Marlin Model 39A Original Golden .22 LR Lever-Action Takedown, 24 in Micro-Groove Barrel, 1978, JM Proof, Blued
This 1978 Marlin Model 39A Original Golden is a classic .22 LR lever-action with hallmark features collectors and shooters look for. It has a 24 in Micro-Groove blued barrel, a solid-top, side-eject receiver, and the original JM proof mark on the barrel. The rifle is a true takedown model with a large knurled screw, and it carries period details like a gold-colored trigger and a black Marlin buttplate with a white-line spacer.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The rifle is solid with scattered scratches and blemishes from prior handling and use.
What’s Included
- Padded leather cobra-style rifle sling (installed)
- Tip-off/rimfire-style scope rail on receiver (installed)
The Original Golden series pairs Marlin’s lever-action heritage with useful upgrades. This example features a 24 in round carbon-steel barrel with Micro-Groove rifling and a blued finish, matched to a blued carbon-steel receiver. The JM proof mark is present on the barrel.
It is a true takedown rifle, using a large knurled screw to separate the halves for transport and maintenance. The design includes a solid-top, side-eject receiver and a full-length tubular magazine with a removable brass inner tube. Capacity is 19+1 with .22 LR.
Sighting is straightforward and traditional: a ramped front bead and a semi-buckhorn rear leaf with elevator. The front sight hood is not present. A tip-off/rimfire-style scope rail is installed on the receiver for mounting compatible optics if desired.
The walnut-colored hardwood stock has a pistol-grip profile and is uncheckered, with sling swivel studs installed. A black Marlin buttplate with a white-line spacer and a gold-colored trigger round out the Original Golden details. Length of pull measures 13.5 in.
Made in the USA and dated to 1978, this Model 39A retains the classic handling and look that define Marlin’s rimfire lever guns while offering period-correct features and a clean, well-maintained bore.