I had a 39A back in the 80's that I bought new. I used it for small game hunting, and while a great rifle, and accurate as heck, I thought the 24 inch barrel was way too long, and unwieldy. I just didn't like carrying it, nor the way it handled. I wish Marlin would have produced more Mountie versions, as I think that would be the perfect 39A. I'd love to pick up a Mountie some day.
Marlin 39A, are they really that accurate?
- Thread starter bikemutt
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bikemutt
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It's still in the hopper to try it. The scope I ordered for it was backordered, received and mounted it last Friday. Hope to get to the range this coming week, rain permitting.Every-now-and-then, you'll find a lever .22 that'll shoot those two-shot, 1/2" groups.
I'd pay to see that repeated, shooting five shots. The best groups ever reported online were either shot by a Texan or by somebody shooting on a keyboard.
Carl N. Brown
Member
I would like to see a Marlin 39A with pistol grip stock and barreled to match the overall length of the 336C or 336W, maybe even weighted to balance identical to the 336C. I still love my 39A Golden Mountie (straight grip, 20" barrel) in case it is listening.
The last time my cousin had his 39A rifle and I had my Mountie, we shot full magazine groups off the rest at 25 yards to check our scopes. One hole groups, maybe 1/2" with bulk pack Federal (not match ammo). Both guns are 1950's manufacture.
Yep, they really are that accurate. The trigger is field-safety hard; if the trigger were lighter these would make good target rifles. They are great plinkers, hunters, varmint control, but relatively expensive compared to what most people are willing to pay for "just" a .22 rifle.
The last time my cousin had his 39A rifle and I had my Mountie, we shot full magazine groups off the rest at 25 yards to check our scopes. One hole groups, maybe 1/2" with bulk pack Federal (not match ammo). Both guns are 1950's manufacture.
Yep, they really are that accurate. The trigger is field-safety hard; if the trigger were lighter these would make good target rifles. They are great plinkers, hunters, varmint control, but relatively expensive compared to what most people are willing to pay for "just" a .22 rifle.
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Orion8472
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I picked up one that was more pitted than the original owner [gunbroker] stated. WAS going to sell it, but decided to see how well it shot first. At 25 yards [iron sights], I was able to get the rounds to touch. I figured it was good enough to keep and have the metal fixed/reblued. Still there, waiting for other projects to get done, but should be done soon.
How well would it do at 100 yrds? No idea. I'd be interested in getting a scope mount for it and seeing, but mine is more about its age [1957] and it being a piece of history . . . not just something accurate.
Good shooting with yours!
How well would it do at 100 yrds? No idea. I'd be interested in getting a scope mount for it and seeing, but mine is more about its age [1957] and it being a piece of history . . . not just something accurate.
Good shooting with yours!
22-rimfire
Member
I was wondering how many groups you shot at 100 yds? I do understand cherry picking the best group to demonstrate the inherent accuracy of the ammo and rifle combination. I do it too so that I know what is possible.
Five shot groups are the norm for defining precision/accuracy with a 22 rifle.
Five shot groups are the norm for defining precision/accuracy with a 22 rifle.
az_imuth
Member
The middle rifle below is a 39D that was made for 2-3 years ('71-'73) and is probably as close as you'll get to the rifle you described.
1897
Help! I have just received a Marlin Model 1897 .22 Lever Action from a friend who wants it "Restored". I am VERY hesitant as when they gave it to me they thought it was a model 96 from the 50/60's.
The serial number is 212000. I believe it was manufactured around 1900. It is missing the magazine tube and one of the small hand grip forward screws. The rear sight is also gone (Dovetail looks clean though). It is filthy, cruddy. I "gently" wiped away some of the crud inside and it is marked "Pat. June 8, 1897".
Can anyone provide any info/recommendations/ Price inf/ANYTHING on this? I WILL NOT make any changes to this gun until I am certain that doing so is in its best interes
Help! I have just received a Marlin Model 1897 .22 Lever Action from a friend who wants it "Restored". I am VERY hesitant as when they gave it to me they thought it was a model 96 from the 50/60's.
The serial number is 212000. I believe it was manufactured around 1900. It is missing the magazine tube and one of the small hand grip forward screws. The rear sight is also gone (Dovetail looks clean though). It is filthy, cruddy. I "gently" wiped away some of the crud inside and it is marked "Pat. June 8, 1897".
Can anyone provide any info/recommendations/ Price inf/ANYTHING on this? I WILL NOT make any changes to this gun until I am certain that doing so is in its best interes
DAdams
Member
What makes a 39A a Mountie .... Or not.
Is this a Mountie?
Is this a Mountie?
DAdams;
That appears to be a Mountie. The major immediate difference is the lack of a pistolgrip on the buttstock. There are variants within the Mountie classification, but I'm not good enough to see what may be apparant to others from your pictures.
900F
That appears to be a Mountie. The major immediate difference is the lack of a pistolgrip on the buttstock. There are variants within the Mountie classification, but I'm not good enough to see what may be apparant to others from your pictures.
900F
az_imuth
Member
If it's a straight stocked rifle with a 20" inch barrel (except for the rare handful of 24" mounties) then it is considered a Mountie by Marlin and most of the people familiar with these rifles. There are a handful who will argue that the rifles marked 39A or 39M are not Mounties, but they have a difficult time arguing with vintage Marlin catalogs which refer to them in that manner.
So, yes DAdams, your new rifle is a Mountie.
So, yes DAdams, your new rifle is a Mountie.
Use to the 39A was referred to as the Cadillac of .22s. I bought one back in the early 1960s and verified that it was much more accurate than I am. It's never worn a scope, only a Williams receiver sight. But with this sight it will produce fingernail size groups at 25 yards and, on a good day, at 50 yards. With a scope I'm sure it would do even better. But not so much at 100 yards. I only have one .22LR that will do better and that's a Kimber of Oregon custom classic; it does wear a scope. Ammunition makes a difference but I've always bought the economy brands so never tried to find the most accurate brand. Even with cheap ammo my 39A will out shoot me every single time.
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