Marlin ID obscured by use

4

4040peters

New member
I just purchased a Marlin 39A to use as an every day shooter. The bore is good and the action is silky smooth with less play then a new one. I wanted to see when it was made. The serial number was deep and clearly defined but I scratched my head when I couldn't find a letter prefix. By the rifles features I knew there had to be one. Got out a jewelers loupe and, under a strong light, could just make out a very faint line that, under much scrutiny, became the letter J. The letter had been almost hammered smooth by the lever over the years. Just something to consider.
 
I have a 39M from the 1950's that is about the same. The prefix is just barely visible after years of use. My be why Marlin moved them to the top of the tang instead of under the lever.
 
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