Marlin lever 22

[gerard488]

Does Marlin make a straight grip lever action in 22lr?
What are your thoughts on it?
I have a chance to get a brand new Marlin lever 22 on trade but I have been reading some not so good stuff about Marlin lever 22`s. Any ideas would be appreciated, Thanks in advance.

 

[horseman2]

There are Marlin 39's with a straight grip but they are no longer in production.
Most of them will be better than current production.
If the barrel stamped JM they will be Marlin made and are better than those stamped REP (Made since Remington took over).
The one with the cross bolt safety is less desirable.
If the serial number starts with a letter they are most desirable and are older.
Serial numbers that are all numbers are better if they don't have a cross bolt safety.
On Rimfire Central, there is a Date of Manufacture table plus lots of information.
Pictures can help.
This one was manufactured in 1982.

 

[waynewjw]

Any Marlin mfg. prior to, I believe, 1988 pre-crossbolt safety will be an awesome rifle, both in fit and finish and accuracy. I've owned and own a number of Marlin levers and they are the most fun to shoot. And it sure does help when you can shot nickel size holes at 50 yards.

I can't speak of the Remlins but it seems they're quality is definitely lacking, not based on personal experience, just feedback from numerous owners on the internet and the clubs. Nothing wrong with the JM mfg. crossbolts I just didn't like the one I had. If had this strange sound like an extra spring going off when you shot it along with causing more that a few FTF's, both of which these problems can be corrected with some enquiries on the net.

 

[cyclops666]

If it's stamped "JM" it's good to go.
If it's stamped "REM" made in North Haven ,Conneticut it's junk.
If it's stamped "REM" made in Ilion ,New York it's good to go.