The evolution of mid 20th century 39As

[Brent]

I am looking at a rifle being sold on line that looks like a 1950s era rifle. The seller advertises it as a 39a, but the serial number is .22 cal Serial # 15272 . I feel that the number should start with a letter, but since it doesn't is this an early 39?

Also, I have forgotten when did the conversion from "ballard" rifling to microgroove take place? I believe it was in the mid 50s somewhere, but I can't recall exactly.

Actually, I am helping a friend find a 39a, rather than looking for myself. Personally, I prefer the early 1950s era rifles, and I don't really know about the quality of 1960s, 70s, and 80s rifles. I would love to hear about any generalizations about the quality of these newer rifles.

I am also reluctant to recommend microgroove rifles, but more from ignorance than some strongly held opinion. Does microgroove continue all the way up to current times?

Thanks for your time.

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Brent;

The Micro-Groove rifling for the Model 39-A came in 1954.
The serial number of this gun you are referring to does not sound like a Model 39-A. Could it be a Model 39 that has had a 39-A barrel and forearm installed? I have seen this done in the past!
If I were looking for a Model 39-A for myself, it would have to be one of the early case-colored guns made before 1950, or any other 39-A that was made prior to about 1965. The fit and finish on those guns were much better than the later guns. I would not look at anything past 1984 when Marlin added the cross-bolt-safety.

[Brent]

Thank you. This is exactly the information I needed. I was thinking that the serial the one rifle was likely to be a 39, but switching barrels did not occur to me.

All of that information is perfect. Thanks again!

[marlinman93]

Don't eliminate Microgroove rifling for your friend! The 39a rifles I've owned with Microgroove rifling all shot as good as the earlier Ballard rifled guns did. I would personally choose to buy a pre crossbolt safety 39A, but Microgroove or not wouldn't stop my purchase. Of course I'd expect to pay a little more for one with Ballard rifling as they seem to get premiums.