Marlin 39A: Best Lever Action .22 

I've got my dads 39a made in 1953. When I was growing up I'd visit my grandparents and take dads gun out to shoot. One time, I racked the lever and a little spring fell out. Went back up to the house and showed my dad and he was obviously upset, stuck the spring back in the gun and put it back in the closet. My dad died of cancer in 1993 and I got his guns, I racked the 39a and a little spring fell out, it hadn't been shot since I broke it in 1969. I found a new ejector and shoot it regularly now, my favorite .22!

I get a sick knot in my stomach every time I see one of these videos. I lost my 1950s model Marlin Golden Mountie 39A in Hurricane Katrina and can't begin to tell you how much I miss it. That was the best rifle I ever owned and in my opinion the best rifle ever made.

I sort of fell into a '67 Golden 39a Mountie about 10 years ago, when a buddy of mine just suddenly wanted to sell his. His price was fair but not super-cheap at the time, and I was really strapped for cash. I was not aware of how admired the gun is, so my motivation was more wanting to help my friend out. I think I gave him $400 for it. I can say it's one of the absolute best firearms decision I've ever made. It's in excellent condition, the action is smooth as silk, it's extremely accurate - esp with Winchester ammo - and I just bonded with it like no other gun. It goes everywhere with me. I have adult kids now, and I hope to leave this fine firearm with them to enjoy and pass along. Thanks for another excellent video!

The Marlin 39a Golden was my first rifle. I still have it today and love it. Most reliable gun I've ever owned to. Thanks for the review and I totally agree.

My 39A Golden Mountie was produced in 1965 and it's pristine. I've never picked up a rifle that felt this natural in my hands.

The 39A is an industrial age work of art. It's mass produced yet put together like a precession machine. I read numerous reviews on them and looked long and hard for one. I finally found a store that had two in stock. One was a Mountie. Both were so nice I couldn't decide which I wanted more, so I bought both. That was an excellent decision! They are both incredibly accurate rifles. I love them! Mine both have vintage 3/4 inch 4x rimfire scopes on them. I'd like to re-scope them with more powerful and brighter scopes, but I also hate to put a big hulking modern scope on such a petite pretty rifle. So I'm still looking for a decent scope that does both the accuracy and the astetics of the rifles justice.

Thanks to you, I have the BLR, 39A and the 9422.

As expected, the 39A. Mine was made in 1984, and it's unusual because it came with a blued instead of a gold trigger, and it came with no sling swivels. My brother has an older one, and it has the gold trigger and swivels. Beautiful rifle and fantastically accurate. $3K?! When my dad bought mine for my sixteenth birthday, brand new in 1984 for $200 even, I thought that was a lot of money at the time.

I just got my dad's 1965 Marlin 39A. Took it in the have it cleaned had some rust. It is a very nice gun.

Great video. I could not agree more with your characterization of the Marlin 39A as possibly the best overall lever action .22 ever made. I grew up on a ranch in MT and learned to shoot my dad's Golden 39A Mountie carbine. The gun had belonged to his dad (my grand dad) and was bought used and dated to late 40s or early 50s. I personally put at least 10,000 rounds through that gun and I can say that it never malfunctioned even one time. With a little care and maintenance they will last a lifetime. I currently have 5 Marlin 39s in my collection and the only thing I would add to your comments is that the 39M and 39D are excellent as well.

39a is a wonderful 22 definitely want to add one to my collection. Great video. Would like to see more videos. You are my favorite gun guy on youtube. Very different and interesting. I like walnut and steel. Get tired of all the tactical plastic guns thanks

The Marlin 39 is a fantastic 22 lever gun. Super accurate and easy to disassemble. I couldn't tell you how many squirrels I've head shot with mine. But I love my Winchester 9422 xtr in 22 Mag. I bought in the 80" s . I love the bluing and the checkering on that rifle and I saved for 2 summer's cutting grass to buy it. My uncle had the 22 lr. Version and I had to have one. I got the 22 Magnum version because I already had the Marlin and Browning BL in 22 long rifle.

I would definitely agree with you that Marlin is an awesome 22 Lever action my personal favorite is the browning

I'm the 3rd generation owner of my 39a, first my great uncle, then my father, and now me. Shoots wonderfully after thousands of rounds down the barrel.

The 39A is awesome! I have one I bought in the 80's. Also have the Winchester, Browning, and a Henry. All are great guns, but I like the 39 the best too. Another great review by you, thanks!

Marlin 39A was my first rifle ever. Got it with paper route money, still have it.

Excellent presentation as always. Loved your Anschutz videos as well. I have an F prefix made in 1949 in very nice condition . Shoots straight and is really made made. I do have to say that when I head out for the range, it’s usually the Henry that gets the nod.

As a .22 aficionado, I appreciate this video, thank you. I am particularly fond of the Ithaca Model 72 Deluxe made by Erma. An interesting video would be for you to discuss briefly each of the rifles stacked in the background and how you came to acquire them, even if they already had a previous video. Just a short comment, the USOG "Cliff Notes" version. Ahain, thank you sir!

Thanks again. I do have the Browning and the 39 is on my wish list. A friend of mine has a 39 and it is so accurate.

Another great vlog. Thank you for posting and sharing with us. I subscribed and give you a high five. The BL-22 is beautifully made rifle.

some folk's get so proficient at shooting the .22 lever action they;re able to shoot very quickly and accurately , an asset for one . i also think the lever action performs better when one uses positive cocking motion.

Excellent ..... i own a Winchester and. Marlin lever action .22. a lot of fun thank you Bob

You are very interesting and with great knowledge thank you

Something about an old 22! Times could get tough again and I remember those days when you couldn’t find ammo for them anywhere. Now is the time to buy! Another great vid Sir, Thanks!

A friend of mine said that lever action 22's were kinda like AR's, you pull the trigger 3 or 4 times and, amazingly enough, the ammo evaporates and a pile of brass appears. Any lever gun is more fun than should be legally allowed. John Wayne was inspirational in True Grit; that's how to handle a lever gun and having one in 22lr makes it affordable! Great video, take care!

I prefer the browning Miroku because it is so fast ....

Inherited one my Dad picked up years before he passed, hardly used. I eventually took it to a 50 yards range with a few unfancy ammo brands and shot it alongside my CZ .22 lr American bolt. Nothing formal or extensive testing. Both were capable of dime size groups with CCI Standard ammo, not including the odd shooter-related flyer. The trigger is heavy so had to be extra mindful. Didn't realize a lever could do that well, plus look fantastic to boot. Great rifles !

Your willingness to trust others when buying guns says a lot about you and your honesty. That's why we value your opinions.

My dad had the browning, and my grandpa had the Marlin, I thought they were both great.

Thank you for a wonderful video, Mike! I love my Golden 39A.

I have a 1971 39d. Absolutely love that little rifle

Great content, I've been watching for a few years but have just subscribed, although I do think the Winchester 9422 is the superior .22, The Marlin 39A is still a close second, the 9422 just has cleaner lines and a sleeker design, not to mention that super smooth action..

My first gun that I bought on my 18th birthday was a Browning lever action 22 it was grade 2 made in Japan and that gun was one of those guns that you just could not miss with. I'm not saying it's better than anything else, I'm just saying that particular gun was a great gun.

I shot a beaver-sized rat when I was a kid! -with a .177 single shot break-action pellet gun. I spied it behind our barn, it had a nut in it's mouth, (my dad had castrated the calves and threw them on the manure pile) Rat scampered back to a hole under the barn, but stopped to savour his treat, I assume. Because he was unusually large, and only his arse/backlegs/tail (easily 10 inches long and 1" at the base) were visible, I snuck quietly up and placed the muzzle up to ratbutt, then let him have it. I RAN FAST, for safety sake, but still, saw the legs kick out straight back, before I made my getaway. I watched for about 1/2 hr, contemplating pulling him out for inspection. I decided to leave him overnight. I was 8 yrs old, and that was some exciting big game adventure. Next day, after chores, I carefully pulled him out, it was tough because he was stiff. He died instantly, still with calf balls clenched in his teeth. So I threw him on the manure pile. I showed anyone who would dare to come and see, nobody had cameras like today. Too bad, because that was a trophy sized vermin. The normal size Norwegian brown rat is maybe 1-12 inches including tail. Maybe he was a different species, but other than size, looked same as. I saw another one as big in Richmond B.C. it was after my grandparents chickens. I tried to whack it with a 7 foot long metal rod, but was unsuccessful. I was 5 yrs old at that time. You see a lot of critters when you grow up on a farm.

Over $3,000 for a 39A! I bought mine in 1954 when I was 13 years old. It cost $60, but I bought it from Sears where my mother worked and got a 10 percent employee discount, so $54 and no sales tax. I used to actually count how many rounds I fired through it, but quit when it was over 4,000. I've shot many, many squirrels and other small game over the years, mostly using a Weaver B4 scope. I wish now I had bought the Mounty version although I don't know if it was available when I bought mine, the reason is that the standard 39a is awfully heavy for a .22. I think the heavy barrel is to blame and I assume the Mounty would be lighter at least because of less barrel. My rifle has also begun to miss fire sometimes. I have replaced the hammer spring but that has not stopped the miss firing. The firing pin doesn't seem to make a big enough dent in the primer and I've tried to do a little filing of the firing pin to make it travel further into the cartridge, but still no joy.

Mike, I purchased my 39A in 1976 and have not regretted a day since. Wonderful rifle... great selection. As a note, I had the recent opportunity to purchase a Remington Model 12C. It was made, I believe, in 1927... relying on memory there. It is a pump that still drives tacks. Octoganal barrel, crisp action, and loaded with history. On the semi-auto side, the little Browning take-down gets my vote. I have one from the latter 50's and it is a peach to shoulder and shoot.

My vote: Winchester 9422

A used 39-A was my 1st "real" gun, too, at the age of 10, 45 years ago. It was a little long and heavy for a puny 4th grader, but it ended the troubles of many a grey squirrel over the ensuing decades. As accurate as most bolt guns. I wouldn't bother taking it down; it's a bit of a PIA to get back together and probably adds unnecessary wear & tear.

The Marlin 39A is no doubt the best of the best. My brother has One and it's a wonderful rifle. Sadly they are no longer in production. A lot of people say the Henry is a good rifle and i had the privilege of shooting one years ago and it is a very nice rifle for its price tag. It's considered more of a inexpensive type rifle. Personally, I believe the Browning is the best new production lever action 22lr. With the machined steel action and the features it has, it may be expensive but quality often comes at a cost. Hopefully sometime in the future a company can make a replica of the Marlin as they have with classic Winchester rifles and such. Great video USOG, I always enjoy watching your videos.

Back in the early 1980's, when all three were available, the 39 was not considered superior to the BL-22 or the 9422. In fact, the 9422 had a reputation of being slightly more desirable, and the price reflected that. Paying $3k for a rifle that retailed for less than one tenth of that back then isn't something I could ever justify, especially with the problems Marlin has had in the last decade.

Great channel . Could you do a video on the current production Winchester model 70 safari express?

I respect your opinion but Downunder the Browning BL22 is considered far and away the best Lever action available. Build quality, reliability and function make them a stand out. They are the most expensive .22 lever action on the market and that is usually an indicator of the demand.

I just managed to score an old marlin 20a pump with octagon barrel. I've been on a huge 22 kick for the last while including a recent purchase of a Browning Trombone, I always refer to your videos for guidance and direction.

An older video but still an excellent observation and still on target!

I have my father's first gun - A Marlin 39a manufactured in 1948. What a great gun.

Not knocking the Marlin but I would take the Browning BL any day of the week. Had one for 44 years. Never had a problem.

You are correct that model has been in production 100 years and is still going.. 10-12 years ago I bought a model 39 AWL model those were only built for one year and it was only the second one I ever seen..Too nice to take into the field to hunt and target shoot, the wood is knock out walnut full of figure , wood to metal fit is excellent.. Barrel is half round / half octagon .. I love it.. Well said.

The 39a & 9422 are heirloom guns. I’m proud to own both.

Oh boy, another one to add to my wish list lol. I don't think I've ever shot one but I sure do like the look of them. 👍

Mine is a 1897 Cowboy model 24” long barrel octagon. Straight grip. The break down with just a coin and assemble in a snap for cleaning. Marvelous guns. Cycling short, long, long rifle with out adjustments. 26 round capacity in short. 19 in long rifle. Brass magazine inner tube none rusting. I keep mine as all my firearms in top notch condition. It also has a Leupold 4X rimfire special with ultra fine crosshairs. Supreme accuracy as all micro groove Marlins. Made for lifetime of use and to hand down to family members. Undoubtedly the most sought after rimfire in the world Marlin 39 and its various editions. Made by American craftsmen 🇺🇸 with pride and quality traditions.

I have a 1946 39a and an early 60s 39 carbine that both shoot phenomenal, someday I may part with them or my son will inherit the pair but for now I will enjoy them

The first lever action rifle I ever shot is my father’s Marlin Model 39A Mountie made in 1954 that he purchased in the 1980’s. It is a great gun and one that has taken its share of ground squirrels, pack rats, and bats. The Marlin is a fine choice for being considered the “best lever-action .22 rifle.” Though, for myself, I have to go with the Winchester 9422. The parents of the 9422 is that of the Model 94 and the Model 61, and her history begins with the sole mission of restoring Winchester’s reputation of high-quality firearms. That certainly was a tall order in 1972 considering that Winchester had only 8 years earlier self-immolated. The 9422 did that, and today even though Winchester rifles are made globally their reputation for quality is still there. Between the two I have found that the action of the 9422 is smoother, the trigger to be superior, and that it doesn’t have the fat feeling that the Marlin inherently has. That being said there is a little-known dark horse when it comes to the discussion of the “best lever-action .22 rifle.” A rifle that wasn’t made in the same numbers as the 39A or the 9422 in .22, but a rifle that defines western firearms legend. That rifle is the Winchester Model 1873 and they made around 19,000 of them in .22. It is the first .22 cal repeating rifle and was manufactured from 1884 to 1904. I haven't handled one so I can't say how an 1873 in .22 compares to the 39A or the 9422, but I wouldn't be surprised if it is in a league of its own. The BL-22 is perhaps the last gasp of the mass produced cadillac .22 rifles. My guess is that it will be discontinued when the tooling wears out, much like what happened with the 9422. Ultimately, I look at it as more of there really is no wrong answer when it comes to the debate between the Marlin or the Winchester with the best answer in my opinion being to buy both if possible. When it comes to the Winchester 9422 and the Marlin 39A I can echo only what I was told in a gun store a couple years ago, “those who have them know what they have and they aren't selling them.”

It’ll be interesting to see how the Ruger builds are when they are reintroduced.

Love your videos! This one has better sound, but I really think you should invest in one of those lapel Mic's

Thank you, for everything thank you!

I lusted for the Browning BL22 for over 10 years and finally got at that stage of life where I could justify one. Got a good deal on one from a store going out of business and couldn't wait to get it home. That night I fondled it for a while and wiped it down and ran patch down the bbl. Well, about 2 inches down the patch hit a rough spot. Ran the rod in and out a few times thinking it would loosen the rough spot, but it didn't. Looked down the bore a saw a ring machined in the bore. Sent it back to Browning. Took 2 months to get it back. By then, I had lost the fascination for it. Taking it to the range, it was not accurate. Got my $$ back by making it a prize in a football pot. Now have a Henry Frontier and love it. Recently got a Henry pump .22 and love it too.

I really like the malin 39 a...I have three 39 mounties....for me it's my favorite configuration...same as 39 a...except with straight stock.and 20 inch barrel Same action ....i use one of mine regularly...I enjoy your videos..

A new one is available from Marlin Custom Shop for $3.495.00. Otherwise, they haven't been in production for awhile.

Would like to see you do a video on the Krag family of guns...

I was was taking the NRA rifle instructor course and in the classroom the guy next to me kept bragging about his Marlin bolt action he had refurbished. I simply said that I also have a Marlin. When we went to the range to do the shooting portion, I pulled the 39a out of my bag and even the instructor had a heart attack. It was pumping Thunderbolts into the same hole all day. I should take it out this week.

I have one but the PO used a Channel Loks to tighten it together. I just dont take it apart. It has standard rifling not microgroove.

Hat can you tell me about the Marlin mod 39 Century anniversary addition 189r4 1994 that i bought from a pawn shop?

There are 2 actually the Browning and the Marlin 39a which is the ONLY lever action you can clean thru the chamber. There are others that have long survivability. I also have a Win 9422 that is quite old and works flawlessly along with my fave my Martini Cadet converted to 22lr probably 75yrs ago so it would be well over 100yrs old now. Most of the levers that were made in the last 40yrs will outlive you so not to worry. My wife has decided that the 9422 should be hers because Anni Oakley shot one in her act. Happy wife happy life......

I have my grandpa's 39A. He was killed in 61, so besides his name it's all I have of his. Never met him though. Idk when the last time it was fired. My uncle brought it to me a few years back. It had a squib round in the barrel and a broken shell ejector. I just ordered a new one, so I'll finally be able to fire it.

I hope Marlin can regain its former glory. They had some tough times with changes in ownership, but if they only knew how the gun community felt about Marlins, they would continue the good quality that Marlins were known for. Post script: I have two new ones and I am quite happy with them!

I guess it does not count in this case, but the Ithaca M-49 single shot. My first rifle. Bought it at a Farmers Market used when I was about twelve. It was very accurate, depending on the ammunition used. I used .22 short HP bullets, and my family was getting really tired of fried squirrel and squirrel pie by the end of the season. I still have that rifle and shoot it once and a while for a trip down memory lane. There is a LOT of them out there.

Inherited a 39a Golden recently, has a scope mounted on it. It is a very accurate rifle

I have the 39a golden and the 39m both are excellent .22s, I bought them in 1965 new in the box

I just picked one up. 1958 Golden Mountie

My truck gun for decades was the Winchester 9422M. Other than a broken firing pin right out of the gate the gun has been 100%. I have the Marlin & it is a very well made gun too, but I have to give the edge to the Winchester, but the Marlin is a great gun too.

You are correct, the Winchester 9422 is a good rifle. IMHO a great rifle. Great rifle. My favorite, sorry they quit making them.

Haha. Did you say “rats...of any species”? Love it... but I was trying to get away from politics for a night. I’ll get over it.. cheers

've owned 7 of them and couldn't agree more, My newest one is a 1970 100 year anniversary rifle.

The 39A was my first gun, still have it. Great rifle, but I would say the Henry Golden Boy is just as accurate and has a smoother action.

I personally think the Browning BL 22 is the best. I ve had mine since 1980 and not one problem.

I have both 9422 win and 39 a they are both excellent and accurate tools

Of course many should know that the Marlin models 1892, 1897, 39 and 39a have represented probably the best .22 cal lever action rifles available pretty continuously since 1892. I've always been amazed that we think of Winchester as being the dominant lever action of the past 150 years, however, other than about 20k model 1873's made in .22 short or .22 long; until about 1970 they didn't really market a nice .22 lever rifle. I have first year editions of the Marlins and they are beautiful and reliable, probably more so that they're newest cousins!

From Rick Weaver..... I inherited a Marlin model 1892 from my father in law 20 years ago. The lever action was frozen so I hung it on a wall and it looked great. I saw some of your videos and I took it to a gunsmith a few days ago. He said he could repair the action and clean up the gun for very little money. The wood is fine. He said the gun will shoot again and actually can be shot and treated like a new gun. That sounds fantastic! Does it sound to good to be true???

Do you have any information on the Marlin 39a, with the trigger lock switch? You could lock the trigger back and cycle the lever to fire like the opening scene of "the Rifleman" TV show. They were not made very long, and I think most were broken.

I awhile back had a Marlin 39 M. It was a lr but with a streight stock. I think the barrel was shorter, but identical to yours.

My Marlin 39a made in 1982 and my Winchester 9422 XTR in 22lr made in 1981 would be the last guns I’d ever get rid of. You can feed and protect the family for generations with either. Buy these guns while you still can at a decent price. They’re heirloom 22’s.

The 39a Octagon baffle model made in the 70,s is a beautiful and very collectible rifle

Marlin made a Model 1897 Cowboy with an octagonal barrel on a 39A action. The production run was too short. The Winchester 9422 is smoother, but there is something alluring about the Marlin 39A that makes agree with you.

Once again thank you for your informative videos and your input on these fine lever actions. I do have a question for you. Do you have any thoughts on the Henry 22 lever action ? I've heard some good things about them and would like to purchase one but don't know enough about them yet. Just wondering if you have or did any videos on them. Thanks for any assistance

Decipini choice. I would say anyone choosing of the Marlin 39, Winchester 9422 or Browning BL22 will be happy with their choice. The old Marlin 56 and 57 were good too. For a cheaper alternative the Henrys, Irmas, Mossbergs etc…. will get a shooter into a lever but they are not in the same league as the first three.

I own an older model 39A. Was bought new by my grandfather probably 75 years ago and it’s in superb condition. WAS the longest production rifle ever but is NOT being produced anymore. I contacted Marlin by multiple means with no response. The Henry Goldenboy .22 is in almost every way it’s equal as I also own a new one of those. It’s only a few hundred dollars. The Marlin 39A new is not worth $1,000.00. Finally, different eras of the 39A had different reputations.

I have the peanut model from the early 50's still shoots great...........

Sees vid, pauses and gets his own. You just don't see them in the shops very much, I bought the only one I've seen, one made in 1941, very nice condition, beautiful case color on the receiver and lever. I'm a big fan of it and the two early 9422s I own. I do prefer the looks of the Winchesters but there is no denying the quality of the Marlin.

I hope Marlin comes back out with these for a production rifle. They may be one of the best 22 rifles ever made, but I'm not willing to spend 3 grand or more for a Marlin 22. I can buy like 20 other Marlin 22s for that price. Maybe more.

I've never seen one of the Marlins before but I've looked on a gun trader site and I was surprised to see several for sale over here.

Nah, the Browning is the winner. LOL...Kidding. I love Marlins. Always have, always will. My first lever gun and first deer rifle was a Marlin .30/30, and my first .22lr was a Marlin 60. I still have them, and still shoot them!

What's your take on the Winchester 255 de luxe .22WMR? Found one for less than $200 (USD), and thinking about having it mostly for practice. Anything special to keep in mind or to look for?

I traded for one as a teenager. Not near the gun my dads 9422 or my Ithaca 72. Thought the action was horrible compared to my 72 & not near the fit,finish & quality of the Winchester. Sorry but the Marlin 39A was one of the few guns I ever got rid of!

Between marlin winchester and henry there all great rifles

As early as the mid 20th Century the 39A was held in such high esteem it was often referenced as 'the Cadillac of .22s.' Interesting comment / philosophy about not taking the gun down into its two isections, which is its design, but not necessary.

I guess I have a mountie because it's a straight stock and 20 inch barrel and says micro groove but the serial number is worn was all beat up and rusted but I fixed it up and it works good inside looks like new very happy with it

I am a collector and shooter of .22 rifles and I do like lever actions. How I wish I could find a Marlin 39A here in Canada.

In my opinion, I believe that the Winchester 9422 in 22lr is a superior lever action rim fire to the marlin 39a

Great video. Sir I have some questions and would love to get your feedback on em. What would be a good contact for you. Thx

Great gun for sure the Browning Bl 22 is a improvement. My opinion