Marlin 39-A

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Swampman1

New member
I'm interested in finding a Marlin 39-A 22 cal lever action rifle. My understanding is, Marlin has turned over manufacturing to Remington. Not sure the specifics or reasoning behind that-maybe someone can fill me in. My question is, exactly what year did Remington assume production? From what I'm hearing, quality has really dropped since then. Thanks.
 
Don't know about new quality concerns, but a genuine Marlin-made 39A runs a pretty penny now. You won't regret getting one, though. Mine is 47 years old and still running just fine.
 
Swampman1 said:
My question is, exactly what year did Remington assume production?
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I used a little Google fu and Wikipedia came through for me - 2007.

My understanding is that quality dropped, but I'm also hearing the newest production of Marlin rifles is much better. I can't tell you if that means "as good as pre-Remington", though. The best I can tell you is to inspect before you buy.
 
I seem to recall the 39A having some issues even before Remington stepped in, so you may want to back up four or five years just to be safe. Better yet, I'd go pre-1988 and get one without the crossbolt safety.
 
The Marlin guys will tell you to find an older 39 with a "JM" stamped barrel.

A rifle in 90% will fetch around $500.00.
 
Thanks guys. Since my OP I've discovered the Browning BL-22. The only really noticable difference seems to be the short throw of the lever, which is very nice. I've seen new ones going for around $570. Thought Browning would have run higher. Any thoughts on the Browning?
 
Paid 350.00 for a JM 10-15 years ago that was someone else's closeted rifle. Beautiful blued rifle well machined. Wouldn't buy another 39 though. Henry I'd buy now.
 
Swampman, i wouldn't buy the Browning, you have to clean the barrel from the muzzle, there is no good way to clean the action and part of their finish includes faux leather glued on the reciever. I think I'd buy a henry before a Browning, but an older39A is a good idea.
 
"Swampman, i wouldn't buy the Browning, you have to clean the barrel from the muzzle, there is no good way to clean the action and part of their finish includes faux leather glued on the reciever. I think I'd buy a henry before a Browning, but an older39A is a good idea."

And it's made in Japan? Really lol? Not sure I could live with that.

Saw this morning what might be the prettiest little rifle I've laid my eyes on. A Henry Silver Boy. Love the octagon barrel. From what I understand, quality doesn't get much better than Henry. So now I'm thinking.... ;)
 
Henry rifles have quite a following, but the two-piece receiver is a problem for me. Mounting a scope on the "sleeve" portion could cause accuracy problems, should it be possible at all.

The internal portion of the receiver has been mentioned as being of "pot metal". I don't know that for sure, but it may be made of relatively soft cast metal, not machined steel.

Anyone know what the true life expectancy, in terms of rounds fired, of a Henry rimfire might be?
 
That depends on many factors, such as the quality of ammo, how well the rifle is cared for, and how well it's treated.

Bottom line is, the Henry's are nice little rifles and make good shooters but are not going to be a "Legacy Rifle" that you can pass on to kids and grand kids.
By that time, if it's used much it'll be pretty worn mechanically, and certainly cosmetically.
They make much use of "modern manufacturing methods", which means stamped parts and non-steel parts in key areas.
As example, the "receiver" is actually a cover that slips over the action much like the steel cover on the Remington Nylon 66 rifles.

Rifles like the Marlin 39-A, Winchester 94-22, and the Browning are all steel rifles that will last several lifetimes no matter how heavily used.
The Marlin especially is famous for quality and longevity and is the oldest firearm in the world still being made, with only a brief interruption during WWII.
The Marlin especially has a great reputation for outstanding accuracy.
 
The Marlin especially is famous for quality and longevity and is the oldest firearm in the world still being made, with only a brief interruption during WWII.
The Marlin especially has a great reputation for outstanding accuracy.
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Well that's my biggest question, does this hold with the current model 39-A? That's what is going to make me buy a 30 yr old Marlin versus a new one.
 
Marlin 39 No longer being made

I contacted marlin directly and sure enough it is out of production. They said it possibly could be back in a few years.
 
IMHO, the Henry is not in the same league with the 39A or the BL-22. The Henry is a fun little plinker but it isn't any where near the quality of a Marlin 39A or a Browning BL22. The Marlin is still a man sized, steel and walnut rifle and the Browning, even though manufactured in Japan, is about the best overall quality built .22 lever action out there. Miroku makes some of the nicest quality guns anywhere and the Browning rifles are great examples. Look at a Browning SA-22 sometime. The newer Marlins are back to where they were prior to the Remington buy out. They had a few "changeover pains" but Remington has brought the quality control back in line. Cleaning a Browning is no different than a Winchester 9422, just a pull through Otis or patchworm. Both the Marlin 39A and the Browning BL-22 are way ahead of a Henry in every way imaginable. Handle all 3 and you will see. I own several of each along with the Wnchester and I do love them all for different reasons.
 
ive got a henry and a marlin, and really there is no comparison quality-wise, the older marlin 39's win hands down. I have a beautiful 39 from 1981, it cost me a pretty penny but i always wanted one and when i ran across a nice one i jumped on it, id recommend you do the same.
 
We have a 9422, a 39A,and just recently got a tiny little Browning BL-22 micro Midas. The wife wanted a 22 that was her size. The little gun is really nice and she can handle it easily.

as far as build quality, I favor the Marlin, but which one has better build quality can be argued forever. I have not handled a Henry.
 
39 is the original, nice heavy 24" barrel (39A), all forgings and loads of history behind it. Don't let one being used turn you off, you should be able to find a nice one. What would "The Duke" prefer? ;)
 
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