1952 Marlin Model 39A .22 LR Lever-Action Rifle, 24 inch Barrel, JM Proof, Takedown, 19-Round Tube, Blued/Walnut
This 1952 Marlin Model 39A is a classic .22 LR lever-action rifle in the standard 24-inch configuration with takedown construction. It features early Ballard-style cut rifling from the pre-Micro-Groove era, a small JM barrel proof, and a J-prefix serial indicating 1952 New Haven production. Blued steel, walnut furniture, a full-length 19-round tubular magazine, and traditional open sights round out this well-documented example.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This firearm is in solid functional shape. There are scratches and blemishes present. The bore is clean and shiny.
What's Included
- Marlin Model 39A .22 LR lever-action rifle
The rifle is a takedown configuration with a large coin-slot receiver screw, allowing the barrel and receiver assembly to separate from the stock and tang assembly. It uses right-side ejection and a full-length tubular magazine that loads through an oval port near the muzzle, with a removable inner magazine rod. Stated maximum capacity is 19 rounds.
The barrel carries the rollmark "MODEL 39A - 22 CAL. S, L & L.R." and the small "JM" barrel proof, confirming original Marlin production in New Haven, Connecticut. The J-prefix serial corresponds to 1952 manufacture, placing it squarely in the Ballard-style cut rifling period prior to the introduction of Micro-Groove rifling. This example has no cross-bolt safety.
Construction is all-steel with a blued finish on the receiver and barrel. The stock set is walnut, including a pistol-grip buttstock and smooth walnut forearm with a steel nose cap. A molded "Marlin" logo buttplate and a 13.5 inch length of pull complete the traditional rifle layout.
Sighting equipment consists of a ramped front bead and an adjustable semi-buckhorn rear with elevator. This is the standard 24-inch rifle configuration (not the Mountie), retaining the classic sight picture and handling characteristics associated with early-1950s production.