' Marlin .22

Love your videos. I've got a Henry Frontier in .22, but I sure would be happy to own a nice 39A someday, all the same. Take care.

Ladder sight? I think you corrected yourself But I’ve always have called them stair step rear sight adjusters. Anyway I have two Marlin model 39A’s the first one I looked at in detail so I know according to the serial number it’s was made in early 1960… the second one the shop said they got another one in. I asked immediately to put it on my account. So I haven’t even seen that one in person but he said it was in excellent shape but it was made in the 80-90’s. Can’t wait to shoot them soon after the California background check. Thanks for your videos.

I have a marlin 39A that was all beat up and rusted out it says micro groove but the serial number is worn out but the inside looks like new and it's working very well i used to have a Winchester 9422 i bought new in the 60s but I like this better it looks really good now that I've fixed it up

Thanks for this video! Nice shooting, I LOVE this vintage lever. So sweet without the scope - I'm searching for a 1950's myself - I enjoy the hunt but will be glad when I find the right one :)

Thank you for the post; I have a 39D and cant quite find the specific vid, but this is obv the prototype( I kinda dig the groove in the handle by the right hand's position, not there on D) and you toss a few shots so we can see some action- would love to see some dissassemblies in the future, but quick n easy right on.

Love my pre 64 that was handed down from my uncle.

Brings back lots of good memories. I've surgically removed lots of squirrel brains with a 39A. Thanks for the video.

Bought a 39 back in the 70s and sold it like a dummy! Bought a 39M and it got stolen! Managed to talk a buddy out of another 39M and I hope it’s here to stay!

I have a 1959 39a with different Walnut wood on it. Sometimes it's like, "is this thing ever going to run out of bullets?"

I've got three of em in mint shape . Had too many of my buddies try and get 1 but he'll naw I'll keep em till the day I die .great little guns

I love the 1959 Model 39a. Yours is shinier than mine.

I pray I can find one of these ol girls in nice shape and give it a good home for the rest of my days. Great video, God bless

Great video, thanks.

My 39a is a 1959, and I believe that the buttstock on your friend's rifle has been changed to one from the 70s. Or the gun itself is from the 70s.

very nicely done.

Nice watching someone who knows how to handle a rifle.

one of the best rifles i've ever owned.

Love the 39a, have a few. Since it seems Marlin can not make the 39 any more, maybe they should look at making a .22lr in the 1894 model. They are making fairly good quality 1894's. Not a lot that would need being re-engineered. What do ya say Marlin?

Fit and finish on that rifle is slicker than catshit on lenolium. Sure as hell they dont make em like they used to. Nice shirt selection for the day lol, Clock says 20 mins til startup #TWD

So much nicer with out the scope . Nice rifle :-)

Gorgeous gun.

mine was made around 2001,,,, and it shoots super,,, no jams,, shoots all ammo,, very accurately,,,, super guns,,, ole USN vet

Super nice rifle. Enjoyed the video.

Used to have the 9422 win my wife's cousin came with an old beat up marlin 39A and wanted to trade for my Remington 308 made the trade and refurbished the 39A the numbers are so worn but 39A is just barely visible it also shows micro groove inside the action looks like new it shoots well I use aquila powderless shooting at home happy camper