Need some help

[egg358]

I have some experience, albeit new to firearms with handguns. My problem is I inherited a 1950's Marlin 39A. Atleast that is what I think it is. I am getting it shipped over from Florida. Question is how do I know if it shoots other than taking it to the range and trying it out? Is that even safe? I dont know the last time it was fired. Thanks in advance

[Izzy43]

I have some experience, albeit new to firearms with handguns. My problem is I inherited a 1950's Marlin 39A. Atleast that is what I think it is. I am getting it shipped over from Florida. Question is how do I know if it shoots other than taking it to the range and trying it out? Is that even safe? I dont know the last time it was fired. Thanks in advance

If you have concerns about the safety of the rifle take it to a gunsmith and have it inspected.

Marlin 39a is a fine, robust .22 firearm and if properly maintained and not abused will last a very, very long time.

[egg358]

Izzy, thanks I was thinking about taking it to a gunsmith. Like I said It has probably not been fired in years. It is old but it looks in good condition.

[SoCal Bob]

First check to make sure the barrel isn't obstructed, then buy a pack of .22LR snap caps. If it chambers and ejects the caps you should be good to go.

[egg358]

First check to make sure the barrel isn't obstructed, then buy a pack of .22LR snap caps. If it chambers and ejects the caps you should be good to go.

Awesome SOcal BOB i will try that!

[Izzy43]

Just because its old doesn't mean it won't shoot and shoot good. My brother has a Winchester .22 made in 1936 that shoots great. The quality of the build of older rifles is generally better than present day rifles.

[E Pluribus Unum]

What you do is you invite your friend shooting, but don't tell him about the questionable nature of the gun... you tell him.. "Wanna go shooting? I'll buy the Ammo" and then you let him shoot it first....

It's a .22 man... not a lot of pressures there. Load a round... wear eyes and ears... hold the rifle out like a handgun... close your eyes.... pull the trigger....

Even if it blows up in your hand, there's not a lot of force there.

If you're that worried about it, tie a fishing line to the trigger and pull it with that.

Just because its old doesn't mean it won't shoot and shoot good.

Yeah.. no doubt... I here Gene is a pretty good shot....

[Gatotsu77]

29,000 PSI is "not a lot of pressure"...? Since when? Boy, this is news to me. Unlikely as it may sound, it is still possible for a 22lr to grenade. Sure, it doesn't have nearly the force of a 50BMG, but it is still a firearm, and there is always some level of danger involved. If there is any question as to the integrity of the firearm, I'd consult a gunsmith before risking my hands or worse. If the question is merely "hey, this thing is old, will it hit the broadside of a barn?" and the weapon is structurally sound, I'd say get out there and find out.

For the sake of yourself and others, please treat ALL firearms with respect. Being a "lowly 22lr" does not mean it commands any less respect or precaution than any other chambering/caliber. Be safe.

[foesgth]

It all depends on how many friends you have...

The 39A is a great rifle. I learned to shoot with my grandfathers 39A and now my grandson shoots the same rifle. The 39A is a fairly simple rifle. There is a large slotted screw on the side of the receiver that allows the rifle to be taken down. Unscrew the screw and the rifle will separate into two sections. The "forward" section will have the barrel and tube magazine. Pull the mag tube out and wipe it down with some CLP or similar stuff. It should slide back in with out binding. Remove the bolt to the rear. You can then look down the barrel from the chamber end. This also allows you to clean the barrel from the chamber end. Before using a rod or bore snake lock the extractor down. That is the thing that is springing out of the side of the receiver. Push it down and turn the small screw at the forward end to hold it down. Don't forget to release it before firing. The "back" section has the workings and you should be able to clean that out without taking it apart. I spray mine with some cleaner (I use Mpro-7 but I hate starting Calguns flame wars by saying what I use) and let it sit for a bit. I then blow it out with compressed air. I respray with CLP and blow out the excess. Works for me anyway.
You are really going to enjoy this rifle. They are solid, accurate, and reliable. I'm a 22 addict and have a separate safe for 22s, but the 39A is one of my favorites. Now as a bonus for reading this long winded rambling from an old guy I have attached the manual for the rifle.

[egg358]

29,000 PSI is "not a lot of pressure"...? Since when? Boy, this is news to me. Unlikely as it may sound, it is still possible for a 22lr to grenade. Sure, it doesn't have nearly the force of a 50BMG, but it is still a firearm, and there is always some level of danger involved. If there is any question as to the integrity of the firearm, I'd consult a gunsmith before risking my hands or worse. If the question is merely "hey, this thing is old, will it hit the broadside of a barn?" and the weapon is structurally sound, I'd say get out there and find out.

For the sake of yourself and others, please treat ALL firearms with respect. Being a "lowly 22lr" does not mean it commands any less respect or precaution than any other chambering/caliber. Be safe.

I will be safe. I think I am leaning towards the gunsmith. Thanks. I know it is a .22 but I wasnt sure if it could blow up in my hand and hurt me. Thanks.

[Furncliff]

The smith will be cheap insurance and will put your mind at ease. Having said that I'm sure it will be fine, the 39 is built like a tank. When you go to the range the first time take a variety of ammo brands and see if your rifle has a preference, all my rimfires do.

This one is mine it's a 1971 model 39M. I've had it reblued since the photo.

[philobeddoe]

I purchased an early 50's Marlin 39A sight unseen and it shoots flawlessly.

Are you concerned due to its age or apparent condition?

I have numerous rifles from the 50's, including a lever 30/30, Mosins, SKS's, and a beautiful Colt 1911 I shoot all the time.

Age shouldn't be a concern. 50's just isn't that old IMO.

Good luck.

[E Pluribus Unum]

29,000 PSI is "not a lot of pressure"...? Since when? Boy, this is news to me. Unlikely as it may sound, it is still possible for a 22lr to grenade. Sure, it doesn't have nearly the force of a 50BMG, but it is still a firearm, and there is always some level of danger involved. If there is any question as to the integrity of the firearm, I'd consult a gunsmith before risking my hands or worse. If the question is merely "hey, this thing is old, will it hit the broadside of a barn?" and the weapon is structurally sound, I'd say get out there and find out.

For the sake of yourself and others, please treat ALL firearms with respect. Being a "lowly 22lr" does not mean it commands any less respect or precaution than any other chambering/caliber. Be safe.

It may be 29,000 Pounds Per Square Inch... but it's barely an inch of space.... a .22 can "grenade" but with an out-stretched arm with proper safety equipment, the .22LR's risk to life and limb is much less than a 50 BMG. When a 50 BMG fails, someone's getting hurt....

[egg358]

Thanks to everyone for the knowledge. All the help is greatly appreciated.