Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Cowboy Action Shooting Marlin 39A set up like a long range side match rifle

This 39A has been an ongoing project rifle for me for 40 years. It's had every kind on sight, scope, etc. that one can imagine. It's current configuration is .22 LR version of my 45-70 Marlin 1895 Cowboy with Marble tang sight. I had to fit a taller front sight to match the Marble tang sight on this gun.

Some years ago, I drilled and tapped a hole in front of the trigger. I put a set screw in the hole to act as a trigger stop. It works great. That trigger, while not exactly an Anschutz, isn't that far behind. It's the best, clean breaking 2 1/2# trigger with no overtravel I've ever felt on a Marlin 39A. The stock is a Fajan, back when you could get them. I fitted it to this gun while still a youngster and tried my hand at checkering. Not the best, but not that bad.

Like most Marlin 39's, this one is super accurate, even shoots .22 shorts very well. I've had two rifles chambered for .22 shorts, one a Volquartsen, the other a Browning auto. This gun shot shorts better than either of them. I sold the .22 Short barrel and bolt on the Volquartsen, converting it to .22 LR and the Browning went down the road. This 39A is still here and will be here for the duration...

DF

Dirtfarmer, that's the best looking 39 I've ever seen. A good 39 has been on my bucketlist forever unfortunatly the new ones are too high and the used ones people keep. Will keep looking though. Thx again for the pics..

Schoolmarm,

Sometimes you'll see one for sale, but you're right. They are keepers. Check sites like www.collectorsfirearms.com. They're in Houston and sell a lot of very interesting guns, plus they'll trade. Some of the auctions from time to time will have a 39. I'd get an older one if I was looking to buy. Maybe not an antique, but from the 50's or 60's. They don't wear out.

Thanks for those kind words.

DF

Hey,
I have a 39A and it had the worst trigger of any gun in my safe. I'd shoot my 40X and pick up my Mountie and squeeze and wait. I'd think I forgot to take the safety off and then pop. I brought it to my gunsmith and he did a trigger job for me. I think it's still pretty hard. I shoot it pretty well, but it's still heavier than any other in my safe.

Rob,

It's not that hard to drill and tap a set screw trigger stop as per the above photo. One can work with the sear and trigger surfaces with stones to get a great trigger. Not something to tackle if you're not comfortable with such a project. Sounds like your trigger spring may be too hard and that can be adjusted. I wouldn't mess with the hammer spring. You need each round to go "bang."

DF

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Hi DF

I have a newer 39 but it is accurate. Photo below shows a group of about 3 inches shot with that rifle. Rifle has a Marbles tang sight and I have adjusted the trigger to 2 pounds. Fired from a sitting position using Okanogan shooting sticks. Range was 300 yards.



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Nice 39, JB.

Did you engine turn the hammer? Looks sharp. Those 39's do shoot and your's seems to be no exception to the rule. Did you remove the factory rear sight? Couldn't tell from your photo.

One reason I like the older Marlins, absence of that push button safety. I don't like it. With my newer Marlins, I replace that thing with a blank. Otherwise, the newer ones are OK.

IMHO,

DF