Hello,
I am seeking to own a very fine lever action .22. My friend told me I
could do no better than a vintage Marlin Model 39. May I please get some
opinions on the "best" year of manufacture for this model? Is there a book
in publication that is considered authoritative on this subject? I am finally in
a position to begin collecting a few very nice Marlins and I would like to direct my efforts appropriately. Thank you for your consideration.
House Mountain
The "best" Model 39?
Moderators: Regnier (gunrunner), JohnK, Sure-Shot
-
Regnier (gunrunner)
- Distinguished Expert
- Posts: 4763
- Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2002 2:33 am
- Location: The Sunflower State
House Mountain;
Appearance wise, there is almost no difference in the Model 39's. There are a very few deluxe guns out there for sale, but you have to watch them very closely. There are some fakes lurking around that are not correct.
If you want a Model 39 for your collection and to shoot, then look for one with the "HS" serial number prefix. The "HS" prefix guns are made to shoot the modern high speed ammunition. Guns that do not have a serial number prefix or an "S" prefix are not made for the modern high speed ammuntion. These guns can be shot with standard velocity or target ammunition only. If you just want an excellent example for collection purposes, then any Model 39 will fill the bill.
If you want to collect Marlins, then you must get William S. Brophy's book, MARLIN FIREARMS, A History of the Guns and the Company that made them. It is by far the most complete book written on Marlins (it was first published in 1989 and new information has come to light since, but it is mostly correct). You can always come here for information when you need more.
Finally, you might consider joining the Marlin Firearms Collectors Association, Ltd. We hold an annual meeting and show each year with a number of displays (with awards). You will meet numerous collectors that have years of knowledge and experience. You also might find a piece for your collection there as someone usually have items for sale there. We put out 3 to 4 newsletters each year with some of the new information mentioned above that was recently discovered and was not included with the Brophy book.
I hope this helps.
I hope this
Appearance wise, there is almost no difference in the Model 39's. There are a very few deluxe guns out there for sale, but you have to watch them very closely. There are some fakes lurking around that are not correct.
If you want a Model 39 for your collection and to shoot, then look for one with the "HS" serial number prefix. The "HS" prefix guns are made to shoot the modern high speed ammunition. Guns that do not have a serial number prefix or an "S" prefix are not made for the modern high speed ammuntion. These guns can be shot with standard velocity or target ammunition only. If you just want an excellent example for collection purposes, then any Model 39 will fill the bill.
If you want to collect Marlins, then you must get William S. Brophy's book, MARLIN FIREARMS, A History of the Guns and the Company that made them. It is by far the most complete book written on Marlins (it was first published in 1989 and new information has come to light since, but it is mostly correct). You can always come here for information when you need more.
Finally, you might consider joining the Marlin Firearms Collectors Association, Ltd. We hold an annual meeting and show each year with a number of displays (with awards). You will meet numerous collectors that have years of knowledge and experience. You also might find a piece for your collection there as someone usually have items for sale there. We put out 3 to 4 newsletters each year with some of the new information mentioned above that was recently discovered and was not included with the Brophy book.
I hope this helps.
I hope this
-
marlinman93
- Distinguished Expert
- Posts: 2977
- Joined: Sun Nov 10, 2002 1:22 pm
- Location: Portland, Oregon
I might add one thing more to gunrunner's excellent answer! They did make the model 39 in 1938 with a modern mag tube that works like all recent 39a's. These are flawless in operation and will virtually never wear out!
The original tubes are very neat and work great, but if they ever break, you're up the creek without a paddle so to speak! If you could ever find an original tube, a rough one will cost $100 or more complete.
I have two of the 1938 model 39's and I love the newer tube arrangement! Not as classic looking, but easier to reload, and trouble free! Only built one year though!
The original tubes are very neat and work great, but if they ever break, you're up the creek without a paddle so to speak! If you could ever find an original tube, a rough one will cost $100 or more complete.
I have two of the 1938 model 39's and I love the newer tube arrangement! Not as classic looking, but easier to reload, and trouble free! Only built one year though!
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!