Marlin Model 39A
Category: Shotguns and Smoothbores
Marlin Model 39A written by: webconsult The Marlin Model 39 happens to be the oldest and continually produce rifle in history. It was manufactured between 1921 and 1937 by Marlin Firearms. The parent design of Marlin Model 39 A was conceptualized during the presidency of Benjamin Harrison.
Overview
The Marlin Model 39 is a 0.22 rimfire rifle that has a 24 inch octagonal barrel, a tube magazine that has a capacity to hold 16 to 17 rounds of 0.22 rifle and a colored blue receiver. The sighting apparatus consist of a beaded front post and an adjustable semi buckhorn rear that has an elevation ramp. Just like many of the 0.22 lever action rifles, the Marlin Model 39 also feeds and fires 0.22 long and short cartridges.
History
The Model 39 originated from the Marlin Model 1891 which was a solid frame lever action introduced in the year 1891. The Marlin Model 39A model just like the Winchester series of lever actions used a side loading gate. The problem with this gun was that you could not jam rounds through its tiny loading gate. This is why Marlin changed to tube loading the following year. Because of its variation in design, the Marlin firearm manufacturers called this gun Model 1892.
After 5 years, the solid frame of the Model 1892 gun was altered to a takedown design which gave the gun holders the opportunity to disassemble the gun and completely separate it at the receiver to allow for cleaning and storage. This model was called 1897. In 1921, some small minor changes were made to the gun and it was named Marlin Model 39 despite the fact that it was not yet the year 1939. As the manufacturer was rolling out units of Model 39, it became increasingly apparent that the old design of the Model 39 was not strong enough to accommodate the contemporary high speed 0.22 rifle cartridges. This meant that the bolt had to be redesigned so as to be able to handle higher levels of pressure. The resulting guns got the prefix HS as part of their serial numbers.
It should be observed that the changes done throughout the entire evolution of the Marlin Model 39A were minor and did not structurally change the parent design of the gun. In fact, you can pick Model 1897 and you will be shocked to find so many features that are in common with Model 39A.
The Marlin Model 39A differs from the modern rimfire lever action and it is seen to be superior to many of the guns available.
Features of Marlin Model 39A
There are a lot of exciting features and attributes of the Marlin Model 39A. Below is a brief discussion of some of these attributes.
Accuracy
This is gun is very accurate and that is one of the reasons why it is used for sport and recreation. It has an excellent trigger, a sighting radius and a long barrel that make it one of the top off hand rifles.
Shooting Ergonomics
The Marlin Model 39A provides a great shooting posture. It has a good magazine loading style that makes the entire experience enjoyable.
Reliability
You can totally depend on this rifle because it will never break down regardless of the rounds of shells that you fire.