Make: Marlin Firearms Corporation

Model: 39

Serial Number: HS19066

Year of Manufacture: 1932-1936

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. Two sight bases have been installed on the barrel with external adjustment ring mounts holding a Wollensak 4x scope with crosshair reticle. There is scattered wear in the black enamel finish on the body with fairly clear glass. Under the front base, there is an additional drilled and tapped hole which is not used for the base, none of the holes go into the bore.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, "S"-bottom pistol grip, straight comb, checkered black hard rubber Marlin buttplate and Marlin "bullseye" in the belly. The stocks have some minor nicks, scuffs and scratches, but no notable damage. There is some discoloration running back from the receiver in the top of the wrist. There are no chips or cracks. 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 checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, just a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% of its metal finish. There is some light 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, likely indicating a previously installed tang sight. There are infrequent spots of minor oxidation and a few small nick and scratches. The interior of each portion of the receiver, the lifter and lever have been hand-scribed with an SSN and initials, concealed when the rifle is assembled. 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: The installed scope is included.

Our Assessment: This is an "HS" prefix Marlin Model 39 that was made between 1936 and 1936. The HS prefix indicates design improvements allowing the use of high speed ammunition. Still showing about 92% of its blue and case colored finish, the rifle really comes together with its installed vintage Wollensak 4x scope. This rifle would be great for teaching a new shooter the basics of safety and marksmanship, and is light enough that you could carry it while hunting rabbits in the field all day without it wearing you out. That said, this is a real find for the Marlin enthusiast in its high overall condition. Please see our photos and good luck!