Marlin 39 or 39A serial number 427XXX

[bisley7]

I have a Marlin Model 39 or 39A with a serial number of 427168. I believe it is a Model 39A first model, except I can find nothing to validate the serial number and also, in all the pictures I have looked at, checking on the forend and butt stock grip. The last patent date on the barrel is March 1, 1892. The butt plate and lever look like the Model 39. The banner of the barrel looks like this Marlin Fire - Arms Co. New - Haven, CT . U.S.A. before and after the banner is a symbol that looks like 4 circles stacked 1 on the bottom them two and then one on top. The receiver is cased colored and it has a tang sight that looks original to the rifle. Any guesses on whether it is a 39 or 39A ???

[azhusker]

Your rifle is probably a Model '92, the predecessor of the 39 and 39A. They look identical. Where is the serial number located? If its under the receiver ahead of the lever it's a '92. The first design was the model 1891, followed by the 1892/'92, 1897, and Models 39 and 39A. Yours was probably produced around 1910-1912 . Do not shoot high speed ammo in this gun as the pressure could crack the breech bolt. The 39A was developed for that reason.

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Bisley7;

There is also the possibility that you have a Marlin Model '97. Is this rifle a takedown action like the Models 39 & 39-A? What size is the thumbscrew on the right side of the receiver? If is about 1/2 inch, it probably is a Model '92. If it closer to an inch in diameter, then it probably is a Model '97.
Azhusker is correct in estimating the time frame of this rifle with a 427,000 serial number range. Probably closer to the 1912 date.
If you have a tang mounted peep sight, you can remove it to see the model marking on the upper tang, behind the hammer.

[azhusker]

If it was a Model '97, wouldn't it have a patent date of 1897 on the barrel? Also, my '92 doesn't have a model number on the upper tang. I'm not sure if they all did or not.

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Cornhusker Dave;

The Model 1891 (2nd variation), 1892, '92, 1897 & '97 all used the same barrel roll die with the last patent date of 1892. The patent for the 1897 takedown system is stamped inside the receiver of the Model 1897.
The early Model 1891 (2nd variation) were not marked with a model number, but after about serial number 100,000, the upper tang was marked with Model 1891. What is the serial number of your Model '92 (?) or is it a Model 1892? Many 1891's have been mistaken for a Model 1892 because they do look alike. The Model 1891 had the 2 piece trigger system with the lever actuated safety that prevented the gun from firing unless the lever was up against the lower tang. That 2 piece trigger was eliminated from the Model 1892. The firing pin is different between the 1891 and 1892.

[azhusker]

My error. Mine is marked '92 on the upper tang. The serial number is 383,2XX. Thanks for the tutorial on the different models. Anxiously awaiting the final answer to this question.