Marlin Model 39A
Marlin Firearms · Rifle · Discontinued · 1939
Also known as: Golden 39A, Marlin Original Golden 39A, Model 39
Overview
The Marlin Model 39A is a lever-action, tubular-magazine rimfire rifle chambered for interchangeable .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle cartridges. Introduced in 1939 as the refinement of a design dating to 1891, it became the longest continuously produced shoulder firearm in the world before production ended in 2007. Famous for its tool-free takedown action, walnut stock, gold-colored trigger, and proprietary 16-groove Micro-Groove rifling, the 39A is widely regarded as one of the finest and most accurate lever .22 rifles ever made and the best-selling lever rimfire in U.S. history.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2948 g (104.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1016 mm (40.00") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Lever Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 19 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tube |
| Muzzle Velocity | 380 m/s (1247 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 185 J (136 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 140 m (153 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 406 mm (15.98") |
| Number of Grooves | 16 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, .22LR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Rebounding Hammer, Half Cock Hammer Notch
- Features: Takedown Action, Micro Groove Rifling, Solid Top Side Ejecting Receiver, Semi Buckhorn Rear Sight, Brass Bead Front Sight, Gold Colored Trigger, Drilled And Tapped Receiver
Variants
- Marlin Golden 39A — Standard
- Marlin Golden 39M Mountie — Carbine
- Marlin Golden 39AS — Updated Safety
Service history
Operators
- Civilian small-game hunters and sport shooters
Production
Estimated total produced: 2,200,000 · Production years: 1939-2007
Lineage traces to the Model 1891. Approximately 2.2 million built across the 39 family (1922-2007). Recognized as the longest continuously produced shoulder firearm in the world.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Lewis L. Hepburn
Discontinued: 2007
Notes
Magazine capacity is 19 rounds of .22 LR, 21 of .22 Long, or 26 of .22 Short. The 'Golden' name refers to the gold-colored trigger. The takedown screw lets the receiver split into two halves without tools.
Background
The 39A and its direct ancestors hold the record as the longest continuously produced shoulder firearm in the world (1891-2007). It pioneered Micro-Groove rifling, using 16 shallow grooves instead of the conventional 4 to 6 deep grooves, credited with its renowned accuracy.