Marlin Golden 39-A .22 S/L/LR 24” JM Marked Lever Action Rifle MFD 1984
SOLD FOR: $1,050.00
LSB#: LSB260418BR028
Make: Marlin
Model: Golden 39-A
Serial Number: 16262155
Year of Manufacture: 1984 / C&R
Caliber: .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle
Action Type: Magazine Tube-fed, Lever Action
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “The Marlin Firearms Co., New Haven, Conn., U.S.A. / CAL.22 S,L. & LR. MICRO-GROOVE BARREL”, “MARLIN GOLDEN 39-A ”. The bottom tang is marked “16262155”.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade dovetailed to a serrated base screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver has three drilled, tapped, and filled holes.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth wood with a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, checkered Marlin hard rubber buttplate, and capped forend and Marlin “Bullseye” in the belly of the buttstock. There are scattered scratches and compressions. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the micro-groove rifling is sharp. There is light fouling. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong. There is light thinning on the leading edges. There is light intermittent oxidation. There are scattered scratches. The screws are sharp to heavily tooled with strong slots, and all markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The action is smooth, the hammer has a positive lockup and the trigger is crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Marlin Golden 39-A is one of the classic American rimfire lever action rifles, descended from a long line of Marlin takedown .22 lever guns and prized for its solid construction, smooth handling, and broad ammunition compatibility. Chambered for .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle, the 39-A became a favorite for small game hunting, target shooting, training, and general plinking. This 1955 C&R example features a 24” Micro-Groove barrel, tubular magazine, semi-pistol grip walnut stocks, capped forend, and traditional open sights, giving it the classic mid-century Marlin sporting profile that remains popular with rimfire collectors and shooters.
This rifle is in Good overall condition, retaining about 95% of its original blued finish with strong remaining metal finish, light edge thinning, minor muzzle corrosion, light intermittent oxidation, and scattered scratches. The smooth wood stocks show scattered scratches and compression marks, and the Marlin “Bullseye” has been removed from the belly of the buttstock, but there are no chips or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp Micro-Groove rifling, no erosion, and only light fouling, rating 9/10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly, with smooth operation, positive hammer lockup, and a crisp trigger. We did not fire this rifle, but it remains a desirable C&R Marlin Golden 39-A with strong shooter appeal and classic rimfire lever action character. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – L.S.