marlin model 39 lever action .22 s,l,lr

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bermudaborn56

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I have the above rifle ser.# 3175. That researched mumber.says it wad made in 1883. But, all info so far says it shoud have an octagonal barrel. This has a round barrel stamped marlin arms new haven, conn. Model 39. Ser # is stamped under the lever, no letters just 3175. Any verification help is appreciated. Phone calls are cool @904-434-2552, my name is ken. y
 
A couple of other forums I would try as well:

http://leverguns.com
http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/
http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=20

Study the structure of each website and post your question in the appropriate place. People on all three are helpful and friendly.

Pictures always help and tend to get more attention. If you do not already have a picture uploading account, I can recommend picturetrail.com. It has a handy feature that enables you to copy and paste image URLs for forum posting with the HTML tags already written.
 
I can recommend picturetrail.com. It has a handy feature that enables you to copy and paste image URLs for forum posting with the HTML tags already written.
Click to expand...

I thought all the hosting sites did that. I know photobucket has four codes for different applications.
 
FWIW, there's no such thing as a Marlin Model 39 made in 1883 - or any other .22cal Marlin levergun, for that matter.

The early Marlin leverguns were the Models 1891 & Model 1892, before the Model 39 was introduced in 1922.

A Model 39 without SN prefix is likely first year production (1922) - could be year after, but not much beyond that.

It should have the correct/issue "S-shaped" pistol grip walnut buttstock, thin forearm with steel cap, and 24" barrel.
The barrel should have ballard rifling (not MicroGroove) and a black bakelite buttplate (straight cut to buttstock), and color case hardening on the action - unless most of the colors worn to grey.

However, Since you stated that it has a round bbl marked "Marlin Arms", I would WAG that it's been rebarreled, since it's thought that Model 39's of the 1922-24 period were made by the "Marlin Firearms Corporation' - as stamped into their barrels.


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Something else to consider. These early Marlin 22's were not intended to shoot modern high speed ammunition. Doing so will result in a broken bolt. Replacement bolts are nowhere to be found either. If you must shoot this rifle, do so with standard velocity ammunition only. Dont think that shooting modern 22 shorts as a solution as their chamber pressure is as great as long rifle cartridges. I have alot of experence in breaking bolts in these early guns. Before I began to educate myself, I broke 3 bolts in early Marlins.
 
marlin 39

The actual writing on the barrel says the Marlin firearms company model 39
New Haven Connecticut USA 22 S. L . & LR with an arrow after that. And I did mean to say walnut I just couldn't tlhink of the name of the wood on the stock and barrel. And as I said it does have probably 18 or so round under Barrel feed tube. And also the buttplate you were talking about. As far as the shooting round, all the reading I've done so far states the same, don't use the new fast high-speed ammuntion, I have never shot it or put a bullet in it yet. So no worries there.. I've very much appreciate all the information. my original results it was made between 1922-1926 then another search said it was 1883. Any other info is all appreciated.. Values I have read have put it anywhere from 1250 to 2450.
 
Marlin Firearms was located in New Haven, Conn from 1870 to 1969.

In 1922 Marlin changed the original Model 1897 to the Model 39.
The Model 39 was made from 1922 to 1938. In 1938 the name was changed again to the Model 39-A.
There were between 40,000 to 50,000 Model 39 rifles made.

Early rifles with no letter prefix to the serial number were noted for their superior workmanship and better finish.
The barrel should be octagon, so it's probably been replaced with a Model 39-A barrel.
With that serial number, the rifle was probably built within the first two or three years of production.

HOWEVER, since the only place the Model 39 is stamped is on the replaced barrel, it's at least possible your rifle really is a early Model 1897.
If your rifle is a Model 39, it should be so stamped on the top tang.

Here's a site with some identification info on the Marlin rifles:

http://www.wisnersinc.com/rifles/marlin/rflever.htm
 
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