Make: Marlin
Model: 39
Serial Number: 2792
Year of Manufacture: 1921-1925 / C&R
Caliber: .22 Short, Long & Long Rifle
Action Type: Lever Action, Tube Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 24" Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The top and left side of the receiver are drilled, tapped, and filled. The tang is drilled, tapped, filled for a tang sight, none present. The top of the receiver has a single drilled, tapped, and filled hole.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece smooth walnut set with a capped forearm, Marlin S-shape pistol grip, straight comb, and Marlin checkered black hard rubber buttplate. The belly has a Marlin “Bullseye”. The buttstock has beautiful grain throughout. There are light handling marks. There is a minor loss along the inner upper edge of the front of the handguard. There is a preliminary loss on the bottom left of the wrist at the lower tang. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is very faint erosion. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong throughout. There is light thinning on the leading edges. There is faint intermittent oxidation and freckling. The screw heads are sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This rifle has a half-cock safety. The action is smooth and the trigger is crisp. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Marlin Model 39 represents the evolution of Marlin’s classic rimfire lever-action lineage, replacing the earlier Model 1897 and continuing the company’s long-running tradition of producing accurate, finely made small-caliber sporting rifles. Introduced in the 1920s, the Model 39 incorporated refinements while retaining the features that made its predecessors popular, including the .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle chambering, tubular magazine, and octagonal barrel configuration. These early rifles are especially desirable among Marlin collectors for their craftsmanship, prewar production, and connection to the rifles that would eventually become the legendary Model 39A.
This example is an early production Model 39 featuring the desirable 24” octagonal barrel, case-colored receiver, Marlin S-style pistol grip stock, black hard rubber buttplate, and factory bullseye in the buttstock. The rifle retains about 95% of its original finish with only light edge wear, faint oxidation, and minor freckling, while the walnut stocks remain attractive with excellent grain and only minor handling marks. The bore rates 8/10 with bright metal, sharp rifling, and very faint erosion, and the action remains smooth with a crisp trigger. A well-preserved prewar Marlin lever-action .22, this rifle offers collectors a chance to own a desirable early Model 39 with strong condition, classic styling, and practical shootability.
