New Marlin 39a's - any good?

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davery25

New member
Has anyone had experience with a new Marlin 39a post-remington merger? Looking at buying one to keep forever but want it to be as good as their reputation. Has their been any quality dropoff or is the 39a as good as ever?
 
I haven't shot a new 39a. I do own an old (around 1970 production) 39a and I love it. It is a tack driver and the only down side is its weight when carrying it around a lot.

I have looked at the new 39a's and there is no comparison new/old. The new ones just look cheap to me.

My advice, look at some good used ones, look at the new ones, and then make your decision.:)
 
Problem is personally I can't tell the difference externally, so I'm assuming that when people are complaining about the new marlin leverguns it's because they're not cycling reliably which I'll only find out once I buy it and take it to the range.

I've just missed out on a relatively cheap 1984 model that was around 1/2 the price of a new one though so if the new ones aren't cycling so well or are made from cheaper parts then I want to know so i can jump on the next 2nd hand older version.
 
Several "features" have been added over the years, such as the cross bolt safety, the checkering on the stocks, and an extra hole in the side of the receiver so you can see a chambered round. I believe most of these things came after 1980, or so. In addition, it seems that there have been quality issues since Remington took the reins, and maybe even a short time prior to that occurrence. I haven't seen a new 39A for sale in a while, so I'm not sure they are even in production at this time.
 
I know, but I think it's possible that a model like the 39a would remain unchanged even during times of difficulty since its one of the models marlins quality is known for
 
I know, but I think it's possible that a model like the 39a would remain unchanged even during times of difficulty since its one of the models marlins quality is known for
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Yes, it's possibly but I think unlikely - the key being that production moved from plant A to plant B. When that happened, all bets are off. Even with same tooling, you've got new workers, setup and calibration. So do NOT buy one sight unseen. Buyer beware.

But we all hope they restore themselves to their former glory - soon.
 
I know, but I think it's possible that a model like the 39a would remain unchanged even during times of difficulty since its one of the models marlins quality is known for
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You also have to consider the change in materials. The material used to make the various parts may change due to cost or availability. The material may be better or it may be worse but it will be different.
 
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