Marlin Original Golden 39A .22 S/L/LR Lever Action RifleOur Assessment: This a Marlin Model 39A Model rifle with a fluted comb, pistol grip, and a black plastic buttplate. This 24" barreled rifle has iron sights, and the receiver is drilled, tapped and equipped with a scope mount for an optic of your choosing. This classic takedown rifle is in about Very Good-Fine overall condition as refinished with a bright bore with sharp Micro Groove rifling. The Marlin collectors should show an interest in this rifle as well as the shooters looking for a reliable rimfire rifle. This rifle would be great for teaching a new shooter the basics of safety and marksmanship, and is light enough that you could carry it while hunting rabbits in the field all day without it wearing you out.
Make: Marlin Firearms Co.
Model: Original Golden 39A
Serial Number: 22272983
Year of Manufacture: 1978
Caliber: .22 Short, Long, Long Rifle
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle w/ Full Length Magazine Tube
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked "The Marlin Firearms Co. U.S.A. / CAL. 22 S.L. & L.R. MICRO-GROOVE BARREL" and "ORIGINAL GOLDeN-39A" and "JM" in a circle. The upper tang is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 24"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed atop a serrated ramped riser that is screwed to the barrel; the riser is slotted for a hood that is not installed or included. The rear sight is a folding U-notch elevator sight that is dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is equipped with a one-piece sight rail and two rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two-piece smooth wood with a capped forearm, capped pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and a hard rubber Marlin buttplate. There is a sling swivel front and rear. The Marlin bullseye is present in the belly. There are some infrequent little dings and light scratches with a notable long dragline on the right side of the buttstock. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 3/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, which shows scattered wear marks with well defined checkering. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Low Luster Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion and for the age, the bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. There are areas of light pitting under the finish throughout the barrel and on the receiver flanks. There is some light thinning on the leading edges and some minor scratches scattered about as well. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good-Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions Correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The installed sight base and rings as described.
CA LEGALITY: CA DEALER Transferable: YES, CA PPT: NO.
RIFLE