Need info on a Marlin 39M

[pharmseller]

So I stop in a gunshop in the south Willamette valley for a look, and I find a Marlin 39M in short, long, and long rifle. I have 2 Marlin 39s already, one a Mountie and one a rifle (thanks, jdad).
I don't know anything about the 39M versions. This one was smooooooth as silk but the lever looked a little funny. The end wasn't rounded, and had the little tag at the back end. The lever also had a rather pronounced gap between it and the stock when closed.
I didn't look too closely after I noticed the lever. The screw heads looked good, however. I didn't take her apart or inspect the bore. The price tag was $300.
They had 10 boxes of Magtech .357 158 gr. SJSP for $17.50 per box. I bought all 10 boxes.
What's the lowdown on the 39M?

Q

[jdad]

Quinn,
The 39M is a "M"ountie. Marlin changed barrel addresses, front sight ramp lengths, etc, BUT>>>>>>>>>>>>> that sure sounds like someone replaced the original lever with one from a Model 1897 or 1892. $300 is a pretty good price and you could probably find a new lever easily if you wanted to.

Did it look like this 1892 lever?

[Buffboy]

The later versions of the "Mountie", the M, produced in the 70s/80s have the squared off lever like the one in Jdad's picture. I agree, it sounds like a good price for one in good shape.

[Hobie]

I'd have looked at it more closely and been breathing hard until I got out of there with my cash (maybe). A 39 is a 39 except for the cosmetic things and the highspeed bolts (or lack thereof). The only thing that affects me is the condition vs. price (and the condition of my wallet). I think the reason I don't own more Mounties is aforementioned wallet. SOME people keep throwing other things my way. Irresistable things. Might get one today...

Around here, Mounties are hardly ever in the shops and no 39 stays long in the racks.

[pharmseller]

Thanks for the info. Does anyone have a closeup pic of the left side of the receiver? The 39M I saw seemed to have extra holes, so I want to see if they came with all the holes I saw.

Q

[jdad]

The later versions of the "Mountie", the M, produced in the 70s/80s have the squared off lever like the one in Jdad's picture. I agree, it sounds like a good price for one in good shape.

They had the square lever, but not the tab at the back end.

Quinn,
There may be one extra hole near the front. That's for a gas relief, safety function, IIRC.

[Andrew]

Need info on a Marlin 39M

I can tell you everything you need to know about any 39: Pass.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[Buffboy]

My 70s vintage 39M

Just looked it up, 1978.
I have a friend that has a little newer version and it's the same.

[Blaine]

If you buy it for 300 and don't like it, I promise to pay you what you paid plus shipping to Tacoma Washington.

Blaine

[Leverdude]

My 70s vintage 39M

Just looked it up, 1978.
I have a friend that has a little newer version and it's the same.

A few years later they put a gas relief hole at the top by the chamber on this side. Might be the extra hole youre seeing.

[jdad]

Leverdude,
Mea culpa

Blaine,
If you want another Mountie I may have a line on one, not mine though.

[Blaine]

Leverdude,
Mea culpa

Blaine,
If you want another Mountie I may have a line on one, not mine though.

Not necessarly right now......I was underwriting this one in question; personally assuring him that he would like it.

[rjohns94]

that rear sight is to die for!!!!

[pharmseller]

I'll take a closer look next time I'm in the shop.
Still, the pronounced gap between lever and stock bothers me. Bent lever? Non-original?
Ideas?


Quinn

[Leverdude]

I'll take a closer look next time I'm in the shop.
Still, the pronounced gap between lever and stock bothers me. Bent lever? Non-original?
Ideas?


Quinn

Does it flop around?
Theres a spring that should hold the lever up tight. I dont recal off the top of my head if its held against the tang or if theres an inside stop of some sort.
I bet the springs loose or worn.

[flusher]

Here's a 1982 marlin 39M

[edwardyoung]

I'll take a closer look next time I'm in the shop.
Still, the pronounced gap between lever and stock bothers me. Bent lever? Non-original?
Ideas?


Quinn

Years ago I picked up a Mountie for cheap because it was 'broken.' The lever wouldn't budge. I can't remember what had caused it, but all I had to do to fix it was disassemble and reassemble correctly. That lever was seriously bent from the previous owner prying on the lever, trying to get it open. I bent it back into shape and have been shooting it for years with no problems. I wouldn't let that bother me, if I was looking for a shooter. Making a broken gun run again is enjoyable to me.

[Pete44ru]

+1

Over the years, I've learned that, if the basic gun was "there", and the price was "right" - jump on it w/o question.

IOW, don't sweat the small stuff.

.