Looking for one.Considering new,but have seen reviews on big box stores web sites claiming reliability issues.How can this be with a design this time tested?Perhaps a bad batch?Just don't want to spend that kind of dough and get a turd.Anyone bought a newer one and how's it working?
Marlin 39a Question
- Thread starter Backfire
- Start date
I prefer the older ones without the rebounding hammer and saving a few bucks on the E.E. is a bonus. If you buy used buy you need to be patient, fast and lucky to get a good deal!
If you buy new, ask the shop their policy on returns and warranty issues...
If you buy new, ask the shop their policy on returns and warranty issues...
I bought new 2 years ago and it was a bit of a headache at first. It would not eject regularly and for the rare time it did I got lucky and the spent shell just rolled out and over my hand. I spent a lot of time playing with it but it was well worth it because I now have an accurate, reliable firearm. I do however believe that for the money their asking for one of these you would want them to work right form the start. Also make sure the two pieces line up right and there is no gaps between the two.
Mount Sweetness
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Ontario
Do not buy new
BrotherRockeye
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Rural Saskatchewan
I'm with Mount Sweetness on this one.I have heard/read nothing good about the newer production models.
if you can find an older one it will be well worth it.
I have one from the 50's and even the quality of the blue is incredible.
The fit and finish is top notch and it is smooth as silk.
Accuracy is very good for a 2 piece rifle as well.
if you can find an older one it will be well worth it.
I have one from the 50's and even the quality of the blue is incredible.
The fit and finish is top notch and it is smooth as silk.
Accuracy is very good for a 2 piece rifle as well.
It's really too bad that in cost vs. quality,quality always seems to be what a company will sacrifice,as well as their reputation.I also have my eye on a bl-22,comparable price,hopefully high quality.I have not heard any bad about them.Please comment if you own a new bl-22.Thanks
Hello backfire
Last year I was on a tear for lever .22's and bought both the 39a and BL-22 Grade two new.
First time at the range, the Marlin had an intermittent ejection problem. Some rounds ejected like a rocket and went across to the next lane...some like ff33 mentioned rolled out around my hand.....and sometimes it would not eject.....with about an hour, I located and fixed the problem.....part #11...the cartridge guide spring was catching on the rim during ejection...unsrewed it and bent it up a little.
Now it's time to rock.....this rifle is solid built with a lot of heft and is quite accurate.
Funny...I came home and found the exact same problem mentioned on the Marlin Forum.
As for the BL-22, it funtioned flawlessly and was dead accurate out of the box.
It's about half the weight of the 39a....and functions a little differently with the 33 degree lever action.....it's stiffer but shorter throw.....and the 39a is very long but a little smoother.
Both brands fit and finish was top notch.
You'll have to try them at your LGS....I couldn't decide so I bought both.
Last year I was on a tear for lever .22's and bought both the 39a and BL-22 Grade two new.
First time at the range, the Marlin had an intermittent ejection problem. Some rounds ejected like a rocket and went across to the next lane...some like ff33 mentioned rolled out around my hand.....and sometimes it would not eject.....with about an hour, I located and fixed the problem.....part #11...the cartridge guide spring was catching on the rim during ejection...unsrewed it and bent it up a little.
Now it's time to rock.....this rifle is solid built with a lot of heft and is quite accurate.
Funny...I came home and found the exact same problem mentioned on the Marlin Forum.
As for the BL-22, it funtioned flawlessly and was dead accurate out of the box.
It's about half the weight of the 39a....and functions a little differently with the 33 degree lever action.....it's stiffer but shorter throw.....and the 39a is very long but a little smoother.
Both brands fit and finish was top notch.
You'll have to try them at your LGS....I couldn't decide so I bought both.
Backfire, if you are interested in a 39a check out this forum:http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=269
There is a wealth of knowledge and access to information for every fix imaginable for this rifle. I picked up an older model, 1957, from a GunNutz forum member this past fall. It is a fine .22. The newer ones, some not all, do have some issues most of which are fixable with a little work and possibly some replacement parts. There is some concern being expressed with the purchase of Marlin by Remington and the closing of the New Haven facility.
Good luck;
Earl
There is a wealth of knowledge and access to information for every fix imaginable for this rifle. I picked up an older model, 1957, from a GunNutz forum member this past fall. It is a fine .22. The newer ones, some not all, do have some issues most of which are fixable with a little work and possibly some replacement parts. There is some concern being expressed with the purchase of Marlin by Remington and the closing of the New Haven facility.
Good luck;
Earl
- Location
- Southwestern Ontario
i have a 39A and it is the most accurate .22 i have shot, i contribute that to the weight, of course i prefer heavier guns tho, it has alot of rounds through it and some times cycling is a problem as the bullet jams if you aren't smooth in operating the lever, never had an ejection problem tho
