Marlin 39A
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Marlin 39A
I was just needing some advice on which Marlin 39A to buy. Ballard rifling's or micro groove? I heard the older ones had a heavier barrel? Also what years are the good ones. I am currently using my 57 Levermatic I had sense I was 12 years old. I need to check on how good its grouping, might be a little worn.
- cslcAl
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Re: Marlin 39A
It doesn't matter which type of rifling. My preference is to get one that is factory drilled and tapped for scope so that you can test ammunition.
- Joe
- chuckjordan2
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Re: Marlin 39A
Older ones (with Ballard rifling) barrels have a taper and are lighter.
In the 60's they had a straight barrel, however, not as large an OD as those in the 80's and beyond (all microgroove).
suggest you try the different ones out.
In the 60's they had a straight barrel, however, not as large an OD as those in the 80's and beyond (all microgroove).
suggest you try the different ones out.
- OldRanger
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Re: Marlin 39A
I'm coming over to your edge of the woods for the CBC, want me to bring my '57-58' 39a for you to test drive?
I buy all my guns from t-rex. He's a small arms dealer.
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Re: Marlin 39A
Thanks for the offer. But I won one on gun broker today. I shot a couple at our range and they seem ok. But I sure like the short throw of my Levermatic.
- OldRanger
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Re: Marlin 39A
Yeah but I think those levermatics are about as ugly as a gun gets.sdwooster wrote:Thanks for the offer. But I won one on gun broker today. I shot a couple at our range and they seem ok. But I sure like the short throw of my Levermatic.
I buy all my guns from t-rex. He's a small arms dealer.
- Tlee
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Re: Marlin 39A
And it's mother wears Army boots too!!!OldRanger wrote:Yeah but I think those levermatics are about as ugly as a gun gets.sdwooster wrote:Thanks for the offer. But I won one on gun broker today. I shot a couple at our range and they seem ok. But I sure like the short throw of my Levermatic.
- Jason
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Re: Marlin 39A
Pretty is as pretty does. I have a lot of trophies and two grand slam pins from my Marlin 57 (22LR) and 57M (22WMR) Levermatic rifles. That one-piece stock holds well and I do like the short lever throw. The trigger is a complicated pain in the rear to work on compared to a Marlin 39a, though.
- OldRanger
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Re: Marlin 39A
Never said they didn't shoot well, just that they were ugly. ;)Jason wrote:Pretty is as pretty does. I have a lot of trophies and two grand slam pins from my Marlin 57 (22LR) and 57M (22WMR) Levermatic rifles. That one-piece stock holds well and I do like the short lever throw. The trigger is a complicated pain in the rear to work on compared to a Marlin 39a, though.
I have a beautiful 39A and will probably never get a pin or trophy with it. But it puts a smile on my face so its all good.
I buy all my guns from t-rex. He's a small arms dealer.
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Re: Marlin 39A
Have a 53 39A with Ballard rifling and when compare to a modern (golden) the barrel is a bit lighter but the heavier fore end keeps the balance about the same. Have not noticed any difference in grouping when compared to others, but not by any serious testing
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- cslcAl
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Re: Marlin 39A
I have a 1980 micro groove and a 1946 Ballard. In my opinion the Ballard is better. What I have noticed is the 80 shoots good most of the time, but the 46 shoots great all the time. My confidence level is much greater with the 46. That's worth a lot for me.
The absolute best shooter Marlin I ever had was a 20's 39 octagon barrelled model. It was scary accurate, but it was too light weight wise for me. I sold it to a friend for his daughter to use and she just loves it. I think she's 11 years old and at a match last year they let her shoot leaning on the bench and she shot a 36 with that gun.
Al Foust
The absolute best shooter Marlin I ever had was a 20's 39 octagon barrelled model. It was scary accurate, but it was too light weight wise for me. I sold it to a friend for his daughter to use and she just loves it. I think she's 11 years old and at a match last year they let her shoot leaning on the bench and she shot a 36 with that gun.
Al Foust
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Re: Marlin 39A
Joe, there are 2 rifle & pistol clubs on S.I. and a shotgun range and several indoor pistol ranges in other boroughs of New York City. At Colonial we shoot 10 lever silhouette matches (SCR PC & CLA), 8 monthly 80 shot SB match and four 60 shot matches during the year