Morrell:
I don't have a clue as to the quality of the new 39's, and I only have the experience of the two I recently bought.
I would suggest you go to the dedicated Marlin owners forum (
www.marlinowners.com) and ask the question there.
I did that, and from what I read from those folks who should know..
The new 39A's have a different extractor than the old ones, and apparently it's not as good as the older ones. You CAN still buy the old extractors (Wisner) and retrofit them to a new 39A if you need to. In fact I bought one with that in mind, but my 1996 isn't having enough problems for me to go to the trouble, so I've just put the replacement up until I might need it.
The newer 39A's have the "rebounding hammer" and "crossblock safety" that did not come on the older ones, and it seems to be the general consensus on the Marlin owners forum that the earlier ones are "smoother" than the new ones.
I would say "dedicated" 39A's fans prefer the models manufactured prior to the changes in the extractor, hammer, and safety.
I will also say my 1970 Model 39 (pre-changes) is light years "smoother" than the action of my 1996 39A, but as I mentioned in another post I don't think my 39A has been shot much, and I expect the less than smooth action to smooth out with use.
I have read where that is often the case.
I have also read where the ACCURACY of the new 39A's has not been compromised and the new ones maintain the standard of outstanding accuracy that the Marlin 39A's have had the reputation for.
My 1996 is absolutely more accurate than any rimfire rifle I've ever owned or shot and even tho the action is not "glasslike smooth" I wouldn't get rid of it for anything.
If you start shopping around I think you'll find OLDER ones in good condition command almost as much as new ones..
But, I'm just repeating what I read on the various rimfire forums, and I could be mistaken.
I love my 1996 39A so well that I'm always on the hunt for another one. If another one pops up I would prefer one "pre-changes", but I'd buy a newer one in a heartbeat if the price were right.
Hope this helps,
Best Wishes,
Jesse