new to me 39A Mountie

2wheelwander · October 26, 2018, 09:34 PM

Had some money burning a hole in my pocket and most of the day off. A bad combination. Started making my normal loop in the LGS for something unusual/collectible. IOW, no polymer was the first criteria. Preferably something as old or older than me.

Found a nice CZ-97, a few deals on 686, 629 that tempted me, but levers have been my thing lately so I passed. Stopping into a shop I rarely go into because they aren't known for the best prices, but I had time to burn. They had an original 1892 Winchester in 30 W.C.F for $1600. Overall great condition for its age, but too salty for me today. Saw a lever rimfire 3 rifles deep in the display case. When he pulled it out for me and said "39A" I had to put my poker face on. Long story short, its a Mountie, excellent condition. Can't believe how smooth the action is. Has a Williams micro adjustable peep on the back. The buckhorn rear sight appears to ave been driven out and a blank installed in its place. I'm guessing when the micro sight was installed. Front sight is hooded.
I'd rate the furniture at 98%, the bluing 90%. Its been shot, but its been extremely well cared for. The leather/canvas soft case that came with it seems as vintage as the rifle itself. Can't wait to shoot this tomorrow!

The 39A has been on my short list for a while and been following them on gunbroker. Wanted a BL22 grade 2 because I think its a prettier gun, but the reputation of the 39A won me over. SO glad I did. If I'd had the extra $600, I'd have bought that Winchester, but this is a great consolation prize!

39a , on Flickr

StukaJU87 · October 26, 2018, 11:36 PM

Nice find! My father had a 24" 1952 Marlin 39A. Curious what year your new Mountie is and what their asking price was.

A local gun show had a 1954 Mountie for $625. There was also a 24" 1954 39A right next to it, also for $625. I adopted a 24" 1957 with an old Weaver B4 scope from the same show for $350. Functions like a new rifle, very accurate. Needs some minor cosmetic work but was a steal at $350.

Scorch · October 27, 2018, 12:41 AM

Quote:

They had an original 1892 Winchester in 30 W.C.F

No they didn't.

Quote:

If I'd had the extra $600, I'd have bought that Winchester

You mean you paid $1,000 for a Marlin 39A?

That would be about $400 more than people around here want for one.

Hawg · October 27, 2018, 03:02 AM

Quote:

They had an original 1892 Winchester in 30 W.C.F for $1600.

The Winchester 92 didn't come in 30 WCF. I'm with Scorch I wouldn't pay 1000 for a 39A Mountie or not.

2wheelwander · October 27, 2018, 07:57 AM

I had $1000 to blow. I never said thats what I paid for the Mountie, but that I was short $600 for the 30 W.C.F.

Searching it, you are correct. No 1892 in WCF. Since I didn't write it down, I couldn't tell you exactly what model it was aside from the 30 W.C.F. I saw on the barrel and 18something. Going from what I recalled. Lots of patina on that one.

They were asking $900 for the Mountie. I paid $740 and am OK with it. I knew walking out I didn't get a screaming deal but was happy with pulling the trigger on this one. Days prior I'd been researching the BL22 but wanted more than a safe queen. This fit the bill for me. Had I bought off GB I'd had to pay 3% plus $35 shipping plus another $20-$25 to the LGS. This one I could observe in person. The 39A, a Colt SAA, nice old Smiths, 3 screws, original old lever guns, those types of things I'm putting in my safe now.

I rarely see these local so I went for it. No serial number on the upper tang so I assume pre 1968? I'll get the SN and more pics posted up soon for those in the know.

Bayou · October 27, 2018, 09:26 AM

My Golden Mountie 39A is a real treasure. It was a gift from a deceased friend. A great shooter:

Pahoo · October 27, 2018, 10:21 AM

Quote:

They were asking $900 for the Mountie. I paid $740 and am OK with it.

That is what really counts and these always get my attention. If I had to choose just one, it would be the Mounty series …….

Be Safe !!!

Reloadron · October 27, 2018, 10:53 AM

All that matters is you got a nice rifle you wanted for a price you were willing to pay and pleased with. Now as to the rifle? May you enjoy it for many, many years. You are happy, the seller is happy and deal done.

I have a few guns that at the time I likely overpaid for but they were guns that I wanted so I bought them. The gun was there, I was there, I wanted the gun. Not a complicated process.

Ron

603Country · October 27, 2018, 11:53 AM

Yep! I’m with Reloadron. Enjoy the rifle. I have an old 39A from about 1980, and it’s super accurate. I paid too much for it back then, but today the number sounds like a bargain.

2wheelwander · October 27, 2018, 12:33 PM

Thank you Gents. Thats where I'm at. No doubt I could have gotten another in better condition and paid $100 less with due diligence, patience and the stars aligning, but 39a's don't pop up locally often. As mentioned, I'm happy so all is well.

Took it to a friend who would appreciate it to share with him. Guy is in his late 70's, retired tool and die maker. He LOVES old lever guns and Colt/Ruger revolvers. Has an ORIGINAL Henry 1860 among other collectibles he bought decades ago. Sold me a large box full of Snap-On sockets and hand tools for $200. Don't get cranked that I underpaid, I'm lucky when he lets me give him money for tools. He and his wife are just super nice, salt of the earth people. Good friends.

Hawg · October 27, 2018, 05:25 PM

That's a lot better price than 1000. The 30 WCF is an 1894.

Mannlicher · November 5, 2018, 06:29 PM

A well cared for Model 39 is always a joy. That one is a beauty.

tango1niner · November 5, 2018, 06:46 PM

I always have a spot in the safe for a Marlin 39A. That looks like a very nice one. My first rifle was a 39A that was found in a vacant lot in NYC. Broken butt stock, rusty, beat up. My dad and I drove to Marlin in Ct. to get a buttstock, that was in 1961. I still have it...

Reloadron · November 5, 2018, 07:19 PM

My first rifle was a 39A that was found in a vacant lot in NYC.
A vacant lot in NYC in 1961? I never knew there was such a thing?
Seriously, pretty cool story and thanks for sharing that.

Ron

Drm50 · November 5, 2018, 08:07 PM

My first rifle was a 1897 Marlin for my 5th birthday. Old man bought it out of a
collection for $8 and he never let me forget it. That was 1955. In late 70s I got
a new 39 from my distributor. They were turning over guns in display rack and
I got it for $72. Just in time for the kids to shoot it instead of my old 1897. It
turned out it was to heavy for them so it didn't get shot much. By the time they
were big enough to handle it they weren't into cowboy stuff. They were 10/22
fans. I have a Lyman reciever sight on it and shoot a few squirrel with it. Still
looks like new. I almost traded it a couple times, glad I didn't the way prices
have soared.

Fishbed77 · November 7, 2018, 05:12 PM

You are going to love that rifle. I own a 1960-production 39-A with the 24" barrel and it's just a delight to shoot, and IMHO, vastly superior in quality to most lever-action rimfires made today.

I can't comment on the price, as I don't know what Mounties run versus the 24" version (the price of my very good 39-A began with a "4" two years ago when I acquired it), and I've heard Marlin finally ended production of these rifles after a production run of well over 100 years. Perhaps that has driven prices up even higher. Regardless, it's a fantastic piece that you'll enjoy the rest of your life.

ThomasT · November 7, 2018, 05:34 PM

I have a 1981 39A with a 24" barrel I paid $225 OTD I bought 20+ years ago. I haven't shot it in a long time. I have a 4x scope on it. The scope is the only way I can get all the accuracy this gun has to offer. It shoots like a target rifle with ammo it likes. And the fact that it loads and cycles anything you feed it is a plus. I have killed several squirrels with just CB22 rounds. Don't shoot the powderless Colibris from your gun.

I bet you are going to really like that new rifle.

Sure Shot Mc Gee · November 7, 2018, 06:13 PM

Congratulation as the rifle you bought is on my list being one of the best 22s ever made.
You'll be pleased in the long run buying a 39a over the Browning. Original verses a clone most of the time gives the owner satisfaction "He bought the real McCoy."

Rifletom · November 7, 2018, 08:18 PM

Excellent find and purchase. I have a 1957 39A with the 24" barrel. My favorite .22 to shoot. Reliable, accurate. Fun gun!

roc1 · November 9, 2018, 07:17 AM

My dad bought one new in 1956 he give it me when I turned 13. I still have it in the safe don’t shoot it anymore got to where it would not feed right shoots great but jams on feeding shells. Guess just bout wore it out over all these years will pass it and others on to my sons. I also lucky enough to have my great grandads 1873 Winchester fourth generation in my family to own it the real McCoy to.
Roc1

2wheelwander · November 15, 2018, 07:36 PM

Small update, it hates CCI ammo. Before 30 shells have fired, the lever gets gummy and very stiff refusing to eject cases. Had brass shavings around the slide action. Took it apart and cleaned it, good to go again. WIll try other ammo.

Otherwise a dream to shoot. At about 30 yards I can hit a 6" gong 14 out of 15 fast firing.

eastbank · November 16, 2018, 08:55 AM

my marlin Mountie was made in 1967 and I think I paid 200-225 for it in 1990, great little rifle.

Picher · November 30, 2018, 05:20 PM

I had one just like the one with the receiver sight. I'd still have it, except that the top of the receiver was at quite an angle to the sides. Didn't notice it until mounting the receiver sight, and after a few years, I couldn't stand it anymore and sold it.

It was one of the most accurate hunting/plinking rifles I ever had, making about 1/2" groups at 50 yards with the peep sight.

jstanfield103 · November 30, 2018, 07:58 PM

I have a 1955 39A Mountie set up exactly like yours. Congratulations on that rifle. Would love to know when yours was made. $740.00 I would not have blinked at either. I paid $700. for mine I figure both are good deals. At least you can shoot it and enjoy it for a price that will be forgotten about anyway after one shot. Enjoy.

2wheelwander · November 30, 2018, 08:44 PM

Thanks for the kind words. Parents came over for Thanksgiving and keeping (somewhat) with tradition, Dad and I had to shoot a gun. When we were both younger we always went deer hunting on thanksgiving morning.

Anyway, the Mountie was the only rifle I broke out with a few pistols. We both could hit a black 8" gong off hand at 100 yards about 50% of the time. Not too bad considering I lost my glasses and he wasn't wearing his at 73 years old. So glad I didn't let this one slip away. Zero regrets on the $$. Reminded me of being a kid and shooting my 10/22 with a box of shells just wandering in my grandpa's woods. Just didn't get any better than that, and it still doesn't!

October 26, 2018, 09:34 PM	#1
2wheelwander Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2018 Posts: 539	new to me 39A Mountie Had some money burning a hole in my pocket and most of the day off. A bad combination. Started making my normal loop in the LGS for something unusual/collectible. IOW, no polymer was the first criteria. Preferably something as old or older than me. Found a nice CZ-97, a few deals on 686, 629 that tempted me, but levers have been my thing lately so I passed. Stopping into a shop I rarely go into because they aren't known for the best prices, but I had time to burn. They had an original 1892 Winchester in 30 W.C.F for $1600. Overall great condition for its age, but too salty for me today. Saw a lever rimfire 3 rifles deep in the display case. When he pulled it out for me and said "39A" I had to put my poker face on. Long story short, its a Mountie, excellent condition. Can't believe how smooth the action is. Has a Williams micro adjustable peep on the back. The buckhorn rear sight appears to ave been driven out and a blank installed in its place. I'm guessing when the micro sight was installed. Front sight is hooded. I'd rate the furniture at 98%, the bluing 90%. Its been shot, but its been extremely well cared for. The leather/canvas soft case that came with it seems as vintage as the rifle itself. Can't wait to shoot this tomorrow! The 39A has been on my short list for a while and been following them on gunbroker. Wanted a BL22 grade 2 because I think its a prettier gun, but the reputation of the 39A won me over. SO glad I did. If I'd had the extra $600, I'd have bought that Winchester, but this is a great consolation prize! 39a , on Flickr

October 27, 2018, 09:26 AM	#6
Bayou Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2016 Location: SE Louisiana Posts: 300	My Golden Mountie 39A is a real treasure. It was a gift from a deceased friend. A great shooter: __________________ Bayou NRA Life Member "Keep Calm and Reload"

November 5, 2018, 06:29 PM	#12
Mannlicher Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2001 Location: North Central Florida & Miami Posts: 3,209	A well cared for Model 39 is always a joy. That one is a beauty. __________________ Nemo Me Impune Lacesset "The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.".........Ronald Reagan

October 26, 2018, 11:36 PM	#2
StukaJU87 Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2011 Posts: 256	Nice find! My father had a 24" 1952 Marlin 39A. Curious what year your new Mountie is and what their asking price was. A local gun show had a 1954 Mountie for $625. There was also a 24" 1954 39A right next to it, also for $625. I adopted a 24" 1957 with an old Weaver B4 scope from the same show for $350. Functions like a new rifle, very accurate. Needs some minor cosmetic work but was a steal at $350.

October 27, 2018, 07:57 AM	#5
2wheelwander Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2018 Posts: 539	I had $1000 to blow. I never said thats what I paid for the Mountie, but that I was short $600 for the 30 W.C.F. Searching it, you are correct. No 1892 in WCF. Since I didn't write it down, I couldn't tell you exactly what model it was aside from the 30 W.C.F. I saw on the barrel and 18something. Going from what I recalled. Lots of patina on that one. They were asking $900 for the Mountie. I paid $740 and am OK with it. I knew walking out I didn't get a screaming deal but was happy with pulling the trigger on this one. Days prior I'd been researching the BL22 but wanted more than a safe queen. This fit the bill for me. Had I bought off GB I'd had to pay 3% plus $35 shipping plus another $20-$25 to the LGS. This one I could observe in person. The 39A, a Colt SAA, nice old Smiths, 3 screws, original old lever guns, those types of things I'm putting in my safe now. I rarely see these local so I went for it. No serial number on the upper tang so I assume pre 1968? I'll get the SN and more pics posted up soon for those in the know.

October 27, 2018, 10:53 AM	#8
Reloadron Senior Member Join Date: June 8, 2016 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Suburbs Posts: 1,750	All that matters is you got a nice rifle you wanted for a price you were willing to pay and pleased with. Now as to the rifle? May you enjoy it for many, many years. You are happy, the seller is happy and deal done. I have a few guns that at the time I likely overpaid for but they were guns that I wanted so I bought them. The gun was there, I was there, I wanted the gun. Not a complicated process. Ron

October 27, 2018, 11:53 AM	#9
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,998	Yep! I’m with Reloadron. Enjoy the rifle. I have an old 39A from about 1980, and it’s super accurate. I paid too much for it back then, but today the number sounds like a bargain.

October 27, 2018, 12:33 PM	#10
2wheelwander Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2018 Posts: 539	Thank you Gents. Thats where I'm at. No doubt I could have gotten another in better condition and paid $100 less with due diligence, patience and the stars aligning, but 39a's don't pop up locally often. As mentioned, I'm happy so all is well. Took it to a friend who would appreciate it to share with him. Guy is in his late 70's, retired tool and die maker. He LOVES old lever guns and Colt/Ruger revolvers. Has an ORIGINAL Henry 1860 among other collectibles he bought decades ago. Sold me a large box full of Snap-On sockets and hand tools for $200. Don't get cranked that I underpaid, I'm lucky when he lets me give him money for tools. He and his wife are just super nice, salt of the earth people. Good friends.

October 27, 2018, 05:25 PM	#11
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,190	That's a lot better price than 1000. The 30 WCF is an 1894.

November 5, 2018, 06:46 PM	#13
tango1niner Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Location: NY Posts: 317	I always have a spot in the safe for a Marlin 39A. That looks like a very nice one. My first rifle was a 39A that was found in a vacant lot in NYC. Broken butt stock, rusty, beat up. My dad and I drove to Marlin in Ct. to get a buttstock, that was in 1961. I still have it...

November 5, 2018, 07:19 PM	#14
Reloadron Senior Member Join Date: June 8, 2016 Location: Cleveland, Ohio Suburbs Posts: 1,750	My first rifle was a 39A that was found in a vacant lot in NYC. A vacant lot in NYC in 1961? I never knew there was such a thing? Seriously, pretty cool story and thanks for sharing that. Ron

November 5, 2018, 08:07 PM	#15
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,382	My first rifle was a 1897 Marlin for my 5th birthday. Old man bought it out of a collection for $8 and he never let me forget it. That was 1955. In late 70s I got a new 39 from my distributor. They were turning over guns in display rack and I got it for $72. Just in time for the kids to shoot it instead of my old 1897. It turned out it was to heavy for them so it didn't get shot much. By the time they were big enough to handle it they weren't into cowboy stuff. They were 10/22 fans. I have a Lyman reciever sight on it and shoot a few squirrel with it. Still looks like new. I almost traded it a couple times, glad I didn't the way prices have soared.

November 7, 2018, 05:12 PM	#16
Fishbed77 Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2010 Posts: 4,862	You are going to love that rifle. I own a 1960-production 39-A with the 24" barrel and it's just a delight to shoot, and IMHO, vastly superior in quality to most lever-action rimfires made today. I can't comment on the price, as I don't know what Mounties run versus the 24" version (the price of my very good 39-A began with a "4" two years ago when I acquired it), and I've heard Marlin finally ended production of these rifles after a production run of well over 100 years. Perhaps that has driven prices up even higher. Regardless, it's a fantastic piece that you'll enjoy the rest of your life.

November 7, 2018, 05:34 PM	#17
ThomasT Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 2,753	I have a 1981 39A with a 24" barrel I paid $225 OTD I bought 20+ years ago. I haven't shot it in a long time. I have a 4x scope on it. The scope is the only way I can get all the accuracy this gun has to offer. It shoots like a target rifle with ammo it likes. And the fact that it loads and cycles anything you feed it is a plus. I have killed several squirrels with just CB22 rounds. Don't shoot the powderless Colibris from your gun. I bet you are going to really like that new rifle.

November 7, 2018, 06:13 PM	#18
Sure Shot Mc Gee Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,876	Congratulation as the rifle you bought is on my list being one of the best 22s ever made. You'll be pleased in the long run buying a 39a over the Browning. Original verses a clone most of the time gives the owner satisfaction "He bought the real McCoy."

November 7, 2018, 08:18 PM	#19
Rifletom Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2011 Location: So-Cal Posts: 789	Excellent find and purchase. I have a 1957 39A with the 24" barrel. My favorite .22 to shoot. Reliable, accurate. Fun gun!

November 9, 2018, 07:17 AM	#20
roc1 Senior Member Join Date: July 31, 2005 Location: Lubbock Texas Posts: 560	My dad bought one new in 1956 he give it me when I turned 13. I still have it in the safe don’t shoot it anymore got to where it would not feed right shoots great but jams on feeding shells. Guess just bout wore it out over all these years will pass it and others on to my sons. I also lucky enough to have my great grandads 1873 Winchester fourth generation in my family to own it the real McCoy to. Roc1

November 15, 2018, 07:36 PM	#21
2wheelwander Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2018 Posts: 539	Small update, it hates CCI ammo. Before 30 shells have fired, the lever gets gummy and very stiff refusing to eject cases. Had brass shavings around the slide action. Took it apart and cleaned it, good to go again. WIll try other ammo. Otherwise a dream to shoot. At about 30 yards I can hit a 6" gong 14 out of 15 fast firing.

November 16, 2018, 08:55 AM	#22
eastbank Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2008 Location: pa. Posts: 2,450	my marlin Mountie was made in 1967 and I think I paid 200-225 for it in 1990, great little rifle.

November 30, 2018, 05:20 PM	#23
Picher Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Maine Posts: 3,694	I had one just like the one with the receiver sight. I'd still have it, except that the top of the receiver was at quite an angle to the sides. Didn't notice it until mounting the receiver sight, and after a few years, I couldn't stand it anymore and sold it. It was one of the most accurate hunting/plinking rifles I ever had, making about 1/2" groups at 50 yards with the peep sight.

November 30, 2018, 07:58 PM	#24
jstanfield103 Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2010 Location: Kentucky Posts: 114	I have a 1955 39A Mountie set up exactly like yours. Congratulations on that rifle. Would love to know when yours was made. $740.00 I would not have blinked at either. I paid $700. for mine I figure both are good deals. At least you can shoot it and enjoy it for a price that will be forgotten about anyway after one shot. Enjoy.

November 30, 2018, 08:44 PM	#25
2wheelwander Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2018 Posts: 539	Thanks for the kind words. Parents came over for Thanksgiving and keeping (somewhat) with tradition, Dad and I had to shoot a gun. When we were both younger we always went deer hunting on thanksgiving morning. Anyway, the Mountie was the only rifle I broke out with a few pistols. We both could hit a black 8" gong off hand at 100 yards about 50% of the time. Not too bad considering I lost my glasses and he wasn't wearing his at 73 years old. So glad I didn't let this one slip away. Zero regrets on the $$. Reminded me of being a kid and shooting my 10/22 with a box of shells just wandering in my grandpa's woods. Just didn't get any better than that, and it still doesn't!