I want to buy a Marlin 39a but...

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legendaryaxe

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Although the Marlin 39a has been in production "forever" and get strong reviews, overall, I've also heard lots of reports of misfires...so much so that I'm hesitant to buy it. Is the 39a that bad with misfires? If anyone out there can vouch for it either way, I'd be interested to here. I'm gonna buy a bolt-action as well, but I want a lever-action just for kicks (plinking and target shooting).
 
I have an older model Original Golden of 1960 manufacture and have "never" experienced an issue of any kind. I'm sure it has seen upwards of 5,000+. I can't speak about the ones manufactured these days, but know I wouldn't think twice about buying an older model. IMO
 
My wife and I each have a 39a . Both made in the 50's . I've never had a misfire out of either one since we've owned them [ 2+ years] and thousands of rounds . There's been a few problems with the newer ones . Easy fix though. Just browse around the Marlin owners forum for the cure .
 
I can say that mine has been very reliable.
Bought one brand new in Nov...no misfires and the very common issue is FTE which I've been lucky not to have.

Wish it was a 20" barrel...would make it just a tad lighter.

Overall solid performer.
 
I had a nice old Marlin 39 in mint shape, then I bought a Browning BL. In my case the BL was a much more accurate shooter. Mine has a 2-7 Leupold rimfire scope on it. FS
 
I had a 39a and now have a 39a Mountie. If you look at the trigger, I would say it would be impossible to have a misfire from the safety position.
Where I would anticipate a problem would be decocking with a scope but no hammer spur. The hammer spur allows decocking from the side, and the spur can be mounted for either a right or left handed shooter.
Is a misfire and a faill to fire the same in your opinion. I have never had either event when using some "AGUILLA" a number of years ago.

If you want pictures please send me your email.
 
cableguy said:
I can say that mine has been very reliable.
Bought one brand new in Nov...no misfires and the very common issue is FTE which I've been lucky not to have.

Wish it was a 20" barrel...would make it just a tad lighter.

Overall solid performer.
Click to expand...

You should consider shortening the barrel. I bought one a while back that was cut down to around 18 inches and it's the same size as most centerfire trapper models......Perfect!
 
The only photo I have is the one from the previous owner when I bought it. Hopefully he won't mind me posting it here.

It's a nice handy gun.

Marlin39short.jpg
 
Uhm...thanks a lot Can-down. Now I have to go out, get another Marlin 39, and have it chopped. You CGN'ers are a bad influence on those of us who want, at least, one of everything. ;)
 
Thanks for the input, guys. I've researched it some more, and the new Marlin 39a's have lots of FTF and feed/ejection issues (well documented) -- sometimes requiring multiple trips to a gunsmith and/or retrofitting with older parts...they don't make 'em like they used to, so I think I'll pass on the Marlin and get either a Browning BL-22 or Henry Golden Boy .22 LR (no scope). From what I've read (reviews, user reviews, etc,) I really can't go wrong either way. :)
 
Lot's of older ones out there, but if you want a BL-22 or Henry or Winchester,Mossberg etc then go for it.

The 9422's are real sweet as well!
 
I have a marlin 1897 .22 ( the predecesor of the 39a, ) its manufacture date is 1901, had some probs with spent cases not ejecting but has gotten alot better since I switched to standard velocity ammo and cleaned out the chamber ( too many shorts through it by previous owners )
 
Marlin 39A

I just got back from the range and my 1955 Marlin 39A ( I picked it up for $350 a month ago) shot a 5/8" group at 20 yards with 10 rounds. I have run almost 600 rounds in the last three weeks and have never had a FTF or FTE. The trigger is great. Granted I had been looking for one for almost 2 years at a descent price but they are out there. If you find one pick it up and run they are excellent firearms. I had a BL 22 about 25 years ago and I really liked it as well but the Marlin is full sized and it suits me more. Just my 2 cents
 
mine functions great but some shells with harder brass do misfire.. Remington really comes to mind that brass is hard as steal and a lot of old guns dont hit it hard enough to make it go bang.. if you get a marlin or any gun that has a lot of misfires switch to federal ammo and the problem should go away
 
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