Marlin 39A?

[Robinson]

Im interested in buying a brand new one and was wondering if they are still top notch. I've heard marlin quality has suffered is that true?

 

[Doyle]

There were some recent posts on one forum (can't remember if it was this one or another forum) regarding extreme disappointment when comparing the quality of current production 39a's against older models.

 

[Erno86]

I like my little Marlin 100 year Centennial lever action. The stop pin on the tubular magazine cap has a tendency to work out. Numrich Gun Parts, sells plenty of parts for the 39A.

 

[az_imuth]

Unless it just has to be a new one, go for an older model. Pre '88 should get you one without the cross bolt safety. If you keep an eye out you can probably pick up a mint condition older model for at or below the cost of a new one.

 

[scottycoyote]

i just picked up a really nice older used one, made in 1981...no safety or rebound trigger, asking price was 550 and it was scoped. I think the new ones sell for that much or more so you should be able to find a nice used one.

 

[mxsailor803]

Personally, I rather have the older ones. They just "feel" better to me.

 

[Mr. Mike]

My 39A was built in 1954...I think...and is called a Mountie. Has no pistol grip and a slightly longer barrel than all those I have seen to date. This gun has never failed and I have put thousands of rounds thru it...not so much lately as the .22 seems to have evaporated from the stores these past two or three years. I would look for a Marlin 39A built years earlier. They are not all that hard to find and parts are still available for most of them.

 

[trigger643]

I have had several of these and keep getting talked out of them by relatives. The newest manufacture I've owned I just bought--- 1983. Until this last one, I'd never paid over $400.00 for a decent condition one. This last one cost me dearly, but how often do you find an old one still new in box? I'm determined to be buried with this one. They are fine.

Can't speak to the new manufactured ones, but I can't imagine they are better than the old(er) ones.

 

[Pahoo]

Older is better

The older ones have always been reliable. Can't say that about the newer ones. I know that production was brought to a halt while they worked out some bugs, on the new ones. I don't know if they are out of the woods yet. The pre-60's are more desirable than the post-60's. Any new issue will have to have the hammer block, that really takes away from the appeal. Around here, all of them are hard to come by and pricey when you do. .....

I don't know what all it says but I once saw a demo where a fella put an older one in various positions and could still operate the action. Then he ran the same test with a "newer" one and it failed. .....

Good Luck and;
Be Safe !!!

 

[az_imuth]

Another advantage of going with the older ones is that you'll have a wide range of versions to choose from. The only model currently offered is the standard 39A with the 24" barrel and pistol grip stock. Past models include many different variations, including octagon barrels and crescent shaped buttstocks. The three below from top to bottom are a 1954 39A (as mentioned), a 1971 39D with a tapered 20" barrel and pistol grip, and a 1972 39M (mountie) with a heavy 20" barrel and straight buttstock.

 

[MrBorland]

I have a 1963 and a 2006 pre-Remington 39A with a cross-bolt safety. Both are great rifles, and my experience has been the newer one is just as reliable and accurate as the older one.

Regarding new 39As, I understand QC slipped as Remington took over, but I've been reading some reports that suggest QC is coming back up. Best to check out the specific rifle you're interesting in in person, then.

 

[chez323]

Here's a pick of my 1966 39A along with its bigger brothers (336A(53) and 336C (77)). I looked into buying a newer one prior to finding this older one at a smal gun shop. I personally did not like the wood on them. Looked too prefab/plain/almost partical/pressed wood like to me. But that mechanics of the gun looked/felt fine (I did not shoot one). But that's just my personal opinion.........

 

[geetarman]

I have one that I bought before I retired. Must have been 2005 or so. I shot one when I was a kid and have wanted one for a lot of years.

Rifle shoots great. The rifle does seem to shoot loose and you have to continually check the screw on the side and the loading tube is so soft it will bend with very little effort.

It is a very fun rifle and functions pretty good. Only complaints are listed above.