Marlin Model Golden 39A
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| Marlin Golden 39A | |
|---|---|
| Type | Hunting rifle |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1891-present |
| Production history | |
| Designer | John Marlin |
| Designed | 1891 |
| Number built | 2 million (1922-1983) |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs |
| Length | 40 in |
| Barrel length | 24 in |
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| Cartridge | .22 |
| Action | Lever action |
| Muzzle velocity | 1,280 ft/s |
| Feed system | Tubular magazine, 26 Short, 21 Long or 19 Long Rifle Cartridges. |
| Sights | semi buckhorn rear sight, ramp front sight with brass bead and hood front sight |
The Marlin Golden 39A represents the oldest and longest continuously produced shoulder firearm (rifle) in the world. The lever-action .22 Caliber Golden 39A is produced by the Marlin Firearms Co. of New Haven, Conn. The Golden 39A is also constructed in Marlin's factory in New Haven.
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[edit] History
The Model 39A started life as the Marlin Model 1891, the first lever action rifle ever chambered in .22LR. The tubular magazine was changed to front-loading with the Model 1892, due to the difficulties of receiver feeding the small rimfire round[1]. The 1892 gave way to the takedown Model 1897[2], which became the Model 39 in 1921 and 39A in 1937[3]. The Golden Mountie Model 39A was introduced in 1954.[4] The 39 was produced until 1983 when the current Golden 39A was introduced. Changes between models were so minimal the rifle is considered to have been continually produced to the same basic specifications for over 100 years. The 39A is still considered one of the finest examples of a lever .22 rifle, and one of the most accurate .22 rifles ever produced. It is also the best-selling lever rimfire in U.S. history.[5]
Marlin uses their proprietary Micro-Groove rifling in the Model 39A. This uses many small lands and grooves rather than 2, 4, or 6 deeper grooves used in the majority of rifles. This arguably adds to the accuracy of the rifle and indeed the 39A's reputation would seem to bear this out.
The Model 39A is built of forged steel parts and American grown black walnut. It is one of the very few remaining .22 rifles with easy takedown ability (the rifle can be taken apart using a coin). The screw that allows the easy takedown however is one of the rifle's most criticized parts as it disrupts the otherwise clean lines of the rifle. The Model 39 has a solid-top receiver and side ejection, which makes mounting a scope easy.
The Marlin Model 39A is still commercially available as the Golden 39A with a 24" (61cm) round barrel, a pistol grip, and a signature golden colored trigger. The 39A has a full length steel tubular magazine under the barrel with a brass inner tube. Capacity is as follows: 26 .22 Short, 21 .22 Long, or 19 .22 Long Rifle. Many previous variations of the model are still available from used gun dealers.
Annie Oakley once used a Model 1891 to put 25 shots in one jagged hole in 27 seconds at a distance of 36 feet (11m).
[edit] Similar guns
- Winchester Model 9422
