Marlin 39 Century

[bandit1250]

I bought this 39 Marlin Century about 5 years ago and other than sighting it in I never shot it on paper with different ammo. I guess you could say this was "rescued" from a previous owner who cared nothing about guns. The bore was in very good shape but overall the rifle was very neglected and needed a little TLC. I did the wood over and cleaned the surface rust off but there is some minor freckling still in a few spots. I had to move it off the shelf in my safe to get to some other things I needed in there and when I was putting it away I decided to shoot a few rounds through it. It only has a Leupold 2.5X scope on it so it is not a great set up for paper shooting. I tried several lot #'s of CCI Standards in it and one number of Norma Tac. The first target with CCI marked X82 were 5 shot groups and the rest were seven shot groups as that is how many rounds I usually have in the tube when squirrel hunting. The unmarked target on the right was the Tac and seven rounds. The big holes were pennies I shot that went through the very thick card board I had the targets on. Only found two of the pennies. All shooting was 35 Yds. This is the Century octagon barreled carbine made in 1970.

Targets with it and maybe would be better with a more powerful scope. I don't even remember buying this scope.

[Neon Horse]

Nice looking rifle!

[Deadwood Dutch]

That is a beauty, thanks for the report.

[ditto1958]

Ooh, that's a purdy one. I need one of those, too.

[bandit1250]

I gave the 39 Century a good barrel cleaning and split the receiver and cleaned it up and lubed the friction points. The barrel was dirtier than I expected. After I was finished and had it back together I wondered if it would be better or worse for grouping so I just had to try it. I picked the one lot number of CCI Standard that I just bought a 5000 round case. It shot well the last time out so that is why I went with it and now I have a good supply of it. I shot 2 shots at empty shot shell hulls lying close to my target to dirty the barrel and it hit both so I then went to the target. I shot 5 at three different targets and they were good with each one maybe a little better as I went from first to last. It maybe was a little better after cleaning and firing a few rounds and I actually thought the last one was going to be 5 in one hole but not this time. I shot at 35 yds. again to keep it the same as the last time out. My targets are numbered as I shot them.

Here is the way it will be for fall squirrel and rabbit season. I added the lace on sling today. As light as this gun is it may not be needed. I hope this leather does not turn my brass green. I will have to keep an eye on that.

[Vaquero]

Nice lookin marlin.
Looks to be a shooter also.
Saw a Golden 39 A last week at one one of the gun/pawn shops that I like to visit may go back and see if its still there.

[PT7]

As always, very nice wood grain on the Marlin. You do manage to gather in those sharp-looking stocks!

[Sir Henry]

That 2.5x scope would be good for huntin'.

[RetiredSeabee]

You always amaze me with the jewels you dig out of the safe. Great shooting as always.