Marlin 39A 22 s.l.lr.

Model: Marlin 39A

Serial Number: K7501

Year of Manufacture: 1953

The Marlin Model 39A is a legendary .22 caliber lever-action rimfire rifle, widely regarded as one of the finest and longest-produced .22 rifles in history.

Key Facts:

Introduced: 1939 (evolved from the earlier Model 1891 and 1897)

Manufacturer: Marlin Firearms (now under Ruger ownership since 2020)

Caliber: .22 Short, Long, or Long Rifle (interchangeable)

Action: Lever-action, tubular magazine

Capacity:

26 rounds (.22 Short)

21 rounds (.22 Long)

19 rounds (.22 LR)

Barrel Length: 24 inches (standard)

Weight: ~6.5 lbs

Sights: Adjustable semi-buckhorn rear, brass bead front

Stock: American black walnut (early models had pistol grip; later straight grip)

Notable Features:

Takedown design – Barrel and magazine tube detach with a single screw for easy cleaning/transport.

Micro-Groove rifling – Marlin’s patented 16-groove rifling (introduced 1950s) for improved accuracy with lead bullets.

Case-hardened receiver (pre-1980s) – Beautiful color case hardening on early models.

Octagonal barrel versions – Special editions like the 39A Golden Mountie or Century Limited.

Production History:

Era

Notes

1939–1987

Golden age; high-quality walnut, case-hardened receivers, "JM" proof mark

1988–2007

Marlin under new ownership; quality declined slightly; "REP" proof mark

2007–2020

Remington ownership; mixed quality, safety issues, production halted

2021–present

Ruger revival – New 39A announced in 2024; improved QC, modern manufacturing

Collectibility:

Pre-1968 models (no serial number or early serials) are most valuable.

Modern Use:

Plinking, small game hunting, target shooting, NRA silhouette

Extremely accurate (sub-1" groups at 50 yards with good ammo)

Smooth action after break-in

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