Make: Marlin Firearms Corporation
Model: 39
Serial Number: HS2021
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. The left side of the receiver has two drilled, tapped and filled holes. There are four plugged holes on top of the barrel where a scope, presumably, was once mounted.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, "S"-bottom pistol grip, straight comb, serrated "flat unbreakable" black hard rubber buttplate. There are no chips or cracks. The stocks have been sanded and refinished. The LOP measures 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is faint surface corrosion in the muzzle. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. The new case color is vibrant. There is little to no operational wear post refinish. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. The markings at the plugged holes on top of the barrel have been recut to match the rollmark. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition as refinished.
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 99% of its new blue and case-colored finish, featuring deep and vibrant colors throughout. Its refinished walnut stocks remain in Excellent condition, 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.
