I love my Marlin 39a from 1954.
More accurate than I am capable of, a lot of fun, 19+1 rounds on hand, history also.
BTW, do some research on the 39. It has been around for ever.
The 39a actually began sometime in the 1930s, if I remember right. The 'golden' variety began around 1956-58.
The rebounding hammered versions began in then early/mid 1980s?
My dates are approximate, so don't accept as ABSOLUTE truths.
The reason I bring them up is that I would search for a 39a made between 1954 and 1977, just to be sure I had the most modern design BEFORE the rebounding hammer was used.
Earlier ones have nicer finishes, if they are still in good shape.
Now, the other versions mentioned all have their merits.
All I can say is that I don't need to spend more money on another lever .22lr [especially considering how hard it is to find ammo], with my 39a. I feel like I have one that will work forever and it out shoots me.
Plus, this is the family of .22lr rifles that Anne Oakley used for her famous stunts. How can I give THAT history up?