My first gun

Jims5543 · 06-20-2008, 05:03 AM

I picked up a Marlin Golden 39M yesterday. I know I overpaid for it now, and wish I had walked out of the gun store and did some research before buying. It was totally an impulse buy.

Buyer beware, I am the fool here, I told the guy behind the counter that this was my 1st purchase and I will be in the market for various other guns in the future. Unfortunately for him I made my last purchase there. I am embarrassed to even say what I paid for it and I am considering returning it. Too bad, a little honesty would have went a long way for this guy. I am a very loyal customer when it comes to stuff like this and will gladly pay more in a private shop over a chain store within reason.

I am happy with my choice I was initially going to go to wally world and get a Remington and decided to look in a local mom and pop shop. There are a few around. I do not think I would find a quality gun like this. The second I held it I knew it was a nice piece, it felt more substantial that any of the others I had held up to that point.

My next purchase will be a decent .22 handgun, I want to learn on these first then move up the on caliber as I get more comfortable and accurate with them. I am open for tips on pistols from any of you.

Jeff Higgins · 06-20-2008, 05:18 AM

Hmmm... With that kind of wood, it does not look like a run-of-the-mill Marlin. That, and the straight grip buttstock. 39A's have pistol grips, at lest the newer ones. Some one put some effort into customizing this rifle and, from what I can see in the photo, did one hell of a fine job.

You would be amazed at what such custom touches will add to the value of a rifle, if done well. If you are comparing what you paid to what Marlin lists as the price of a new 39A, I'm sure it looks a bit shocking. Bear in mind, a well done custom 39A can be several times the cost of a brand new "stock" 39A. I suspect that once you consider that, the price does not look so bad. Maybe even quite good.

jyl · jyl's Garage

That is the nicest looking 39 I have seen. I have a stock 39, nearly new, and would gladly trade. But I don't recommend you take me up on it.

Jims5543 · 06-20-2008, 05:26 AM

O.K. Educate me.

What is so custom about this particular gun?

Here is an image I found online. I see what your saying about the stock. I am going to clean it up real good this evening and take some close up pics. Maybe I did not get taken so bad afterall. Lets just say I paid well over $350 for it, he threw in a cleaning kit, lock and a box of ammo but I still felt a little pinch when I got home and did some googling.

Jim Richards · 06-20-2008, 05:27 AM

Cool gun, Jim.

I'm still waiting on the Supremes to decide District of Columbia v. Heller.

Rot 911 · 06-20-2008, 05:31 AM

When it comes to accurate .22 pistols, Ruger sets the benchmark for accuracy, quality and price. For a semi-auto target pistol get this for around $230.00. You will never lose money owning any Ruger pistol.

For an accurate revolver, you can't beat the Ruger Single Six. Around $300.00 Just a beautiful pistol. I have one. It also comes with a second cylinder that holds .22 magnum rounds. Here is a picture of my daughter firing it.

Jim Richards · 06-20-2008, 05:33 AM

That gun looks huge compared to your daughter!

Rot 911 · 06-20-2008, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Richards

That gun looks huge compared to your daughter!

Well she is only 7!

KFC911 · 05:49 AM

Jeff, how is a Marlin 336 (30-30 Win), late 70s vintage (excellent condition) regarded these days? I saw recently where the Winchesters had shot up in value, and was just curious? I'm not looking to let it go (even though I haven't hunted in years) as that was my deer rifle when I was a teen and perfect for dense, backwoods, "short range" shots...I wasn't much of a hunter

.

ps: I love my Colt Diamondback revolver in 22lr, but according to Tabs, they've got a bit pricey

KFC911 · 06-20-2008, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurt V

Well she is only 7!

I'd have sworn that gun is at least 14-15 years old

cashflyer · 06-20-2008, 05:57 AM

Higgins - it's an M not an A.
The 39M Mountie came with a "saddle stock".

Jims5543 · 06-20-2008, 06:00 AM

Thanks Harvey, I didn't notice he was talking about an A not an M hence the stock, I guess the A is quite different.

Seahawk · 06-20-2008, 06:03 AM

I have a 1964 Model 39 with the golden trigger. It was given to me by my grandfather. It is my son's now.

I wouldn't sweat the price too much...they are really fine and accurate carbines.

I would also echo the Ruger comment. I have owned a "bull barrel" version of the pistol Kurt posted a picture of. I bought it new in 1985 and it has never mis-fired after all these years of serious use

http://shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=17366

carnutzzz · 06-20-2008, 06:05 AM

7 years old and already learning to shoot- I'm getting all misty-eyed...

ErVikingo · 06-20-2008, 06:05 AM

For 22 I have a 22 Magnum Grendell P-30 (30 rounds). Its a composite frame and it works mighty fine. Lightweight, noise and accurate. Not to mention that the guys at the range all get confused when I keep shooting and shooting whilst they are reloading.

Rot 911 · 06-20-2008, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carnutzzz

7 years old and already learning to shoot- I'm getting all misty-eyed...

Watch what you say or she'll bust a cap in your azz

cashflyer · 06:13 AM

Marlin 39A

I thought all Marlins (after 1957) had a gold-colored trigger.
Both of my 336s and my 60 all do.

Jeff Higgins · 06-20-2008, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cashflyer

Higgins - it's an M not an A.
The 39M Mountie came with a "saddle stock".

Oops... sorry about that. Hey, it was early - before my first cup of coffee.

Since it is a "M" rather than an "A", "well over $350" is not bad at all. It's even more valuable that if it were an "A".

KC911, nothing happened as far as Marlin values recently. Winchester '94's and M70's went up when USRA was closed by FN and it looked like the end of the line for those models. Marlin is still going strong, so the collectors are not swooping down on them.

Teutonics · Teutonics's Garage

From the prices I've seen, $350 would have been a great deal, around $500 for a mountie in excellent condition would be about average. If it is in excellent condition and you got it for less than $500, you got a deal. I have seen that collectors (or just average users?) are driving the prices up on the pre-cross bolt safety guns.

Nice gun, probably my all-time favorite rifle (I have two).

I would second the recommendation for the Ruger Single Six. Very well made and accurate. Exchangeable cylinder also gives you some flexibility to boot. (.22mag delivers similar ft/lbs energy to a .38 Special)

Probably my favorite handgun also.

Jims5543 · 06-20-2008, 06:38 AM

I am feeling a little better now. I have intention of ever getting rid of it, I just do not like being ripped off. I paid more than $500 and if I had posted this thread prior to buying I could have gotten a better deal, its a buyers market around here, everyone is hurting for money and are selling their toys. Boats, RV's and ATV's are for sale everywhere around here.