Make: Marlin Firearms Corporation
Model: 39
Serial Number: HS4874
Year of Manufacture: 1932-1938 / C&R
Caliber: .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle, the HS-prefix indicates that high velocity ammunition may be used.
Action Type: Takedown Lever Action with Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 24", Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight, none present. There is a drilled, tapped, and filled hole in the top of the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, "S"-bottom pistol grip, straight comb, serrated black hard rubber Marlin buttplate. There is a sling ring mounted to the bottom of the forend cap and another installed in the belly of the buttstock. The stocks have some minor nicks, scuffs and scratches, but no notable damage. There is a small crack on the bottom right side of the forend at the cap. The LOP measures 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear, a couple of nicks around the edges, and well defined serrations. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is some thinning at some edges. The receiver shows some minor muting, but retains generally strong case color. The top tang has stronger color toward the front with some muting behind the rear tang sight screw hole. There are infrequent spots of minor oxidation and a few small nick and scratches. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 39 evolved from Lewis L. Hepburn’s landmark Model 1891, the first successful repeating rifle chambered for .22 Long Rifle, and the subsequent Models 1892 and 1897. Introduced in the early 1920s, the Model 39 retained Marlin’s solid-top, side-ejecting receiver and convenient takedown construction while pairing them with a 24" octagonal barrel and finely finished walnut furniture. The later HS-prefix rifles incorporated an improved bolt designed for high-speed .22 ammunition, distinguishing them from earlier Model 39 rifles intended for standard-velocity loads.
This HS-prefix Model 39 retains about 90% of its original blue and case-colored finish, including generally strong receiver color with minor muting. Its walnut stocks remain in Very Good-plus condition with only scattered light handling marks, while the bright 9/10 bore, sharp rifling, and correctly functioning action are especially strong attributes. The classic octagonal-barrel configuration, excellent preservation, and high-speed-compatible bolt make this a particularly appealing pre-39A Marlin for both the rimfire collector and the traditional lever-action enthusiast.
