Guess what I picked up yesterday...

[JohnB]

Well, I was sitting at my table, watching people walk by with various toys, I see this guy and his son walk by with an interesting little Marlin. I flagged him down and asked what he had.

"It's a 39!"

"39A?'

"Nope, 39."

"Well, can I see it, please?

How much you want for it?"

"400..."

"Will you take 250.00"

"I'll take 275.00 or I'll keep it!"



She is an HS prefix Model 39, with good, honest wear. Her previous owner was a WWII vet that used it to squirrel hunt. She is all original, however, he drilled and tapped the barrel and drilled the left side of the receiver for a Sears side mount.

I took her apart the bore is excellent! Mechanisms are still fairly tight. I cleaned her real well and she is ready to go!

How did I do? What sayeth the clan?

[jnyork]

Hmmmmm. Doesnt look quite right, might be hazardous to fire!! Better send it on out to me and let me examine it for you for a few years, will send it right back as soon as I determine anything.

Great grab, congratulations.

[bsaride]

Looks like mine. Don't shoot anything but Standard velocity stuff in it even with the HS stamp AFAIC.
They are nice but mine is awaiting a new bolt fitted even with Standard ammo.

[kimwcook]

Nice snag. Even altered it's a nice piece.

[J Miller]

Joey likey. Just a plain old shooter ... with panache.

Joe

[Ysabel Kid]

WOW! Congratulations!!!

[JReed]

Boy Howdy

[pokey]

from when marlin made classy rifles.
400$ to 275$ in one step, "who taught this guy to negotiate",
nice day at the fun show.

[TedH]

I'd say ya done real good!

[RIHMFIRE]

great score!

[Rusty]

I'd say ya done good!

[JB]

After he said $400, I'd been afraid to offer $250.00. He may have wrapped it around my head!

[Borregos]

Nice one

[JohnB]

Well, I shortened the story a bit for ya...

Actually, the conversation was from his initial pass around the room. He told me 400, and I said "Take it around the room. There are plenty of guys who would be interested and I did not have 400. If no one buys it, please be sure to stop back b my table." He agreed.

He came back to my table about 2.5 hours later, after he had been around the room. Now, he was asking 300 and I asked to take a closer look as I had done my research on the rifle and I knew what to look for.

We took it apart, looked at the bore, the internals and put it back together. We discussed the history and the aforementioned holes. I looked some more and my uncle advised me to offer 200. I thought this might insult him and I did not want to do that. I had been looking for one of these all day, and I knew it would need to be a shooter, as I wanted to teach my girls with it.

So I offered 250, and he countered with 275 and the deal was done!

I do not want to impune his negotiating skills by withholding information. He was another collector and his interest seemed geniuine. I am happy with the deal and the rifle.

I did read on one of the forums, someone else said even though listed as an HS model (which could handle the high speed stuff), he adivsed against it. He said it would adversely affect the bolt.

Any credence to this information?

[Mike D.]

In my experience, HS prefix 39s can handle anything made today. I ran plenty CCI mini-mags and other HV .22s through mine when I used it. It's still down at the ranch, but I gave it to my young cousin. I haven't fired it in 10 years, but the kids do. You got a nice gun at a very reasonable price.

[Pete44ru]

I would abstain from feeding it the ultra-high performance stuff, like Stingers/etc, though.................

.

[JohnB]

Thanks for all the input and the advice on .22...

I picked up a box of Federal Bulk 550. 1260 fps, copper plated HP's...should be good enough, I think.

I forgot to post her partner, that I also picked up the same day. She is nothing fancy, but she will be fun for me and my girls...



NIB, with both cylinders. I kind of have a thing for the birdshead grips....

[Doc Hudson]

I can't speak for the Clan, but IMO, you made out like a bandit!!

Congratulations on a great buy!!

Let us kow how it shoots.

[JohnB]

I guess I am on a .22 kick!

I may go out and pick up another box today and some .22 WMR!

Now, I just need to find a house with some land....

[okdee]

That is a great day at the table. I do not seem to get enough of those! Excellent!

[jdad]

You did well, for an outstanding shooter. Add up all the "non-factory" holes and multiply by $100 and you'll get an approximate "original" condition value. You did well.

The "H"igh "S"peed bolt was designed for modern high velocity ammo, so you can shoot what you want in it.

I can't tell from your photos, but if it has the 39A style mag tube and the buttplate has "7 rows of 4", then it's a last year of production 39.

[JohnB]

Actually, it has the original 39 mag tube. The outer sleeve slides out, via a push button release on the right side.

"7 rows of 4"?????

[jdad]

Actually, it has the original 39 mag tube. The outer sleeve slides out, via a push button release on the right side.

"7 rows of 4"?????

This was found on last year of production 39's and some 1st year 39A's. Post 1936 39's had a silver bead front sight and 1932-1936 they were ivory.

[JohnB]

Mine has an ivory bead and the black plastic butt plate with the Marlin logo and "knurling"...for lack of a better word.

Also, the lever is a bit loose. It snugs up to the stock, but it easily drops free and has about an inch of free play before it engages the action.

Is this common?

[jdad]

You need a new lever return spring.....$5-$10.

These guys should have an original part.
www.dickwilliamsgunshop.com

[win7094M1]

That is a very classy little rifle. You did well. I hope you and your daughters enjoy it!

[Mutt]

Did you kiss the feller? Man ! That's a great deal , with other 39s I have seen going for much more. I should have that kind of luck .

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Mutt

[JohnB]

You need a new lever return spring.....$5-$10.

These guys should have an original part.
http://www.dickwilliamsgunshop.com

Thank you, sir!

[JohnB]

The part has been ordered and should be here in a couple of days.

Thanks again for all the help!

[Lawyer Daggit]

You have had a good buy.