Make: Marlin

Model: 39-A

Serial Number: B2354

Year of Manufacture: 1941

Caliber: .22 Short, Long, Long RIfle

Action Type: Takedown Lever Action Rifle with Tubular Magazine

Barrel Length: 24", Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear dovetail is filled with a Marble's blank. The top tang is drilled and tapped with a folding aperture sight installed, adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for an optic mount, none present.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2nd variant two-piece smooth walnut with a capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, serrated hard rubber buttplate, and Marlin bullseye in the belly. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is a small loss at the top-front corner of the wrist on the left. The LOP measures 13 5/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has scattered light wear, one notable ding in the right edge, and well defined serrations. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.

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 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The magazine has scratches around the front. There are tool marks on and around the magazine bracket. The barrel has minor handling wear above the forend, going to a light patina. The receiver has scattered muting and some minor oxidation. There is infrequent other faint oxidation. There are a few light nicks and small scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with a usable slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Marlin 39A represents the oldest and longest continuously produced shoulder firearm in the world. The 39A was produced from 1938 until 1983 when the current Golden 39A was introduced. Changes between models were so minimal the rifle is considered to have been continually produced to the same basic specifications for over 100 years. This pre-war example is in Very Good overall condition with 80% of its blue and case color finish remaining. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. The Marlin collectors should show an interest in this rifle as well as the shooters looking for a reliable rimfire rifle. Please see our photos and good luck!