Make: Marlin
Model: 39
Serial Number: S2426
Year of Manufacture: 1925-1932 (Some Model 39’s have been recorded with an S prefix)
Caliber: .22 Short, Long & Long Rifle
Action Type: Lever Action, Tube Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 24" Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Marble 31M 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 installed with a tang peep sight.
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”. There is a factory "star" proof stamped on the upper tang. There are mild handling marks. There are scattered scratches, compressions, and minor nicks. 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 stocks rate in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Colored
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 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong throughout. There is light intermittent oxidation. There is minor erosion on the receiver. The case color is vibrant. The action shows light operational wear. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent 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 is an American classic with roots that stretch back to the Model 1891 and the famed Marlin Model 1897. As the first .22 caliber lever-action rifle to feature a solid top and side ejection, the Model 39 helped define the standard for rimfire lever guns. Produced between 1922 and 1938, this example—with its S prefix serial number—was likely manufactured between 1925 and 1932. Advertisements used during the late 1920's referred to the star, marked on the upper tang, as an inspector's mark which represented that Marlins carrying this mark were of the highest quality made by Marlin as they went through rigorous inspection. Built with a 24" octagonal barrel, pistol grip stock, and tube magazine, it’s a quintessential small-game and plinking rifle from the golden age of American rimfires.
This rifle retains a stunning 95% of its original finish, the blue is deep and the case colors are vibrant. The bore is impressively bright with sharp rifling, and the action remains smooth and functional. It’s a testament to Marlin’s build quality that this rifle remains a solid shooter nearly a century later. Whether for nostalgic range time, or simply as a highly collectible piece of early 20th-century firearm history, this C&R-eligible Marlin 39 has earned its place among the greats of American rimfire design.
