Marlin Model 1897 Cowboy Like 39 JM Marked 24″ .22 LR Lever Rifle, MFD 1999
SOLD FOR: $1,179.97
LSB#: 200508DO06
Make: Marlin
Model: 1897 Cowboy
Serial Number: 01070556
Year of Manufacture: 1999
Caliber: .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full-Length Tubular Magazine and Takedown Action
Markings: The left soulder of the barrel is marked “1897 COWBOY”, “The Marlin Firearms Co. North Haven. Conn. USA / **CAL. 22 S.L. & L.R. MICRO-GROOVE BARREL **” and at the rear with a “JM” proof. The right shoulder of the barrel has a two-line warning. The bottom tang and the inside of the barreled portion of the receiver are each marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel, the rear face of the bead has been painted green. The rear sight is a “U”-notch leaf and elevator dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The notch has a white diamond aiming reference and is fine adjustable for elevation, it can be reversed to present a “V”-notch. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for mounting optics (a mount is included). The right of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, checkered black plastic Marlin buttplate and Marlin “bullseye” in the belly. The stocks have a few scattered light compressions and scuffs with a more notable ding on the bottom-left of the forend at the rear. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 13 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear at the heel with well defined checkering and lettering. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The barrel has some scattered minor nicks and scuffs, mostly toward the muzzle end. The action shows light operational wear. The receiver has a few light marks, the most notable on the bottom tang. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position. The trigger breaks crisply and the lever is tight in the action. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes in a cardboard Marlin box with serial-matching label, styrofoam tray with cardboard lid, manual, and scope base with mounting screws. The box has scattered storage wear with a few punctures, short trears and fraying at edges and corners. The tray has a few losses, the largest one has had the piece retained. Overall, the box is in about Good condition.
Our Assessment: This is a Marlin Model 1897 Cowboy made in 1999. The history of .22 lever-action Marlin rifles goes back to 1891 with improvements in 1892 when front-loading tubes were introduced, 1897 when the takedown receiver was introduced and in 1921 the model was re-designated the Model 39, which continues in production today. This 1897 Cowboy takes the action of the oldest and longest continuously produced rifle in the world and pairs it with the styling of their popular 1894 Cowboy series with checkered, straight-grip stocks and 24″ tapered octagon barrel. This example is in Fine condition showing signs of light and responsible use, a great bore, strong mechanics and comes with its original box. This is a great find for plinkers and Marlin collectors, alike. Please see our photos and good luck!