Marlin 39A Scope Mounting

[Norm99]

These pictures show the receiver (top and left side) for an older Marlin 39A. Is there a base with one top screw? Was there a side mount on this before? This is pre 1956 so I'm assuming the top screw is not factory? Any help is answering these questions and telling me which base I need would be appreciated.

 

[horseman2]

My Model 39 Mountie is newer and has two screws. Will take the Model 90 Weaver base.
I have seen older 39's advertised with a second screw (in stalled by a gunsmith).

 

[Can-down]

I've got an old one like that and I've always wondered about the purpose of one screw...interesting lock.

 

[progunner]

What you are looking at is not for scope mounting , its called the cartridge guide spring screw and you should not remove it . To mount a scope on an older 39 you would need to have the reciever drilled and tapped for a weaver type base .
The two holes on the left of the reciever were for a peep sight .

 

[Norm99]

What you are looking at is not for scope mounting , its called the cartridge guide spring screw and you should not remove it . To mount a scope on an older 39 you would need to have the reciever drilled and tapped for a weaver type base .
The two holes on the left of the reciever were for a peep sight .

Ah yes, makes sense. Then a peep sight it will be, certainly don't intend to put any extra holes in the old girl. Thanks.

 

[Can-down]

Thanks Pro!
That makes sense because on a different 39 there are the two smaller mounting holes and the one larger screw that you say is for the guide spring.

 

[stickhunter]

As has already been said, that single screw is factory original and holds the cartridge guide spring. When you break the rifle apart, take a look at the inside of the receiver's top, just above the chamber and you'll see a small flat spring. Although that screw can be removed to clean out gunk, be careful when you reinstall it as the flat spring only has a couple of threads and can be easily stripped.

I've actually seen a scope mount for non-D&T 39a's. The mount was one piece with an integral front ring. The front of the mount attached to the rear sight's dovetail and rear attached to the peep sight holes. It looks pretty cumbersome, but functional --- I believe it was 50 or 60's vintage --- wish I had a picture to show you.

But your best best is to put on a Williams peep, or even better a vintage Redfield or Lyman, and shoot her with irons.

 

[IRONSIDES1]

Norm99... Do you know where to obtain the clamp style lock for lever actions similar to the one you have? I'm in Edmonton and have checked with the various gun shops with no success. The clamp style would be less cumbersome than the cable style lock.

 

[IRONSIDES1]

Some of the pre-57 Marlins were factory drilled for a barrel mount scope. The 4 holes were on the left side of the barrel just in front of the receiver.

 

[Norm99]

Norm99... Do you know where to obtain the clamp style lock for lever actions similar to the one you have? I'm in Edmonton and have checked with the various gun shops with no success. The clamp style would be less cumbersome than the cable style lock.

I purchased these several years ago, bought a bunch of them from Numrich Gun Parts in the States. I bought a dozen of them, they were $5 each at that time. Yes, they are pretty neat.

Go to gunpartscorp.com and do a search for item no.720960, they still have them, I just checked.

 

[Can-down]

Norm99... Do you know where to obtain the clamp style lock for lever actions similar to the one you have? I'm in Edmonton and have checked with the various gun shops with no success. The clamp style would be less cumbersome than the cable style lock.

I posted this a while back...works well and secure enough for my mind....some people pointed out the obvious that all it would take to open my lock is a pair of snips but on a lever action all you need to do is remove the stock bolt and slide the stock off to defeat the common cable lock....
The one pictured above uses a screw and is made of plastic so to me the plumbers strap coated with electical tape and locked with a cheap combo locks satisfys my definition of a trigger lock! And I never forget my keys!!