Marlin Model 39 M39 S-Prefix .22 S/L/LR 24″ Takedown Lever Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1525
LSB#: 220124LV012
Make: Marlin
Model: 39
Serial Number: S7365
Year of Manufacture: 1922-1932
Caliber: .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle
Action Type: Lever Action Takedown Rifle with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “The Marlin Firearms Corporation. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.-PATENTED”, the left is marked “22 S L & L.R.” The lower tang is marked with the serial number and the inside of the frame is marked “365”. The upper tang is marked “Marlin / MOD. 39” with a star inspector stamp. The butt plate is marked “Marlin”.
Barrel Length: 24”, Octagonal
Sights / Optics: This rifle is mounted with a flip-up circular aperture with a post that is dovetailed to the barrel. The sight has a small blade in the down position. The rear sight is a flat top U-notch elevator sight that is dovetailed to the barrel. The tang is equipped with a flip-up peep aperture that is elevation adjustable.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth select walnut set with an “S” shaped pistol grip, capped forearm, Marlin bullseye in the belly, and a hard rubber Marlin buttplate. A sling stud has been added to the belly and the bottom of the nose cap. The wood appears to have been refinished at some point. The wood has some scattered compressions and little scratches that have darkened with age. The forearm shows considerable handling wear. The grip is slightly darker than the rest of the wood. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the hard rubber buttplate. The buttplate shows some scattered little nicks and dings along the edges and there is a chip at the toe. The checkering is generally sharp. The stocks rate in about Good-Very Good overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue with Case Colored Receiver
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling shows light wear and is well defined. There is faint erosion in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its metal finish. The lever shows a mottled light patina throughout. The case coloring of the frame and receiver is still vivid in areas, with most surfaces experiencing a shift to mottled gray and orange patina, some areas have light surface erosion. The lever and hammer have handling rub and operational wear, with mild surface oxidation. There is thinning at all leading edges. The barrel shows some scattered light nicks and scratches throughout as well as sparse light surface oxidation. The forend nose cap has scrape wear and tooling by the screw holes. The screw heads have light tooling and are highly serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good-plus 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. The rifle takes down in seconds for easy storage and maintenance. 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: None
Our Assessment: This is an early “S” prefix Marlin Model 39 1st Model that was made between 1922-1932, just before the outbreak of the Second World War. Still showing about 80% of its blue and case colored finish, the rifle really comes together with its select walnut stocks and nice overall construction. 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. Though it would be the dream plinking gun, the collectors are more than likely to take an interest.