Replacement bolt for Model 39

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Alan
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Joined: Thu Oct 25, 2007 11:37 am

Replacement bolt for Model 39

Post by Alan »

I have old Marlin Model 39, serial number 45XX, with no letter prefix (pre high-speed) from the early 1920s. The gun was my dad's.

Here's my problem: The bolt is cracked. I took it to a local gunsmith 11 months ago, and it's still sitting there unfixed. He tells me that retrofitting a 39A bolt to this gun would be impossible without major machining -- something about how my Model 39 bolt is rounded at the rear, and that the 39A bolt is square. He also says my Model 39 bolt is grooved on the back, and the 39A's isn't.

Here's a link to a photo of my bolt:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16138511@N02/1747637877/

The gunsmith says my only option is finding an original pre high-speed Model 39 bolt. He says he's been advertising and calling around, but no luck after almost a year.

Is he correct about not being able to fit a 39A bolt to this gun? (He says he has a 39A bolt on the shelf, and it's not even close.)

If the 39A retrofit won't work, can anybody recommend a source for the correct Model 39 bolt? Believe me, I've checked the Web sites for Wisner's and similar places.
jdad
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Re: Replacement bolt for Model 39

Post by jdad »

Did you crack the bolt by using high velocity ammo? The pre "HS" bolts were designed for target/standard velocity ammo only, but.............

try these guys. An 1897 bolt should fit also. http://www.dickwilliamsgunshop.com
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marlinman93
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Location: Portland, Oregon

Re: Replacement bolt for Model 39

Post by marlinman93 »

Alan,
You need to find another gunsmith! If he can't put a 39a bolt into a 39 he's the wrong guy! The 39a bolt is often a drop in, and on occasion needs minor fitting where the lever makes contact with the angled portion below the bolt. I've put a lot of 39a bolts into 39, and 1897 Marlins, and it's a very easy job for any gunsmith, or talented amateur.
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
Alan
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Re: Replacement bolt for Model 39

Post by Alan »

Marlinman93:

I've argued the 39A bolt retrofit with him three times now, and I even printed the instructions you posted here in response to somebody else on Nov. 7, 2007. He told me not to believe everything I read on the Internet, and insists the bolts are entirely different beasts.

Sounds like I do need to find a different gunsmith. (This guy was recommended by the shop where I do business.) I live in the Detroit area. Can anybody recommend a competent gunsmith around greater Detroit? Failing that, is there a Marlin specialist that I could send it to for repairs?
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marlinman93
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Location: Portland, Oregon

Re: Replacement bolt for Model 39

Post by marlinman93 »

He's absolutely right. They are very different, and that's why they don't break like the originals did. The HS prefix bolts are also completely different in design, but Marlin had no problems fitting them too.
I've got a 1897 with a 39a bolt in it in my collection, if he'd like pictures of how nicely it fits. I also have access to two 39's and another 1897 locally that I've fitted with 39a bolts. I still think you better pick your gun up and take it to someone else. Things this simple shouldn't baffle him.-Vall
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
jackp
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Re: Replacement bolt for Model 39

Post by jackp »

I would be interested in a recommended Marlin savvy gunsmith in Bucks County PA (NE of Philadelphia).
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