Bought a 1955 39A 10 years ago for $100. Had to replace the firing pin, thanks Midwest gun works. Blueing is well worn, gold trigger is well worn and had to put fiber optic sights on it for my old eyes. It’s a tack driver and goes with me everywhere on the ranch. Every young hunter who shoots it falls in love.
LOVE THE 39, and yours is very nice - thanks for the video. One of my biggest regrets is having to sell my 39 golden mountie, per my mother's demand. My younger brother kept sneaking in and grabbing it when I was gone - unlike myself-he didn't listen very well. I was 12 yrs old when I walked into my small town's guns shop - a citizen's garage he had turned into a gun shop, I plopped down 90 dollars of my own money and walked out with the mountie! WHAT A GUN, what accuracy! A month late I bought a colt frontier scout 22/22mag for 60 dollars, again with my own money! I had an unbelievable little groundhog retriever and we went every morning and evening hunting them. She would actually stop, freeze, and point them out for me...... life was good! Now to replace them the cost is 10 times that or more - USED! The Mountie was the best gun I have ever owned, the straight stock, 20 inch barrel, in my mind, is the best lever Marlin has ever made. AH, to be able to go back to our youth.......... and better eye sight! :)
I recently traded a Glock for a 1971 2nd amendment 39a and it's in mint condition. Fired and absolutely love it. It started my Marlin collecting and am up to 18 rifles. Still counting, keep up the great work.
I bought one about 6 years ago now I believe, mine was built in 1951 and ain't she a tact driver I used some remington golden bullets I believe and at 100 yards I could cover my grouping with a penny.
That was always my dream gun. And yours is definitely an A1 Beautiful specimen! But my Dad couldn't justify spending that much money on a small game rifle for me when I already had a 22 Ethica lever action. So after I shot my 1st deer with a recurve bow in 83. He bought me a 336CS chambered in 30/30. Once I was keeping the freezer full of venison. He handed down his Glenfield 60 with the squirrels and acorns on the stock. Through my whole hunting career I never did replace any of these weapons. They were all just so lucky! And filled with memories and love!😊
I stumbled upon this article by chance . It is fitting since I'm currently "de-greasing" the stocks on my 1952 model 39a which I picked up in a junk shop in Michigan in 1989ish . I love the old lever actions. I also own a 1970 Marlin model 444 that my Dad bought me new in 1973. I fired the first shot from that rifle, at the store, right through a 5 gallon bucket at about 30 yards out in a field. I was hooked right there. Thanks for the article.
I purchased a brand new 39A back in 1977. I haven't checked the year of the serial number yet. I have the original sights. They so accurate that I have never thought about putting other sight on it. Thanks for the video.
That "thingy" you called an actuator screwed to the inside of the receiver is the shell ejector. I had a 39A my dad bought for me in 1949. I must have shot a pickup load of ammo through it over the years. My oldest son has it now and he taught his son to shoot with it, so it's now a three generation gun. It will no doubt be used to teach my great grandson to shoot when he's big enough to shoulder it. I put a Williams 5D receiver sight on it which was a great addition.
I bought a 1953, in pieces. Took me 3 years to restore and find or make missing parts and springs. ballard rifling before microgroove. Then sent it off for 6 months to a guy in VA that does real case hardening. 1800f in a steel box packed in bone and charcoal. Then the process is to dump the whole box in cold, highly oxygenated water (fish pump and ice cubes) Thecolors are red, orange and bluegreen. Make sure the guy casehardening your 39 uses a steel block wedged between your forks so they don’t distort in the heat. I enjoy the historical value of the slot cut deep rifling, but admit it shoots every bit as good as my 1970 Microgroove Century octagon. 4:20 pm here, gotta go
I know the vid is 2+ years old, but must comment. I've owned several 39s, only have one of the later ones now with the rebounding hammer, crossbolt safety, but it is a JM rifle. Shoots very well, indeed, but none of my 39s have been as consistently accurate as my 9422 Classic Winchester, nor a particularly nice Browning BL22 that's in the rack. I just got my first Henry, along with the first diagnosis of a cataract forming in my right eye. Having all four brands has long been a goal, and after finally booting the last of our 10 kids out of the nest, there's room in the budget for some luxuries. They're all a great deal of fun, and the difference in their performance is really measured in smiles, not units of measure from a micrometer! The Marlin is a blast, and I truly hope that Ruger sees fit to find a way to bring an affordable, useful 39 back!
Everyone has their own opinion of what is best. I am 80yrws now and have owned most of the .22s mentioned here. What ever works for you and is within your budget is my advice.
Have two of these. One is my late grandfather's; it is a mid-50's model. I also have one I bought about 30 years ago. It is a Golden 39AS as it does have the cross bolt safety. Both are outstanding guns. The older is in very good condition and the newer gun looks absolutely brand new. It has served the safe life of a gun that very seldom leaves the gun case in the bedroom. Love both of these rifles.
In 2016 my father passed away and left me his Marlin 39A. He bought it used in 1953 when he got back from his stint in the Army. He said he paid $25 for it. It was made in the 30's and does not have the "micro groove" barrel. It is extremely accurate. He taught me how to disassemble and clean it. It was his favorite gun.
Bought mine new in 1977 for $125! Perhaps my favorite gun. Mine now wears a Leupold rimfire, 2-7 power variable. Blue steel and walnut, looks beautiful!
At 912, the kind of a spring the gentleman refers to is actually the ejector, and the ejector can be pressed back into the grove and the screw can be turned and it will capture the part so it will not be damaged or lost, this gentleman's video is very informative and well done.
Mine was a 12th birthday gift from my Dad in 1959! It has always been my squirrel gun. I did put a scope on mine for small targets in low light conditions. Still shoots well and the action is still smooth!
I have a 39 A that I bought I believe in the early 90s it’s been shooting great ever since it is the best 22 I ever bought it out shoots all my other 22s even the good bold actions that I have it’s an amazing Accurate rifle I would never sell it .
I had a nice Markin 39A for two decades and have regretted ever letting it go. Smooth and accurate. I've never owned a Henry, but I've shot several and would love to own one but no longer have that kind of disposable income. But the smoothest and most accurate rifle I've ever owned is the Browning BLR. My current caliber is .243 and it's a perfect size. Small enough to go plinking yet large enough to take down a 350 to 400 lb mule deer. Unfortunately, my hunting days are behind me now. But the BLR is the best lever action rifle, bar none.
I love mine - I put Lyman target peeps (including front target sights with changeable inserts) on it because it was amazingly accurate - so it deserved better sights. I bought it just as a fun shooter/plinker but when it showed such good accuracy I started using along with my other 22 target rifles.
I lucked out and got one it's an older one with a straight stock it was all painted flat black rusted and the rear stock was cracked and held together with electrical tape at first i didn't know what it was because it looked different from my Winchester model 9422 but after cleaning it up I could just barely see model 39A and parts of the serial number than I found out what it is repaired the back stock and just walnut stained the wood and painted the metal parts black when i learned more about it I took it apart and was surprised to see how new the inside is i painted it gold to make it look like the Henry golden boy i like it better than the Winchester i had I Shoot it at home using aguila super colibri like shooting a pellet gun I'm happy i think it's the mountie 20," barrel
I'm so glad I found your channel. I love the insight you share, and I genuinely appreciate the walk-thru of the gun's internals. You clearly know your stuff. My Dad gave me a Model 39A for my 8th Grade graduation. They really don't make 'em like they used to! You've inspired me to pull it out of the cabinet and rub another couple of coats of BLO onto the stock!
I have two 39 A Mounties. Love them, great rifles. Browning BL-22 and Winchester 9422 are also very nice rifles. Liked your videos and Love Marlin's in general. I have several.
I have a '68 39a Mountie, absolutely love it. Might be my favorite rifle. For years I ran Lyman peeps on it, but as I've gotten older and my vision deteriorated I had no choice but to mount a 4x Leupold. Now I lose far fewer tree rats.
Just a caution for you about checking your trigger pull, but since that little beauty is a rimfire, you really ought to use either a snap cap or a fired case to cushion the firing pin from striking the face of the chamber.
Great rifle, I’ve got two of them, a 39A & a 39M (Mounty) plus the 39’s predecessor a Marlin 1897 which I still shoot but only 22 shorts anymore. Great looking rifle, sounds like you got a good deal.
Had two pre 70 and a newer one, great 22. I always was into accuracy ,, head shots only on birds, r varmits an squorrels, rabbits and living in back country duck geese and deer. Actually liked breakdow for cleaning. Only problem evrr broken extractor actually was just worn
I bought my 39M used in the early 70’s. Short barrel and straight grip stock. I’ve bought tons of .22s since including a pre A Winchester 52, and Remington 513T to name a couple. If I had grab one and run it would be the Marlin.
Well the 513 and the 39a are different animals altogether (I also own both). I’d much rather take the 39 hunting or plinking. Target shooting? 513 hands down
Hey David crazy story I would like to share with you. When I moved from Jersey to PA after living in the NJ house for six years. I was checking the house to make sure I didn’t miss anything in my master bedroom. I reached up to the top shelf in one of the closets when I felt something, so I reached up further and pulled down to my amazement a Marlin Golden 39A. I was living in that house sleeping in that room for six years not knowing this piece of art was in my closet can you imagine how happy I was? Extremely, such a beautiful rifle! The previous owner who lived by himself was a veteran in his European country before coming to America. He was the only owner who built the house with his mother in 1950. At the time I had just retired from the Post Office and went crazy researching it and at some point found out when it was manufactured. Now I have forgotten the year and the only serial number I see is V 3960 under the lever. I would never sell this gun I will be passing it along to my son when I pass. This Gun is extremely accurate even though I have never adjusted the sights.Can you direct me to where the serial number is located?
Never fired a Winchester 22 but did have a model 94 in 30/30. The lever action wasn’t any wear near as smooth as the Marlins. I sold it for close to what I paid for it. If their 22s aren’t any smoother than their 30/30s they don’t even come close to Marlin. Never shot a Browning but I do have my dad’s Remington model 34 and it is one smooth and accurate rifle. Of course it is a bolt action and comparing it to a lever action is like comparing apples and oranges.
I received a 39A for my 12th birthday in 1980. Mine is in a little rougher shape than yours but I used the hell out of it. I recently passed it down to my son with instructions the he pass it down to my grandson.
I also got mine in 1980 for Christmas incidentally I was also 12 years old I shot thousands of rounds through it. My son gets it after I’m below the grass lol.
My 39A is from 1953, and the extractor on mine is machined steel with a leaf spring. Kinda sad to see that they went to a bent piece of spring steel later on, but I'm glad mine isn't like that. My gun also hasn't got any "golden trigger," just black steel; and it doesn't say "Original Golden 39A," just "Model 39A 22 Cal. S. L. & L.R." It's incredibly accurate, and I love shooting CB shorts, which make hardly any sound. It's like having a suppressor without the hassle & expense!
@@drdrake63 I have an 1873 in 38-40, it is actually a .40 caliber. My friend's .22 long 1873 was purchased from an antique dealer and was missing quite a few pieces. I found most of them but had to make the firing pin, which is different from a centerfire pin. It works fine now. A lot of rifle for a .22.
The Winchester Model 9422 is another very nice .22 lever action rifle. I would put them in the same league as far as quality, I do like their general style better, more traditional looking.
The 9422 is on my list. I’d love to do a side by side comparison with that, the 39a and Browning BLR One day! I always find someone who sells these old beauties for a low price. Patience game
@@drdrake63 I have two early 9422s, very traditional looking. I also have a pre-war 39a, its receiver is color case hardened and looks very nice but was quite expensive. But then I can be a sucker when I want something badly enough.
I can't get enough of this video. My prediction is that Ruger knows they will have to put in the proper initial investment getting the parts made correctly to begin with so to minimize the hand fitting for a quality product. There may be a chance the Marlin guns may come back better than ever.
Man size 22 weighs enough so you can hold steady for offhand shooting...mine was born 1952 ,same as me .( bought used)too bad somebody had to engrave their dl# on bottom of receiver,..didn't affect how it shoots. came with old small tube weaver scope. very quiet with cb caps.or the low noise rounds.
When I dry fire my 39a I take a spent shell & feed it by hand in to the shell. Then I point it into a safe direction Then pull the triger. Thent I eject the spent shell to check the dimple on the spent shell. There should be two dimples.
Yes, for sure the best lever rimfire rifle. There are others that are also good, but not at this level. I hope Ruger starts producing these again soon.
How many rifle models allow you to remove a side-cover to view how the internals operate? This is a useful feature to visually see how the upper action works.
I got 4 henry rifles and they are all accurate right out if the box. Marlins are great 2 but i dont think you will ever find a smoother action than a henry.
I have a 39A made in 1960. It’s a very well-built rifle but it’s far from the most accurate rimfire I own. It’s actually the worse in accuracy compared to my other rimfire lever-actions and bolt-actions. My Winchester 9422’s are more accurate, smoother action, and lighter. Just being honest in my experience.
In 1969, the local J.C.Penney store was closing out its sporting goods section, and I purchased a 39A for $70. Many years later, I bought (online) the front half of another 39. A few strokes of a Swiss file fitted it to my back half. I then shortened that barrel to 17" and fashioned a full-length forend. It carries a Skinner receiver sight, and is great for quick shooting. The original front half carries a good quality scope, for precision shooting at longer range. Now, I need a third, smoothbore, barrel , and a fancy case for it all.
I have a model 39 with a 24" octagonal barrel, and a model 39A with a 24" round barrel. One has a low 4 digit s/n and the other a 3 digit s/n. Both are pristine 1st year production rifles. Just a couple of my favorite .22's.
Ruger should be able to produce a nice lever .22 It would not be the same as the 39A though. The cost to produce the 39A would be a lot more and I don't know how many they would sell.
Back in my Squirrel/Ruffed Grouse Hunting HeyDay used the Marlin Glenfield 60. This was a cheap Marlin .22LR!! It could pick fleas off of barbed wire with the iron sights. Be ashamed during the few years hunting to tell you how many squirrels were taken but every one was cleaned out and in the cast iron with the butter!! With squirrel its in the cleaning. Took maybe a dozen Ruffed Grouse!! Put the 22LR round through the back where there was no meat!! You have never eaten meat until you taste a Ruffed Grouse off cornfields. Usual diet is pine galls which changes the flavor!! Passed that gun to my brother who still has it!! If any company can resurrect the 39A Lever .22, its Ruger!!
Mine was for $50 also. Same. Golden Mountie. Bought it in 1971. I've since acquired a 39A Octagon, that's become my favorite. Thanks for your comment. It brought back fond memorie!❤
I inherited a 39a 22sl-lr with a six digit serial number stamped crossways on bottom in front of trigger. First three digits are 386 and then three more digits I won’t list here. Can I assume this was made in early 1900s or is it a 1939. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.
The Henry’s I own all have fantastic fit and finish . That they are more than capable of the same quality in fit and finish and in fact, my 1996 marlin 39A has terrible fit and finish. I do own my 1949 , but the Henry’s are the ones I take out most times.
@@randymagnum143 The internals are not pot metal. Zamak 5 is used on the reciever cover and barrel bands. The internals are of high quality and function well. The Marlins do have a steel reciever,as many of the older guns did,but you'll pay a premium for it. I have a marlin model 60 from 1975 that's had thousands of rounds shot through it and its aluminum reciever housing has held up just fine. Most modern pump shotguns have either aluminum or some alloy reciever,but all the internals are steel where it locks up. They hold up fine,unless they're thrown around carelessly.
@@ciphercode2298 didn't say they wouldn't work, i said the 39 is more valuable because it will last forever. And the inner receiver of the Henry is also a casting. And zamak 5 is zinc pot metal. Like a hi point.
Unfortunately, since Ruger has taken over Marlin, they don't make the 39A any more.Mine I bought in 1957. It goes back to 1890's and it was the rifle Annie Oakley used in her performances. (Hers were gold plated) It is a real loss that they are out of production
I H a ve a 1975 and mine has a Williams peep sight. The most accurate ammo in mine is the CCI Mini-mag. It does not like Stingers at all. The other interesting thing is the action and trigger on my Henry H001T is much better than the Marlin. But the Marlin Is a much more quality gun.
You know they don't make it anymore? They only have a single lever action rifle in production and nothing else! The lever action is 1895 model, Caliber .45-70 Govt, and it retails for about $1,400! Anybody out there who also owns Henry's lever action rifles? just curious to see the difference or which is more reliable b/c I am looking at Henry's long ranger deluxe.
Ed here, my friend/ I have one that misfires a lot. I need to know how far the firing pin protudes from the reciever for the hammer to strike. mine is almost flush, or we may have weak spring on the hammer. we can't find new firingpin anywhere. also my pin hits a little off the rim of bullet??
