ok i just was given a marlin 39-a but none of the info matches up. its a 39-a on the barrel but under the lever SN# is 169. it apears to have silver sight. round barrel and case hardend.
please help

Welcome to the forum obrsap. Rules are simple, be nice and join in. You might want to check our FAQ section and read some of the intro stickies in the general forum to get an idea what were all about.

I'm not a 39 expert, but perhaps some of our members can give you a better idea of what you've got.

That one says it was made prior to 1883, so I am not sure about that. Go over to rimfirecentral.com and go to the Marlin section. Look up a man there that seems to know all and collects many of the older Marlins. His user name there is vepr762. He will be able to tell you everything about that rifle.

That one says it was made prior to 1883, so I am not sure about that.

The 39-A came out in 1939. An east way to spot a early 39A is that the Beavertail by grip is longer. (second and current revision have same shorter one) First revision also has a flat butt plate and second has a slightly curved hard rubber one. First revision also has a squared lever at upper rear end. Based on info provide I would say you have a 1939 model and very early in production run. BTW, I have factory authorized and signed marlin history book that covers from day one to late 1980's so I am not guessing here of pulling things off web or out of my hat.

The 39-A came out in 1939. An east way to spot a early 39A is that the Beavertail by grip is longer. (second and current revision have same shorter one) First revision also has a flat butt plate and second has a slightly curved hard rubber one. First revision also has a squared lever at upper rear end. Based on info provide I would say you have a 1939 model and very early in production run. BTW, I have factory authorized and signed marlin history book that covers from day one to late 1980's so I am not guessing here of pulling things off web or out of my hat.

I understand all of that, but just going by his serial number. He has to either be missing a letter or its a real old 39, and not an A. Also, there is a lot in the history book that is incorrect. Thata why he should really contact the fellow I told him to. He knows all about the 39's and older models especially. Even what years they were supposed to have a microgroove barrel and some didn't. Even years when they were ballard, but some had micro groove barrels. They did a lot of piecing together of rifles with left over parts. They didn't waste a thing.:D

Sounds like this is a Model 39A, not a Model 39. Either that or it's a real odd ball. The model 39 has a color case hardened receiver and an octagon barrel, not a round barrel. Mayhap this is a Model 39 receiver that has been rebarreled with a 39A barrel? I don't think 39A's were color case hardened.

Sounds like this is a Model 39A, not a Model 39. Either that or it's a real odd ball. The model 39 has a color case hardened receiver and an octagon barrel, not a round barrel. Mayhap this is a Model 39 receiver that has been rebarreled with a 39A barrel? I don't think 39A's were color case hardened.

This is why he needs to contact the guy I told him about. There are many odd ball rifles out there from Marlin. Could be a mix and match rifle. Like i said before, Marlin has been known to do this many times over the years. Using left over parts from one model with new parts from the newer model. Not uncommon at all.