MARLIN Manufacturing DATE CODE.

(22 caliber bolt action & semi-autos were not serial numbered prior to 1969)
Firearm serial numbers were date coded by a prefix within the s/n, as signified below.
For example a Marlin model 39A with a serial number of N1255X would have been made in 1955
while a 1894 in 44 magnum with a serial number of 2510509X, would have equated to 1975
LEVER ACTIONS ALL FIREARMS
1945 = C 1957 = R 1968 = AD 1981 = 19 1993 = 7
1946 = D 1958 = S 1970 = 70 1982 = 18 1994 = 6
1947 = E 1959 = T 1971 = 71 1983 = 17 1995 = 5
1948 = F 1960 = U 1972 = 72 1984 = 16 1996 = 4
1949 = G 1961 = V 1973 = 73 & 27 1985 = 15 1997 = 3
1950 = H 1962 = W 1974 = 26 1986 = 14 1998 = 2
1951 = J 1963 = Y 1975 = 25 1987 = 13 1999 = 1
1952 = K 1964 = Z 1976 = 24 1988 = 12 2000 = 0
1953 = L 1965 = AA 1977 = 23 1989 = 11
1954 = M 1966 = AB 1978 = 22 1990 = 10
1955 = N 1967 = AC 1979 = 21 1991 = 9
1956 = P 1968 = AD 1980 = 20 1992 = 8

Thanks for the good info. I know dad's gun is a model 39A Mountie (it says so on the barrel), but where do I find the s/n?

If it's not on the top tang, it may be on the lower tang hidden by the closed lever.

Something I didn't know until just the other day - if your M39 (not A) has a star stamped on the end of the upper tang, it means the factory gunsmithing inspector determined the rifle to be of higher grade manufacturing than the standard.

Also, if the serial # has an "S" prefix, you should not shoot high velocity ammo through it.

Mine, made in 1937, has both.

If it's not on the top tang, it may be on the lower tang hidden by the closed lever.

Thanks Fullchoke,

It was hidden by the lever. 1960 model.

magshooter, i had posted another marlin date list on my "any mounty shooters" thread. i notice there is a 1 year diff. between mine and yours. i had pulled mine straight from rimfirecentral and have taken it as accurate. let me know where i can recheck the dates and let those guys at rimfire know there is an error. it's only 1 year but to someone it might make a dif.

i didn't have a serial # handi to try this out but here's another source.
http://www.oldguns.net/
down on the left is a tab for mfr. codes, under that isd one for marlin, and other makes.