Came across a deal that I couldn't refuse today. A local guy was selling off some of his long guns and asked me to come have a look. Most of it was pretty uninteresting, but amongst the pile was an old beat up Marlin 39A with "G" prefix serial number (so 1949 or '50 production date as far as I can tell). I've always wanted a 39, and the price was waaaay too good to pass on, so I snapped it up.
Got it home and did a thorough exam. Wood is in very good condition for the age of the gun, bore is perfect, bluing on the receiver is probably 80% with flecks of rust, finish on the barrel is very worn, maybe 35% and gone brown with more flecks of rust, the internals are in excellent shape. Sights have been removed, and the top of the receiver and the barrel were drilled and tapped for 2-screw weaver mounts
also factory D&Ted for the receiver peep sight like so many of them were. Cycles smooth as butter, but haven't had it to the range yet. With that bore though it should shoot like a dream.
Now the question is, do I just keep it and shoot it as-is and appreciate the character of a well-used old rifle? or do I send it off to have it restored? I know a restoration will wipe away any collector value, but I'm pretty sure that was done with as soon as they drilled and tapped it for the weaver mounts. And lets face it, I like making old guns look new. Always feels like I'm giving them what they deserve after a hard life of service
Sorry for the lack of pictures. I tried to upload them before I left for work but ran out of time. I'll post them once I get home tonight.
Got it home and did a thorough exam. Wood is in very good condition for the age of the gun, bore is perfect, bluing on the receiver is probably 80% with flecks of rust, finish on the barrel is very worn, maybe 35% and gone brown with more flecks of rust, the internals are in excellent shape. Sights have been removed, and the top of the receiver and the barrel were drilled and tapped for 2-screw weaver mounts
also factory D&Ted for the receiver peep sight like so many of them were. Cycles smooth as butter, but haven't had it to the range yet. With that bore though it should shoot like a dream.Now the question is, do I just keep it and shoot it as-is and appreciate the character of a well-used old rifle? or do I send it off to have it restored? I know a restoration will wipe away any collector value, but I'm pretty sure that was done with as soon as they drilled and tapped it for the weaver mounts. And lets face it, I like making old guns look new. Always feels like I'm giving them what they deserve after a hard life of service
Sorry for the lack of pictures. I tried to upload them before I left for work but ran out of time. I'll post them once I get home tonight.
