Cuting down a Marlin 39a barrel

[foxtrapper]

Is it possible to cut down the barrel to make a .22 guide gun? I know you would have to modify the mag tube so I guess that would add to the difficulty. Do you know anyone that does the work? Thanks

[salvo]

Pretty simple and straight forward, any decent smith should be able to do it for you.

[nemhed]

The cutting and altering would be easy for a competent gun smith. If this is a pre-crossbolt/rebounding hammer 39a, then I'm begging you not to do it. If it is a later model with these "improvements" then do what you like with it. I believe what you want is a 39m or Mountie model which is the straight stocked, carbine version of a 39a. Around here older 39a and 39m models seem to bring a premium on the used market, so I would hate to see you alter your rifle, decrease its value and pay someone to do it! If what you really want is a pistol gripped, shortened 39a and aren't concerned about these things, then more power to you. I've got a 70's vintage 39a that is my go-to squirrel rifle. The only way life could be any sweeter would be getting a 39m to go with it!

[Pete44ru]

A "Guide Gun" was originally a short/ported bigbore, and IMO an unported shortie is aka a "Trapper".

.

[COSteve]

+1

Also, before you cut up any of your rifles, you need to handle a trapper / guide gun because all of the ones I've handled had terrible balance at the shoulder and were hard to carry because they were significantly stock heavy.

Rather than balancing comfortably in your hand as you walked, you had to grab the receiver and hang on to it tightly. The one I tried felt like it was always falling out of my hand. In my opinion a poor choice for a walking around gun.

You might like the look but if you plan to carry it or shoot with it you may want to reconsider you choice.

[Hillbilly]

If you insist... order a spare barrel and cut that down... retain the original parts if and modify some second hand parts to do the project.

cutting up a earlier (pre safety) 39 would be a mistake. If things dont work out you can always restore the rifle to it's previous value

[2ndovc]

There is someone here that's had it done. Turned out pretty slick. Been looking for a deal on a newer one
to make a little trapper of my own.

jb

[foxtrapper]

Naw it a rebounding hammer with cross bolt safety. Really nice piece of wood on it! I don't have a gunsmith near me so I send things out. If anybody could recommend a smith with contact info I'd appreciate it So off it will go to become a mini guide err trapper

[Terry Murbach]

DO NOT FORGET THAT MARLIN MADE A 39 22LR EXACTLY LIKE YOU ARE DESIRING. IT HAD A STUBBY LITTLE 16" [ + - ] BARREL AND CAME WITH A CARRYING CASE. I'LL BE DOUBLE-D DANGED IF I CAN THINK OF THE MODEL NUMBER FOR IT OFF HAND...RIGHT NOW...phoooeee..

[Pete44ru]

It was the Model 39TDS



.

[Buck Elliott]

Aw, what the H%**... Chop the dang thing up. It's YOURS, and it's a Marlin 39 -- which they made by the boat-load anyway.

Now we know it's NOT a pre-everyhing-wrong-with-it gun, there's nothing to hold you back but fear and better judgement -- neither of which deters dedicated levergun men at all.

[Terry Murbach]

Aw, what the H%**... Chop the dang thing up. It's YOURS, and it's a Marlin 39 -- which they made by the boat-load anyway.

Now we know it's NOT a pre-everyhing-wrong-with-it gun, there's nothing to hold you back but fear and better judgement -- neither of which deters dedicated levergun men at all.

THAT IS RIGHT, YOU LISTEN TO BUCK, THE ELLIOT KID. WE'RE ALL--ALL MIND YOU !!!--UNDAUNTED BY COMMON SENSE.

[rhead]

Try a Henry youth model. It comes with a short barrel. If you need a longer reach have another stock made. If you like it ans still want a short mod 39 then do it. Hard to put that barrel back on if you don't.

I do like the way my Henry youth mod handles.

[TCB in TN]

Love my little mountie, but have thought it would be fun to have an even shorter version. Also would love to have a little straight stocked, 16in 30-30. Have seen a couple over the years, but have never been able to get my hands on one. May have to end up settling for a Winny (if I want a straight stock) but would sure like to have a marlin.

[COSteve]

Try a Henry youth model. It comes with a short barrel. If you need a longer reach have another stock made. If you like it ans still want a short mod 39 then do it. Hard to put that barrel back on if you don't.

I do like the way my Henry youth mod handles.

Easier way is just to buy the stock for the H001 from Henry for $50.00. It's 1" longer than the youth model's.

BTW, if someone were to need one, I just happen to have an H001 length stock is excellent condition. Email me if you're interested.

[Lefty Dude]

Several of us here, own the ultimate 22 Lever Marlin. The Model 97. Mine was made in 1905.
They are out there, ya just have to look.

I was at the range yesterday and finally found what it likes to digest, CCI SV's 1050 fps. It will also shoot Federal 714 SV's.

Please do not cut the barrel on your 39A. Buy a Henry and shoot the stuff out of the piece.

[Ysabel Kid]

Try a Henry youth model. It comes with a short barrel. If you need a longer reach have another stock made. If you like it ans still want a short mod 39 then do it. Hard to put that barrel back on if you don't.

I do like the way my Henry youth mod handles.

Easier way is just to buy the stock for the H001 from Henry for $50.00. It's 1" longer than the youth model's.

BTW, if someone were to need one, I just happen to have an H001 length stock is excellent condition. Email me if you're interested.

+1+1 - the Henry makes a great little levergun. I can shoot my son's youth model without a problem.

[gundownunder]

Its easy for a gunsmith to do and the result is pleasing to the eye, and in the hand it feels like a completely different rifle.
I had it shorted 6 inches which now makes it a 12 shot repeater instead of 19 shots.
You do notice the shorter sight radius the first time you use it with open sights as you tend to spray groups a lot wider till you learn to shoot straight with it and it is a lot louder.
Having shortened it you will again need to find what ammo it likes as that may change, like mine did. Most people who see mine seem to like it and I have a standing order for first option if I choose to sell it, I won't

[GonnePhishin]

Don't do it-You'll be sorry.

[rhead]

Try a Henry youth model. It comes with a short barrel. If you need a longer reach have another stock made. If you like it ans still want a short mod 39 then do it. Hard to put that barrel back on if you don't.

I do like the way my Henry youth mod handles.

Easier way is just to buy the stock for the H001 from Henry for $50.00. It's 1" longer than the youth model's.

BTW, if someone were to need one, I just happen to have an H001 length stock is excellent condition. Email me if you're interested.

+1+1 - the Henry makes a great little levergun. I can shoot my son's youth model without a problem.

Mine fits me also but if I was 50# heavier or 6 inches taller I might have to worry about where everything was supposed to go.
For many situations I like a shortie model and am willing to sacrifice the sight radius and stability for weight and handling. A great deal of my hunting is more of a case of walking in the woods, "armed".
I can clean 3 squirrels in half the time you can clean 6 and still have plenty for a meal.

[Pop Watts]

I have to tell you guys that I have a new Marlin factory barrel marked 39 TDS with mag tube and follower.

Just looking for the right 39 to put it on.

A friend offered me his 39M made in early 60's but I refused him as I did not want to mess with a classic.

I have a 39M and love it, but still want to screw that new 16" barrel into something one day soon.

Pop.

[AJMD429]

A "Guide Gun" was originally a short/ported bigbore, and IMO an unported shortie is aka a "Trapper".

.

It should be easy to cut ports in it if needed...

[Paladin]

Lou can do it, he removed the barrel of the .35 Rem Marlin 336 threaded it and cut the Mag tube to allow the suppressor for me. It is not cheap but he is one of the best. He retired from the Ft Benning Army Marksmanship Unit as their armorer.
http://www.bhiarms.com/

[foxtrapper]

Paladin I just shot Lou an email. Thank you

[86er]

John - Bobby Pitchford at Pitchford Custom Gunworks will do it. He's at (903) 372-9017