And I Thought I Knew My Gun...39M

[sadlsor]

I bought a 1974 Marlin Original Golden 39M as my first rifle, in 1976. For all these intervening years, I thought I had a 39A, that just looked different than the pistol-gripped, curved-lever version. I'm embarassed, but also excited, to realize I have a somewhat-highly-sought Mountie. (OH! That's what the -M is for?! D-oh! )

I've Googled for an hour, but there is precious little *definitive* explanation. But from what I've gathered from other forums, sort of by osmosis, is mine IS a Mountie. Straight stock, straight lever, shorter 20-inch barrel, gold trigger.

Wikipedia, while far from the inarguable last word, states, "Additionally "mountie" versions have been produced at various points in the rifle's life which featured a shorter 20" barrel and a straight stock. These rifles have been alternately called Model 39M or 1897 Mountie." Even Marlin's official site does not specifically match the -M designation to the Mountie variation. What say ye collectors?

Next to a newly-acquired, but used, Model 60:


More pix on my smugmug site.

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Sadlsor;

Except for the first year of production, all Mounties are straight grip, 20 inch barreled guns. The first year guns had 24 inch barrels with the straight grip. (they are quite rare as only 4,435 were made the first year)
Barrel markings evolved over the years. Some say 39-A Mountie while some will say Golden 39-A Mountie and others will have 39M only.
Your gun definitely is a Mountie.
I hope this helps.

[sadlsor]

Thanks, Regnier - it definitely DOES help. I'm glad I found y'all!
In retrospect, I should have specified that the barrel markings include "Marlin Original Golden 39M", but luckily for me, you interpreted my ambiguous post correctly. I appreciate it... now I have a REAL reason to look for a REAL 39A!
(OK, so Marlinitis may be a disease - but it's not like it's terminal, ...right?)

Oh, yeah... chalk up 2 more chipmunks who the Mountie has sent to that great oak tree in the sky today.

[Snicker]

Great forum! I recently picked up a Marlin 39A, 1956, 20" bbl, straight grip...I have been doing some research and found this forum...lots of reading to do now!




Do the specs I list make it a Mountie? Or is it simply a "39A" ?

Happy Shooting!

Snicker

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Snicker;

That's a Mountie. Marlin used the same roll die to mark the Model 39-A (rifle with 24 inch barrel and pistol grip stock) and the Mountie (20 inch barrel with straight grip stock) 'till 1957 when they started marking them Golden 39-A and Golden 39-A Mountie. 1972 was when the 39 M desighation came along.
I hope this helps.

[Snicker]

Snicker;

That's a Mountie. Marlin used the same roll die to mark the Model 39-A (rifle with 24 inch barrel and pistol grip stock) and the Mountie (20 inch barrel with straight grip stock) 'till 1957 when they started marking them Golden 39-A and Golden 39-A Mountie. 1972 was when the 39 M desighation came along.
I hope this helps.

Yes Regnier, that helps beyond measure...thank you. Now I need to find a 1956 vintage front sight hood cover...wish me luck!

Snicker

[Hugger]

Snicker;

That's a Mountie. Marlin used the same roll die to mark the Model 39-A (rifle with 24 inch barrel and pistol grip stock) and the Mountie (20 inch barrel with straight grip stock) 'till 1957 when they started marking them Golden 39-A and Golden 39-A Mountie. 1972 was when the 39 M desighation came along.
I hope this helps.

Mine is stamped the same as the one pictured above, 39A. Doesn't say Golden anywhere.

Mine is a R prefix which should make it a '57-'58...correct?

But...mine is a sort of low number, R30XX. Above you say " 'till 1957 when they started marking them Golden 39-A and Golden 39-A Mountie". Just wondering.

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Hugger;

Not everything is totally "black and white" when it comes to Marlin production items. Marlin made sure everything was used, and sometimes a left over part, such as a barrel with early markings would be used, even if it well into the new style. Waste not, want not is their motto.
Your barrel is most likely one that was left over from the earlier style, and was used when it came up. Or, the new roll die was about to come into use, and your barrel was made just prior to the new roll die use. Really hard to draw exact lines of use on some of these little details.
I hope this helps.

[Hugger]

Yes, I understand that...just pointing out another one.

[marlinman93]

(OK, so Marlinitis may be a disease - but it's not like it's terminal, ...right?)

Not so sure about that! My wife has made some comments about it possibly being terminal, if I don't find a cure soon!

[padre2]

a 39M is not a Mountie.
A Mountie is a Mountie if it's Stamped Mountie and has a round lever.

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Padre2;

You may wish to refer to page 289 of Brophy's book, and at the date 1972 where the 39A-Mountie designation was changed to 39M. That means that some Mounties will be marked 39M as well as 39-A Mountie.

[Ryan_39A]

[quote="padre2"]a 39M is not a Mountie.
A Mountie is a Mountie if it's Stamped Mountie and has a round lever.


I cannot see your image, but I have a round lever 20" 39A with black walnut stock marked 39A. Any ideas on the lineage of mine? It is serial "P" 1957 and I am sure mine is an unmarked MOUNTIE but I have a golden Trigger!?? Very interesting I think.

Let me know.

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Ryan_39A;

The gold trigger was introduced in 1957, like on your gun. That was stopped in 1982, but re-introduced in 1985. You just cannot change some things......
All 39-A and Mountie levers were rounded except for the first variation Model 39-A until 1974 when Marlin brought out the new "square" lever.