I have two 39A cowboy models and am not having much success with getting decent groups, iron sights or with a scope. Anyone have any suggestions. Thought maybe someone here has had a similar problem and hopefully found a fix. My groups are about 2-3" scoped or iron sights at 40 yards. I have an older 39 that shoots 1/2" groups at the same distance with a scope.

Thanks for any help you guys can give me.

Steve

I have two 39A cowboy models and am not having much success with getting decent groups, iron sights or with a scope. Anyone have any suggestions. Thought maybe someone here has had a similar problem and hopefully found a fix. My groups are about 2-3" scoped or iron sights at 40 yards. I have an older 39 that shoots 1/2" groups at the same distance with a scope.

Thanks for any help you guys can give me.

Steve

Gismo, you might try other brands of ammunition, different .22's of the same manufacture and model shoot different size groups with the same ammunition. I find that .22' are ammunition sensitive. Some will shoot anything, and some will shoot cheap ammunition, while some will only shoot premium ammunition. even different lots of the same brand have tendency to shoot to diffrent points of impact.

Lee L.

I know, I have tried about 12 different brands/configurations and nothing seems to work. I have used cheap Winchester Wildcats to Eley and everything in between. These two seem to be very picky and I just can't find anything that will shoot decent in them. I just didn't know if these had barrel or chamber problems causing bad accuracy.

I know, I have tried about 12 different brands/configurations and nothing seems to work. I have used cheap Winchester Wildcats to Eley and everything in between. These two seem to be very picky and I just can't find anything that will shoot decent in them. I just didn't know if these had barrel or chamber problems causing bad accuracy.

Do a good thorough barrel cleaning, and check the muzzle for dings in the crown. You didn't say if it is a used carbine or new. If used it could possibly be s worn muzzle. If new it could also be a crown that has been cut at an angle. (not cut square with the bore.) I would also contact Marlin and get an opinion from them. You might need to send it to them if it's in need of a new barrel.

Lee L.

I am already ahead of you. When I first shot the gun and saw that it wasn't going to shoot, I recrowned the barrel first. No help there.

This is a new gun. I am just looking for someone who has had this same problem and knows the fix. They are beautiful rifles and hate to have to get rid of them. Also hate to spend the money to have them re-barreled. It might just come to that though. I have shot many .22's in my life and these have to be the worst I have ever shot.

Gismo, it looks like you have tried everything, My next suggestion would be to either lap the barrel, or else send it off to Marlin for a new barrel. But first pull the fore end and Mag tube and fire it single shot with the action resting on the sand bag, not the barrel. If it shoots well, then you have either the fore end applying un even preassure or the mag tube in a bind.

Lee L.

I'll try that next, and if that fixes it I will know where to go from there. Thanks M1894.

Steve

I'll try that next, and if that fixes it I will know where to go from there. Thanks M1894.

Steve

Your welcome, just get her shooting, I find that the little Model 39's are a real pleasure to shoot. I'm thinking about converting one over to .17 Mk II. It should be a real burner for squirel's.
Keep us posted on your success.

Lee L.

Will do. Thanks again.

Gismo,
I had a 1897Cowboy that just would not shoot. Getting 4" groups w. Lapua Super Club at 40yds! I gave it a thorough cleaning and found a defect with the barrel. Take a good look down into the barrel. Had mine rebarelled courtesy of Marlin. It shot Federal Am Eagle well after. I have 1974 39A Golden that I am pleased with. Must say I prefer it.
Steelringer