Early Marlin 39A and High Velocity 22 Ammo

[Pop Watts]

High there, wondering if I could get some advise.

Just bought a Marlin 39A made in 1960. I am yet to get the paperwork sorted so I can pick it up.

A question I have is can I shoot High Velocity ammo through this rifle?

I have an 1897 that I only shoot low velocity through and am not sure if it is OK to shoot high velocity through all Model 39's or only later manufactured ones.

Intended using Winchester Powerpoints.

Thanks,

Pop.

[gamekeeper]

I used to have a Marlin Mountie, originally bought new in Australia about 1960, both the original owner and myself used nothing but high velocity ammo including a few CCI Stingers, never had a problem.
I wish I still had it.

[Pop Watts]

Thanks Gamekeeper,

I think it is only the old 1897's that cannot handle the HV ammo, but wanted to check.

Those Mounties are great, I have one that still has the Marlin sticker on the front timber, but it was made in the 80's I think.

Pop.

[gamekeeper]

Pop, I agree, the Mounties are great little guns!
The one I had belonged to a writer and film director I used to work for, when he decided to sell his firearms he gave me first offer on the Marlin. Knowing they were going for £150.00 at the time and being skint, I said I'd love it but couldn't afford it, he said "what" I only want £25.00 , so when I regained consciousness and picked myself up off the floor we struck the deal.

Dumb thing was, years later I traded it for a Winchester 9422M, another great gun but I should have kept that little carbine.

[jdad]

Any Marlin rimfire levergun made after 1932 can handle HV ammo. The 1891, 92, 97, and the pre-"HS" prefix 39(no A) had a bolt that is/was too weak, to handle the pressure.

[Mike D.]

You can also replace the old '97 bolt with a newer Model 39 bolt to shoot HV .22 LRs. Standard velocity stuff is considerably more expensive these days that HV .22s.