Well, here I am. I joined THR because of this thread. I'm currently on page 57, and will read it all the way through.
My first experience with a 39 was from a friends Mountie. He loaned it to me, so I could clean it for him, as I am a gun guy and he was older. Well I fired it some and cleaned it and returned it. That was 13-14 years ago.
Fast forward to now. I purchased a 39AS. I had some problems with it. It would lock the bolt and lever solid upon firing. Not every time, but often with some ammo and never with some. I did some tinkering and much research and have it repaired now.
I also have converted the rifle from a safety model to the older 39A configuration by installing an older hammer and trigger, and making a safety delete plug. The hammer and trigger dropped in no problem and offer a clean and perfect 3.5 or maybe 4 pound trigger pull. With the original spring, it pinched the rim of the casing too much, enough so it caught on the cartridge guide. I replaced it with a reduced power 336 spring, which my research shows is the correct weight for a 39A. The safety, I bought a spare and cut a groove in it for the roll pin to set in, then faced each side down until it was flush when installed. I did this with my dremel and a drill, as I don't have a lathe. Had it blued and installed it.
The 39 has a certain something other guns don't. It has a feel of quality, of craftsmanship, a pride of ownership, that other rimfires and many centerfires don't.
I will teach my son to shoot with it when he is old enough, and likely pass it to him one day.... or maybe buy him his own. I wouldn't want to be without one.
Thanks for all the information contained here in this 39 club thread and for having me.