FIVE REASONS This Is The BEST 22 Rimfire Rifle Ever Made
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- Опубликовано: 18 сен 2024
- Here are my FIVE reasons that the Marlin 39a is the best 22 rifle of all time and why Ruger Firearms really, really has to reintroduce it. If you disagree with my conclusion about this gun being the best 22 rimfire rifle ever, I'll tell you in the video how you can vote for your personal favorite in the comments.
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I'm 83 years old and bought my 39a when I was 16. It has never failed to be the most accurate rifle I own.
I don't shoot much any more but if I did it would be my go to rifle.
Sir, Could not ask for a better testimonial than that!! Hope you get some trigger time with your old friend soon! Blsgs, gg
I'll vote for the Marlin 60. Bought mine at K-Mart in the early Seventies for $48 and its still going strong.
Yep. Mine too. 10s of thousands of rounds have been digested by mine and its still accurate and reliable. The only thing i had to do was reolace the nylon bkock and magazine spring. Couldnt afford to shoot it that way now. Back then a 550 found brick was less than $5
I had one when I was a kid, loved that gun had a squirrel on the pistol grip
Count me in too. My first rifle and also a Kmart purchase.
I still own a couple of them and have out shot a few buddies with their fancy high dollar rifles while out plinking. Best value .22 ever IMO.
I have one 43 years old to date and only replaced the rear sight adjuster, not sure how I lost it!
My vote for best 22 rifle is the Winchester 9422. Dad bought one for me and my brother in 1972. Still in the safe, and has also had thousands of rounds through it.
Yes! I was hoping the 9422 would get some love. I have the 9422m and love it. And I would love to have the 22LR version leaning beside it
9422m everybody wants one but doesn't want to pay the price...made when Winchester was creme la creme.
I have one from 1974
I have a Winchester 9422 'Classic' and that rifle is a sweetheart!...Plus, the Classic model with the curved lever was only produced for 3 years back in the 1980s.👍
I wouldn't seII mine for Love or money. And, it is a beautiful rifle. Deer camp every year always found one day for target shooting our 22's, nothing could out shoot it. These oId eyes don't see as weII anymore but it wiII stiII shoot better than I can.
I lost my MARLIN GOLDEN MOUNTIE 39A in Hurricane Katrina. That was my absolute favorite gun and I miss it dearly. It's what a Daisy Red Ryder becomes when it grows up. And it was omnivorous. It ate 22 long rifle, 22 short and even CB caps. I haven't been able to find a replacement. Maybe Marlin will bring them back. Watching this video actually brought tears to my eyes. Absolutely great video. Thanks for sharing it. Like Bob Hope used to say - Thanks for the memories.
Had one stolen in the 80s, recently replaced it with a mid 70s vintage. 100% $1,200.00. Never would've believed I'd pay that for a .22 but it's one of the great classics.
I've got a Golden 39A that's been my squirrel rifle for about 50 years. Marlins micro groove barrel is extremely accurate. The quality is exceptional. This rifle has spent countless hours in the woods, in all kinds of weather, and done its job hundreds of times without one problem...and it still looks like NEW! The bluing is still perfect! No signs of any fading or rust anywhere.
I got it second hand in the early 70s and have cherished ever since. It's a little on the heavy side but I think that makes it a little more steady. It's provided many, many wholesome delicious meals throughout 50 some years that I've been it's caretaker.
In a few years, the good Lord willing, it'll go to my grandson...still as beautiful, accurate and reliable as the day it was made.😊
Back when guns had real bluing.
That heavy is called quality.
My vote is kind of an oddball, but it's sentimental. The Remington Nylon 66 that my grandpa gave me when I was 11 is mine. Sometime after I went into the Army, it got lost in a move and I don't know what happened to it back home. Still chokes me up that it's gone, but that's life. Unbelievably accurate and fun. One day I'll pick up another one, when I can find enough quarters in the couch!
Also Jerry Michelec’s favorite. (Names is spelled wrong I think.)
My thoughts exactly. One gun from my childhood I wish I still had was the Remington 66 Nylon. Mine was bolt action with brown plastic stock and a detachable magazine. Uniting every way, and a fine looking rifle. Still looks modern today. Haven't come across one but would buy one if I do.
Thanks for another great video.
Unique in every way, that is
That was an semi automatic came out in 1963 . Their was a brown wood grain first then a black one .
Agree I have mine since 1977 best 22 accurate.
In 1964 Santa gave me a Ruger 10/22 for Xmas. I was 8 years old. I still have it today. Santa liked peep sights, so a set of Lyman’s were installed. I keep it in pristine condition and it never lets me down. 3 inch groups at 100yds with iron sights! Take down and cleaning is a breeze. For tinkerers, no other gun on planet earth has the depth of modifications and aftermarket accessories, if you are into that. Looking forward to teaching my grandkids to shoot with it.
ONE HUNDRED percent agree on 10/22. I love mine to the moon and back!
I had one...crappiest trigger on any gun I ever owned...and it was the fancy sporter version.
Santa had good taste in sighting devices.
My vote would be the browning BLR-22. light weight ,short lever throw, excellent sights ,and very accurate
I'm with you, Mike! Inherited one from my dad and it is a real gem. Love the short throw, super precise little tack driver..
He got it after I left home so I didn't know much about until I got it out and what a great surprise?
@@stephenedwards5038 I bought mine almost NIB at a gun show yrs ago, after looking at the winchester 9422. I've been happy with it every since
I agree 100%
Mike , I think you might love the Browning .22 semi automatic that comes a part in the middle😊too.
Agreed! Love my BLR-22!
Got my first A39 in 1953 for my birthday and my second in 1961 at a farm sale for $35 (it was still in the box that it originally came with). Yes, Thousands of rounds through each rifle. The "Farm Sale" rifle is a Golden Mountie model which my wife claimed shortly after we were married.
Ruger, if you are reading this, bring the Marlin 39A back into the production line. There 's a lot of younger future shooters out there who will stick with your brand based on their first
acquisition. Especially if it's a 39A.
I thought you were going to say "Ruger, if you are reading this make her give it back!" ;
Got a 1951 Peanut Model and still shoots like new with standard velocity 40 grain lead .22's...... just made a video on it, lol.... be well.
Thank you for sharing this 👍👍👍
I'd have to vote for the Remington nylon 66, my 1st gun bought for me by mom & dad. Still shoots dead on and reliable even when a kid abuses it. Great video 👍
The Marlin 39-A has similar balance and handling characteristics to the 336. That is another major reason I like it so much. Many years ago when my cousin and I hefted the two rifles while blindfolded to see if we could tell the difference in weight and balance, we could not tell the difference. Our test excluded cheating by feeling around the receiver and magazine tube, to discern which rifle we handed to each other. The 39-A is a great training tool for Marlin’s larger rifles!
The 336 they made to try to replace the 93 and the model 93s square bolt was supirior and it had no crosshammer saftey. The 39a has the square bolt which is supirior. It also being a lever gun makes its emdurance abive that of the semi automatics like the model 60 or ruger 10/22. You shoot a lot through those they wont last 100 200 years in good enough shape to be relics and collectors items. The 39a and 1893 design are similar they can last over 100 years easily. 336 is worse downgrade. Still nice rifles worth 700 bucks even more tbh but they moved to a roumd bolt to try to be cool and advanced and the square bolt just keeps the dust out better in my enviorment i think.
My vote for best 22 rifle ever is the Winchester 9422. Best looking, solid Steel, Made in America, smooth as operation.
That's a nice Marlin you have there tho and I totally get why you feel that way about your first rifle. Love your work!
Thanks!
I have 2 model 39’s. One I got a job to buy in 1973, cost $90 used- I was 13 years old. The second a mid 90’s JM stamped no safety I purchased for my dad ( I took it back when he passed). My favorite by far.
Sweet! I bought a 39a for my dad when I was in the army. I recently gave that to my adult son. He remembered his "Pappaw" shooting that gun.
They ( the 39A) were $101.00 including the tax in 1970. Oh the great memories !
ed here, please measure the firing pin extrusion with bullet in barrel and respond. my rifle and friends wont shoot right. we cant find new firing pin, but can get the pin extended with welder!
@@patriciareynolds2729 you might find a firing pin on eBay
I don't mind the safety at all. What I hated was the 39 with the rebounding hammer.
That's a really nice looking lever gun, I agree with you that Ruger needs to reintroduce this, if not the entire Marlin lineup. However, they need to relax with their prices. They're insane
Unfortunately, we have Henry to blame, and Ruger/Marlin are watching them.
The Model 60 isn't coming back.
@@williams762 Bingo ! Ruger has certainly looked at Henry's prices and are acting accordingly !
You realize a lever gun is actually more costly to make than the average bolt action rifle?
Ruger took the great 30-30 Marlin 336 and re-introduced it well out of the price range of the average working man. While the quality may be nice, the $1,100 + price tag is ridiculous. When I started hunting (legally) in 1962, the Marlin 336 and the Winchester Model 94 30-30 were priced well within range of most people's budget. I'm glad to still have my Winchester 94 30-30 angle eject with the cross-bolt safety made in 1992.
Just purchased one from a good friend , took it apart cleaned everything put it back together . shot it the next day and this baby was on target . she's a 1954 model Marlin 39a and worth every penny !!!
Dave Cook
The Marlin 39 is my favorite .22 in all it’s forms. Whether a 39a, 39d, 39m, 39tds, the original 1897 or the ri 1897cowboy. It was my birthday the other day…I had to get out my 39golden m out and go for a plinking woods walk with the lab. Even though I was a year older…I felt like a kid again for a little while carrying my 39…it’s such a fun, accurate and handsome rifle. I hope Ruger brings the 39 back to life.
I have a 39d
My favorite .22s are the 39a and the ruger mark 4 standard and the marlin model 60. I never been a big 10/22 fan i like magazine fed guns i just dont know if i trusts .22 in a rotating mag or a stick mag. .22 usually for plinking or varmints so to me the 15+1 tube was fine.. gets the job done. Reliable nothing to lose. Butnthe model 60 was aluminum and semi automatic it competed with the 10/22 and the 39a competed more with like henry .22s it was just an incredubly durable gun it wasnt made of a 4 metal alloy wrapped in a sheet of brass. Marlin very high quality .22 in the 39a it was built well to last like an 1894 in 3030 a 94 in 3030 or a 336 in 3030 or a 1894 version of the 1893 theyre selling in like .357 or whatwever today. Same gun the design is very everlasting due to simplicity and the way its constructed.
I have a Marlin 39A made in the early 50’s, it is the greatest 22 of time. The finish on mine is terrible and I had to change out the wood. Someone did not take very good care of it before I bought it, but I’ve taken many squirrels with it and it’s super fun to shoot. It has a great trigger.
i inherited my grandfathers marlin, he got in in the early 50's. the wood varnish was blistering even tho my grandfather took good care of it, my uncle had it and he was a hording hermit, it was still in decent shape but needed some care, the barrel was flawless. i sanded down the wood funiture, re-stained and gave it a high gloss tru-oil finish. took the whole thing apart every single part to its smallest part even the mag tube. deep cleaned, re-blued the worn parts marlin black. gave it a super anti-rust protective coating of eezox. by far the most satisfying project ive done, its such a beautiful and accurate rifle.
Yeah, I would love to see Ruger bring back the gun. It's a beauty. I owned a Ruger 10-22 for many years and I think I would be inclined to vote it as best ever. I loved everything about it and loading and unloading it was convenient with that rotary mag.
They use to make 30 and 50 round mags for the 10/22. They were smoke colored so you could see how many rounds were in them.
It is one of the best 22 models. It is really sad I had to scroll this far down to find someone who actually listed a relevant model.
But with the machining and skills needed, it would probably cost $400 now! Love to have one, but……
@@wrstew1272 Huh? I am confused. What are you talking about?
Marlin made a model 60 they disontinued and you can get good ones for plinking for like 150 bucks and i have 2 i got for free. Rhey were the only ones that even tried toccompete with rugers 10/22 and idk if theyll jump back in that semi auto .22 segment now being owned by ruger but what i really.gope for is that they bring back the 39a and that little pump action .22 they had i think those two are very complimentary unique peculiar guns and now the old ones are expensive collectors items id buy if i could spend 5k for a pair without wanting to commit suicide.
The 39A gets my vote. It's my 2nd oldest firearm in my collection and bought it new in the '60's. I remember shooting at flies on my target at 100 yrds and coming very close to hitting them. Great gun and a favorite of mine.
I bought my 39A in 1972, and it had been built in 1968. It has been a very dependable and accurate rifle. I would easily say that it was my favorite followed closely by a Remington Nylon 66, which is also very accurate. The principle reason that I prefer the 39A is it feels like and shoots like it was made for an adult, unlike many competitors that have shorter stocks and barrels and the comb is correct for an adult, instead canting your head too far to get sight alignment.
My favorite nostalgia wise has to be the Winchester 63, and I love my Henry 22, but the 39A is a true classic. Ruger would do well to bring them back.
The model Golden 39A is a true American classic . Started life in the 1890 ‘s and the oldest is a .22 caliber , .22 short , long, long rifle
@@genelyda1102 How can you mention that worthless pot metal piece of junk henry in the same reply as The Great Winchester & Marlin rifles ?
@@walksfletcher you've obviously never had a Henry, they are great, accurate rifles, well made.
I have a 1903 and I really like the feel and operation of that rifle. But obviously 22 winchester automatic isn't widely available nowadays, so the model 63 would be the next best thing.
The Winchester 1903 was probably the best rimfire semi automatic rifle ever made, anywhere in the world. The model 63 was very similar, and in 22LR, but it was cheapened very slightly in a couple of aspects.
My vote for the best 22 rifle is Winchester model 52. What a work horse! From a Boy Scout gun, military training rifle, competition, field use. Most accurate and well built 22 rifle I have ever owned.
Totally agree with the 52 Winchester. We have 5 of them and 3 Remington 40X. The 40X is runner up here.
Copy that. The craftsmanship is superb, sub-MOA from my 93 year old model, and has never failed. My favorite firearm of all-time actually.
Hands down! I have my Dad's 52B. I couldn't tell you how many 100 10X's it has produced !!!
When I was young I always had my Marlin Golden 39A with me. Loved that rifle. It was the reason I bought my 336C in 35 Rem years later.
Another Marlin fan! Even though I love other guns, the Marlin brand is special to me😉
@@TargetSuite Mine had the pistol grip and the little hammer extension for your thumb. Like you I fired countless bricks of .22 through it and never had a single issue. I got mine around 1966 as well. Soon after two of my friends bought one after shooting mine. I've never shot a .22 I liked better.
I have the 30A and think it is a classic . Certainly my vote for number 1!
Marlin 39-A wins hands down in all categories: dependable, accurate, easy take down, and fun to shoot. It was my first gun; bought it new in 1965 for $115 . I was 15 years old and got it by mail order direct to the house. How times have changed. 1040, 2/11/23
Have one that has the octagon barrel, case hardened receiver and a Marlin scope still in its original box. You price this gun out and it's one of the most expensive. 22's out there . Great gun.
My very first gun was given to me in 1973 when I was 14 and is still with me today. A 9422M. I remember how big those rounds looked back then compared to the LR. Only as I grew older and had experience with other long guns did I truly appreciate the build quality and smoothness of the action on that gun. Just a few short years ago I added a 39A Golden 24" to my collection of lever guns and although it can't reach out as far as the 9422M it is a tack driver by comparison. Paid well north of $1000 to get it but glad I did.
Sweet! You've got two great rimfires there!
Ed here, can u measure the firing pin extrusion at rear with bullet in barrel? mine and a friends wont shoot, pin seems to be worn and cant find new parts.
Would love to see Ruger/Marlin bring back 39A. I have a couple Henry's and they are fun, but the old Marlin had much nicer lines
But would you pay $600+ for one? Do you think many people would?
@@eloiseharbeson2483 that’s a question you’d have to ask others. Unfortunately the price of firearms in general have gone up and many “quality” ones are beyond the reach of many. Would I pay that much? No. $300? Yes. The 1895s they brought back are nice but they aren’t cheap. I can understand why they are beyond the reach of the average person today. Between inflation, economy and everything else. I understand why people get high points. Ruger is usually on the cheaper end but even the 10/22s are $350+ depending on the model now
Please, make it again . I would buy today . I love Marlin 39 A.
Will take my Frontier over a 39A any time.
@@eloiseharbeson2483If Ruger produces a 39A, it will be a lot closer to $1300 than $600. The 45/70 they are producing are selling in the $1500 to $2000 range.
I found a 1954 Marlin 39a Mountie several years ago in one of our local pawn shops. I am a High School Soccer coach and our Mascot is a Mountie (Mountaineers). I love it. It now has become a family heirloom that I will pass to my son.
Love the lever. Thanks for your videos. Love them all.
Thank you! I really appreciate your comment. And congrats on that 1954 model 39a. Family history in the making!
I've really enjoyed the Browning BL-22 with it's super short throw.
LOVE the BL-22!!!!
YES.👍👍👏🇺🇲
Me too, the only thing that I dread is that it’s a bear to take apart and put back together.
YOU SAID IT MAN! EXTREMELY ACCURATE AND LOVED THE SHORT THROW LEVER. BUT THE MARLIN 39A IS A JEWEL AS WELL.
Love them as well ‼️
I own 5 of them in different years and styles .
Cheers from near Vancouver Canada 🍻
My dad bought his circa 1954 when he was stationed in Alaska with the USAF. He was part of a game and research division where he hunted, fished, and trapped for 2 years. He told of many adventures with his 39a including standing in place while dropping 5 snow shoe rabbits and hauling it in the sled behind his dog team. It's has a little spot on the barrel where it sat and bounced in bush plane. I still have that rifle today and its the best, straightest shooting .22 I own.
That is a fine looking rifle. I have a Henry 22lr and feel it's simple to maintain and offers tremendous fun when plinking.
👍
I've wondered if Ruger will reintroduce the 39A. On one hand it would be great to see new ones being produced and new shooters getting to experience what a joy these rifles are but on the other hand these rifles are so legendary that it will be hard for Ruger to produce one that lives up to the reputation. Sometimes legend becomes larger than life.
Well said! And I'm sure it would come with a crossbolt safety as well. For a lot of folks that would ruin it.
@@TargetSuite BOOOOOOO!
Don't panic just yet @CallawayKen! I was just speculating about the safety😉
@@TargetSuite The Rossi was ruined with a POS safety.
I have a Remlin 1894c that is amazing, If Ruger can match/exceed the Remlin mfg. rifles, I have no doubt they can make a superb 31a.. just be ready to pony up $$..
I absolutely love my Marlin Golden 39A. It's a fine rifle and I'd love to see them brought back. I also love my Henry 22's.
👍👍
I LOVE Marlin lever action rifles because I have used them since I started hunting when I was twelve & I'm 68 now. I LOST ALL my rifles after my parents died due to a family member. To be able to continue to hunt again from 5 years ago, I had to repurchase rifles to replace as close as to what I lost. I bought a Henry 22 rifle & it does a respectable job for me & is fun like you said about the Marlin. I got the Henry because of the price. Thanks & GOD BLESS!
I bought a Henry Lever action because of my BAD experience with a (Remington made) Marlin XT-22 TRS. And by that stage, I'd already bought "slightly more than just two or three" SPEED-D-LOADERS for a tube magazine. To be clear, there's nothing wrong with the Henry (not a single "fault" of any kind), I just don't shoot it well. Even with a 6x scope on it, I'll get unexplained misses on a 4" plate at 25 yds. In comparison to my BRNO Mod 2, even with open sights, I will NOT miss a 4" plate. (I know 4" at 25yds is nothing to boast about, I'm just using it as a real world comparison). Just something about the ergonomics (of the Henry) that I don't quite mate up to. (Oh, and for further clarity, the Henry will shoot 3/4 inch groups at 25 yds all day (the BRNO 1/2 inch) on a benchrest, so it's not an "ammo" issue causing the flyers, it's ME - with the Henry. The 1/4" better groups on the BRNO (from a bench) still doesn't explain why I shoot "SO MUCH BETTER" with it than another rifle, be it standing / kneeling / prone.)
@@OhSoddit Thanks for your kind reply. GOD BLESS.
Beautiful,accurate,reliable and fun. What more could you ask of a 22. I have a 39A my dad gave me for Christmas years ago and I love it.
I will always be partial to the 9422 though because it’s the rifle I learned to shoot with.
Not a lever gun, but my vote for the best is for the Marlin 60. Specifically, one made between 1986 and 1990. That stretch of time had the Model 60 sporting a 22 inch barrel, 17/18 round full length magazine, and it also has the last shot hold open feature, introduced in 1986. It's a pretty accurate rifle, right out of the box. All of my Model 60s show an accuracy preference for CCI Mini-Mag rounds. Having said that, if Ruger did bring back the Marlin 39, I would give it some serious consideration.
I have so much fun with my 60. I also have loads of fun with my S&W 422.
I just made a comment and praised my Glenfield (Marlin) Model 60. New Haven JM Stamp. Squirrel Wood Stock. Made in 1977. Very Accurate. seems to prefer Remington Thunderbolts.
@@kencarnley7101Good to hear. That's about the only ammo that makes my 22's jam. I can use almost anything else.
I lost count of all the rounds that went thru mine. 10s of thousands. The 550 round bricks were cheap and i know dozens of those bricks went thru mine every years for many years.
@@kencarnley7101Among the smoothest lines of Marlin leveractions the Glenfield is one with the smooth ,sleek lines of the Woodstock!
Hard call here. 10-22 is hard to beat but I believe that a lever gun is the best non semiautomatic choice without question. That’s a beautiful rifle! I have a Marlin model 60. But I agree with your assessment completely!
Soo many good 22s to compare too. Most older people - including me - would choose the 39A as the best. Younger people may not have had a chance to see the craftsmanship in them. An octagonal barrel model is needed. Maybe a 39A vs Henry vs 9422 challenge. Thanks for all you do for lever guns. 🙏 👍 🇺🇸
My dad had a Marlin .22 lever action he got back in the 70's. In the 60's he also had a Remington Field master pump .22 rifle. Both were excellent guns.
I vote Winchester 9422. I have a 1979 build date and it's just as beautiful today as ever. Just a high quality build, accurate shooting rifle.
MANY Great 22s have been made , my 3 favorite flawless 22s are
Winchester M 52
Ruger 10-22
Remington nylon 66
PS. George your Marlin 22 lever
gun is a very nice rifle indeed 👍
Oh, that Winchester Model 52! What a fantastic rifle.
@@TargetSuite Gunblue490 has a beauty.
I've never shot a 39A but I am very impressed with what I saw in the video. With that being said my vote is for the Ruger 10-22. Great video!!!!!
Thanks for your comment, and thank you for your vote!
Your five reasons describe almost all 22 rifles made by the top manufacturers. Model 60, 10/22 are pretty darn good also. I have three Marlin 39's and love'em for sure.
Just ran across your channel and I agree the Marlin 39 is the best .22 rifle ever made. I have a couple. A 1965 Mountie and a 1953 Peanut. I have a couple of Winchester Model 62A rifles also and I give them runner up in my book. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Colonel Larson, The Marlin Man in 1968. I was manager of a discount store sporting goods department (predated WalMart) and we had set up an area for him to shoot in the back of our 110,000 sq foot building. Perfectly safe set up in a hall way. Everything was a go until about 15 minutes before the exhibition was to take place. We had gotten approval from the local PD, but the Fire Department got wind of it and shut it down claiming it was a fire hazard of all things. He did get to give a wonderful talk and show his shooting souvenirs to the crowd that showed up, including the famous Indian Chief outline on a large plate of aluminum. I am a .22 nut and I look forward to watching your channel.
I agree with you completely! I have a 1954 39a with some honest wear on it. Out of all my Marlins, big and small, it is my longest, heaviest and most accurate. I love it so much. Thanks for sharing.
The Marlin Model 39-A is my absolute favorite rifle! I have owned my cherished Model 39 since 1978. Fortunately, mine was produced well before the cross bolt safety. Ruger reintroducing the Model 39-A for a new generation of shooters, would be one of the nicest best decisions the people at Ruger could make. Would love to see the return also of variations including the “Cowboy” model, Mountie and Texan.
My vote is the Winchester model 52 bolt action 22 LR because it was built as a competitive target rife for long range shooting. It is heavy for accuracy.
@@roberta949
Nice accurate rifle. I have a Anshutz 164 Sporter nice light and accurate. Head shot groundhog not a problem at 125yds.
@@roberta949
I hear you on these guns.
I've always wanted the Kimber of Oregon 22 had the opportunity to purchase one a couple of years ago but had to pass. It was more important for me to get a truck. Wish I had now and waited another month on the truck. Oh well maybe next time I won't be damn near walking.
I agree. My WIN 52B cannot be beat.
I agree with your assessment on the model 39. It’s a very intricate design and I’m doubtful that Ruger could produce it and keep the cost anywhere near affordable. We can hope though 😀
The Henry Frontier became my favorite. With the octagonal barrel it's dead accurate,. At an Appleseed shoot the accuracy (with peep sights) surprised the instructors. Action is way smoother than the 39A, and has a length of pull for today's average height. The classic Marlin's tend to be short on Length of pull as they haven't changed the stock length since the early 1900's. I've had people cycle the action the first time and smile at how butter smooth it is. And I didn't do anything to it.
Made for use with a heavy winter jacket for squirrel season up north.
I've shot two 39A's. Both were very, very accurate.
I like your Skinner sights on that rifle!
The 39A's I shot had scopes w 3/4 inch tubes. The scopes seemed very proportional to the rifles, but they are old. I haven't seen a decent quality scope that seems like it would look good on a 39A. Iron sights look good on lever guns, especially Skinner iron sights. But the 39s are so accurate that it'd be nice to take full advantage of that with a decent scope.
I would buy one without a doubt, I hope Ruger listens and brings this one back. My first rifle was a Marlin Model 60 so fond memories of that one still have it 50 years later.
Hey George; My vote for best .22LR rifle ever is: Mossberg model 144. (It was my Mother's. Purchased in 1947 just after the war. She was a crack shot with it and all us kids learned to shoot using it. My kids learned to shoot using it and my grandkids will learn to shoot using it when their time comes. I was proud to inherit it when she passed.) As you said, history is important, especially family history.
I've got a Mossberg 144LSA and a 146B and both are exceptionally accurate 22's
@gregorycorcoran Great to hear from you. My son and I were reorganizing our ammo closet and I found a couple of boxes of ammo with your name written on them. Thanks again!
George, you are most welcome my friend. May they serve you well. Use them in good health. God bless.
i purchased a beautiful 39AS yesterday at a local gun show only because I have never owned one. Over the years have had many 22 rifles and always thought the Winchester 9422 was the best to own which I have. Guess I will be making my own comparison now. As of today I would have to vote for the 9422, but just comparing mine to the Marlin I would agree with your comment on the durability of the Marlin. It is built like a tank. Thank you for your video's they are always excellent!!
I received my first 22 rifle for my fourteenth birthday back in 1969. I still have that rifle and it still works excellently. It was a Ruger 10/22. I have owned and still have Marlin rifles and they are definitely fine rifles as well. The best is in the belief of the beholder. Great vidio.
My vote is the 39A. When I was taught to hunt we didn't have the money to buy such a special rifle as that one. I actually got a 22 Ethica single shot lever action. After feeding the family for 3 years with that. My father saved up enough money and went and bought me a Glenfield 60 in 1981. By that point in time though I had a taste for Whitetails and archery. You actually got to use what I considered as a dream rifle.
Thanks for your comment. I was very blessed to have parents that would and could buy me a rifle like that as a kid. That fact is not lost on me.
My vote for best .22 rifle ever made goes to the Marlin 39a. I'd buy a Ruger-Marlin 39a but would walk away from a .22 lever gun produced by a certain manufacturer that comes to mind if it was anything other than free. By the way, if Ruger-Marlin ever took a notion to produce a Model 60 .22 semiauto rifle, I'd buy one of those too! Great video as usual!
Thanks! I'd be in on a new model 60 as well!
I doubt they produce anything that close to the 10-22.
@@charlesmckinley29 I strongly suspect you are correct. But I still miss the Model 60 because of the "adult length of pull" as at just a tick over six feet four inches tall I got me some long arms and I am most comfortable with such rifles.
@@furmanmackey5479 I understand I teach field position shooting and finding a 22 to fit your frame is difficult. A stock 10/22 is made to fit a 12 year old boy. The cost of everything is going crazy doesn’t help either.
@@charlesmckinley29 Thanks for the kind and knowledgeable response as I was fully prepared to be beaten on and about my head and ears so to speak, by some folks, for even suggesting a relaunch of the Model 60.
I can definitely see why you love this rifle, George. I've never shot/owned a 39A but now I wish I had. My experience with a .22 lever gun is with the Browning BL22. It's a fun, accurate gun BUT not easy to clean properly. If only you knew someone at Ruger who deals with lever guns... :))
I'm not typically manipulative, but there was definitely and ulterior motive in posting this video😉
When the CEO of Ruger asked us to email our wants from the Marlin line, the first thing I mentioned was the model 39A.
Hey George !!
Great video Brother I totally agree
1,000 %
The Marlin model 39A is the very best 22 caliber lever action rifle ever made !!
I was 12 years old when I got my first one !
My Grandfather needed his barn, and Grainery ,Quonset , car garage and the chicken house, all painted.
So we made a deal if I scraped & painted all the buildings on his farm site after I finished I could pick out ANY gun I wanted !!
So it took me ALL summer (1980) to paint all the buildings on his farm. When I did complete the job we took a trip into town !
When ever we went too town Grandpa would buy us each a bottle of coke!Like from a bottle machine that you put a Dime in and pull out a “glass” bottle of your choice either orange crush or Coke was always the two I chose.
True story my grandpa used to buy dynamite and long fuses to blow huge rocks up in the fields at the coast to coast hardware store !
This same coast to coast hardware sold guns !
So my choice was between the Winchester lever action 22-caliber or the marlin 39A 22- cal lever action !!
I went with Marlin because that particular year they came out with a heavy barrel and claimed that their lever action 22 was the most accurate 22 ever made at the time !!
And I’m glad I went with the Marlin 39A
They called it the “22 bulls eye special heavy barrel” gold sights and covered and adjustable !
I actually put a scope on my other 39A and my Marlin 17 HMR and those two rifles are the most accurate varmint rifle as I have !
I did notice the Bulls Eye was missing on your 39A’s stock George !!
I had heard that the model 60 22 cal semi auto is the most sold rifle of any rifle EVER !
Millions & Millions sold world wide !
Of course I have two of those also !
About a hundred bucks I think each ?
That’s probably why they sold so many ?
Cheap and reliable !
But you definitely have my vote on marlin 39A the best 22 rifle ever made and if Ruger happens to see your video George it should definitely be one they bring back and keep it just like it is because that’s a rifle of a life time !
One and done the very best their is !
Two thumbs up George !
George, I forgot to add in my comment in the state of Minnesota. They made it mandatory that kids take firearm safety classes to learn the dangers of rifles and handguns not just for the farm kids like myself but also the city / town kids .
it was mandatory for the entire class !
And of course it was fun. Got to bring your rifle to the firing range with your parents and they brought their rifles or pistols it was a great time. I took the class three years in a row. LOL !
Great review! I love my 39A…bought it NIB in 2007…probably one of the last manufactured before Remington bought Marlin. It shoots better offhand than any other rifle I own! The ‘hang’ and balance are absolutely perfect. Mine loves CCI Standard Velocity. I wouldn’t shoot Stingers through it…the case is longer than regular 22lr rounds and can eventually damage the throat in your chamber. The Skinner takedown cases for the 39A are a must have as well…perfect way to travel with your favorite shooter! You forgot to mention it’ll hold 26 22 Shorts! Mine will cycle 22lr, 22 Shorts, CB Longs and snake shot all loaded randomly in the tube and never skip a beat! THAT in itself is reason to own one! The Ultimate Survival rifle 😎🍻
I agree with your assessment wholeheartedly!!! I have a model 39a made in 1951. My favorite gun by far. I'm deadly with it even with open sights. What I especially like is it feels like a larger caliber weapon when handling it. I have an older 30-30 Marlin lever as well. All my guns are either Marlin or Ruger.
Enjoyed that.
For me it has to be the 9422.
For all of the same reasons as the 39, apart from the years in production.
But I think the 9422 beats the 39 on looks.
So they're kinda even on points.
Bought my 9422 in 1978. The first thing I bought when I left school and started earning. Still got and use it.
Cheers, Chris from Cornwall in the UK.
Thanks Chris! As I said in a previous comment, if you add it to the mix, the superior fit and finish of the Winchester 9422 would put it right up there with the Marlin 39A.
I remember pricing out a 9422 back then. About $100.
@@wisconsinfarmer4742
Mine was £135.
Several weeks pay back then.
But wasn't yet worrying about rent/mortgage and all those associated costs.
@@c.d.3485 I was wrong $100 was the price in 1973, by 1978 -inflation was running wild, plus in your case import additions.
A pound was probably well over $2 in those days .
In 73 I went with a Mossberg 346K, because I read an article on accuracy vs autoload, pump, lever. And it was the one offered by Montgomery Wards. I never realized how competitive that unit was.
My vote is the Remington Speedmaster Model 552. Its able to shoot .22 shorts, .22 long , and .22 long rifle. Rare in a semi auto to shoot all 3. Keep up the good content.
I was lucky to find a 39A Mountie under the Christmas tree circa 1950's. It served me well all these years but it sometimes hesitates feeding rounds If I work the lever too slowly. I must confess that I always loved the Winchester mod 62 and 61 pumps.. And there is no more elegant 22 than John Browning's semi auto..
Yes. The SA-22 is a great one, for sure.
If the magazine tube pin is loose it will let the tube move forward [ ever so little ] and it will cause the gun to jam.
Thank you for bringing up my thoughts of my youth. My first Love was a Marlin 39A used, but was to expensive for my Dad. He bought me a bolt action Marlin which I still have. Even now at 76 a Marlin 39A is on my bucket list.
Thanks for your comment. I sure hope your bucket gets filled up!
I purchased a Henry Frontier last year, added a Vortex scope, and really enjoyed the squirrel hunting in my local.
Love the Marlin 39A but my favorite is the Browning BL-22 for two reasons. 1. Mag Tube latch. 2. Quick lever throw (just open and close your hand)
Yep. I get it. I bought a BL 22 micro Midas for my grandson. It was my first experience with that design and it's very nice
I agree !
Sorry, Buddy... I like my .22s/.22/.22lr takedown, pump action "gallery gun!" 😀
But, that's a beautiful piece!
I get it! I just bought my son a 1934 Remington Model 12 pump 22 takedown. What a great gun!
@@TargetSuite That's mighty nice of you... "Dad." 😉
I'll have to look at that one. I have a newer 10-22 Takedown semi auto. So fun to plink. Easy to clean / cheap ammo really makes these rifles great to shoot.
I've had both the 9422 and the 39
a. Like both but...the 39 is my favorite.
My vote is for the Marlin 39 A. I bought mine in 1970 and still have today. I’ve taken a lots of Squirrels and Rabbits, a number of Raccoons with this firearm. I will never part with it. I have nothing but great memories and history with gun. Never broke down or had to replace any parts. Finest .22 I’ve owned and I have a few of them but always relied on this Marlin when it came to putting meat on the table. Thanks so much for this video!!!
I love my dads 1970 commemorative that was given to me when he passed. I also installed a bullseye in the 39A after watching how you did it. Thanks Jeff
Thanks for watching. And it's good to know that sometimes my videos are helpful😉
I appreciate your channel and content so much!!! My vote is the Browning BL-22. However what I would really love to see is a comparison of the 39A, Browning BL-22 and the Henry Small Game Rifle (or any other variant of the Henry). Since those two rifles seem to be what Ruger/Marlin would be in direct competition with if they chose to produce 39’s! Just my two cents.
Doing a comparison video is a great idea! Thanks!
The BL-22 Grade II Octagon with a 24” barrel is hard to beat. The only thing that beats it is the same thing with a blued or case hardened receiver.
My vote is for the Winchester 9422. I do agreed that Ruger should bring this back as well, but I am a Winchester fanboy 😀
I never had a. Chance to use the 39a and if I did I might feel differently but based on my experience I would have to vote for the Henry Golden Boy . It has all the qualities you mentioned and still available...
Remington Nylon 66 The first Plastic Gun. They shot 10's of thousands of rounds in test when they first came out. I bought mine for $68.00 at a appliance store in around 1966 I believe. I still got the original box for it. It.
My vote would be the Winchester Model 190. Got it from my Dad when I was 12 years old. Still have it. It is still accurate and never has a misfire, or jam
Although I have never fired one, I have seen the Marlin 39A in person and it seemed to exude class and quality. If Ruger did make a run of the 39A, what would the price point be? I'm guessing around $1100-1300 and, if so, how much demand would there be for said gun? Undoubtedly, the true connoisseur would grab one, but I am not so sure the average Joe would look twice at it. Still, let's hope they make a run of them with the quality of the old Marlins; I'd be sorely tempted to buy one.
I own a marlin 39a it's a great lever gun and dependable one of my favorites, I have many others as well, however the greatest 22 rim fire ever made title belongs to the Weatherby Mark XXII ..you don't measure groups, they are all the same hole!! ..Great video's George I watch them all and thumbs up..Best Regards , D.
I agree cause I own the marlin golden 39 A as it's called. I bought it in the early 70s for something like A little over 300 dollars..today there valued around 700 dollars or more used and $ 1,068 new according to google if you can find one, because no one wants to sell them including me. it has a micro grove barrel, great sights, easy take down ,very very accurate,,the parts are heavy duty, it has a walnut stock ,and holds19 long rifle 22s, .22 long..and 26 shorts.i love this rifle almost as much as my wife
My Dad bought a used Marlin 39A in 1960. We shot the bejeez out of it, and it never failed! I put a 6x scope on it and turned it into a 50 yard squirrel rifle. Scope is still on it, and it still shoots extremely well ( Feb.2023). This gun was made by Marlin in 1941.
Great video, you cover all the points. My 39A was my first gun, a big deal with a single mom who disliked guns. Yours is the carbine with the straight or English stock and 20 inch bbl. The 39A was also made with a 24 inch bbl and a semi pistol grip stock. I will agree that the carbine is as good as it gets. My Winchester 94/22 comes close, but lacks the overall tight fit of the Marlin machining. A Winchester 62 is a close second, but a lever gun needs to be number one. I think Bill Ruger would have made it perfect again, but I am not so sure that Ruger would do right by it now. They seem to dislike machining any firearms when they can investment cast a cheaper version. Marlin machining was superb throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, and these are hand finished and fit guns.
I've got 2. First, Browning SA 22. My Dad purchased it in the early 1970's All steel, Compact and lightweight. Extremely accurate. Next is the Remington 550-1. I purchased it years ago. From a older man. No one in his family to pass it on to. Made in 1955. It's all steel also. It is extremely accurate. With a scope on it. Groups around 1" or less at 75 yds. Because of the floating chamber. It shoots 22lr' longs, and shorts. This feature also prevents it from jamming. If it fires it will absolutely eject the spent round. Chamber the next. Naturally, there's a dud round every now and then. But that's not the rifles fault.
Thanks for your comment. My son and I have been thinking about one of those 550s for a long time. But I have to confess, I was not aware of the floating chamber. I guess I'll have to do some research. Thanks again!
My vote would be for the Winchester 67 or the 68 bolt action single shot. Simply because I have had them all my life, I learned to shoot with them 60 or so years ago. But I may be a little biased! 🤷♂️
My vote is for Marlin 39a. I'm 70 and had one as a very young man. Have owned many 22 rifles in my years and that's the one I wish I had back.
My Dad gave me mine at Christmas, 1960, when I was 12. He would never allow me to have a BB gun because he said they were guns but nobody treated them that way. Still have it. It is beautiful looking and shoots where you hold. Who could ask for more ?
I'm 80, and I bought my Marlin 39A Mountie around the same time you did, in the mid sixties. My son has it now, so it's still in the family! I concur with your evaluation of it being the best 22 rifle of all time😄!
It took me a while to finally get a 39D but it and a 336 30-30 have the best triggers I have encountered in a rifle! My first .22 was a Ruger standard model. Next .22 was a 10/22 made in 1976, walnut stock, it’s a tack driver, who knew? Bought the 39D 18 months ago. I love it. First time apart and back together was a little tricky for me but the handling and cleaning is part of the allure, right? My favorite .22 was a Remington 517. It had no sights installed so I put a Leupold 8x with AO. Half inch groups all day long with Eley 10x or green tag CCI at 100 yds. Had to sell it to pay a few bills, still dream about it, it’s my favorite .22 rifle. The 39D and 10/22 are a tie for second place. Wish my dad had been a shooter and had given me a 39 TD or 39 A when I was a kid. But no joy there. I bought my first firearm, a folder Beretta monoblock in 16 gauge when I was 21. Long live the second amendment!
I feel that the remington 512 is another one right there with the 39 series. Especially if you can get an early version of them. The handiness of shorts or longs or long rifle enables you to cover every need.
I have a 1970 Model 39 Century Limited. My dad bought it to teach me to shoot. It was the first gun I ever shot when I was 8 years old and I still have the same one. I have many firearms now, this is the last one I would ever sell.
My dad gave me an unused 1894m Marlin 22 mag lever action he got back in the 80s, and I absolutely fell in love with it.
Got my Golden Mountie for Christmas in 1958, when I was seven years old. Still have it; a beautiful gun that is reliable and accurate. Yup, the best damn .22 ever made.
Definitely the Marlin 39. The first firearm I ever purchased myself was a Golden 39 with the microgroove barrel. Hunted with it until in my old age I bought a CZ 455 American. The CZ is a little more accurate and has a better trigger but it isn't that old Marlin. The CZ 455 has been replaced by a CZ 457 in 17 hmr. Things change but that Marlin will always be first in my heart.
I have a number of 22s. But my only lever 22 is the Browning 22 lever gun. I love the loading spring lock. It does not require the push and turn of most (all?) Tube mag 22s.
Thanks for your comment. It's interesting that my son's Remington Model 12 22 pump from the 1930s has that same push-button mag tube release.
My first lever gun was the "Marlin 39 Century LTD" .22lr carbine. It is such a sweet shooter & for a carbine length, it is highly accurate. I came up in rural Western Mass. agricultural & farm land. I took numerous Woodchucks off farmers' land, which they highly appreciated, because cattle can step in a chuck hole & break a leg & the mounded up soil is a nuisance to haying equipment. Most of my shooting was at about 100 yards, because they are very wary of vibrations & movement. I'm 73 now & have amassed a sizeable collection, but that anniversary carbine is one of my most revered.
I’ve always liked the Browning but that Marlin looks lovely too.
I have a Marlin 39A Mountie similar to yours. It was born in 1967 and wears a Skinner Black Gold Peep. It is a sweet rifle and will never get traded or sold!
Yes, I have had one (my 1st gun) for 66 years. Traded for another one in 1970. Still have and use both. Firing pin wore down on the first after thousands of rounds. 20 Mins. and a Tig weld 10 years ago. Runs fine again.
I purchased mine in Feb. ‘72 (manufactured in 1968). I’m not a qualified shooter. Rifle was sighted in at the factory, and is highly accurate.
Got mine in the early part of the 70's from an estate sale. Found it was made around 1947. This thing is awesome it loves the lighter bullets in the 32 - 36 grain loads. Stingers had the 32 grain bullets were dead on at 50 .
I would agree these are great guns. I have a 39A Golden from 1983 and it's been solid up until last week when the firing pin broke. Got a new one on the way so hopefully that fixes it up.
Couldn't agree more the 39A is a very nice .22 lever gun. Thanks for sharing.