MARLIN 39M

[t roy]

I got this gun from my grandfather, it was made around 1970, anyway its a nice little lever action, the only safety it has is the halfcock position, does anyone know if these guns have any safety issues.

[biggunz.45-70]

They are very safe. Exposed hammer rifles don't need a safety because you don't cock them till ready to shoot. A bolt gun or semi-auto is cocked as soon as you close the bolt so they need something to block the trigger.

[Vapodog]

The half cock position on that "Mountie" is a good safety.....here's where the bad part comes in.....when you go to full cock and then decide not to shoot you must pull back on the hammer, pull the trigger, and slowly let the hammer down to half cock again. Occasionally people let the hammer slip out from under their thumb and they have an accidental firing.

Most hammer guns today have an additional crossbolt or tang safety to protect from that.....they are simplyu not needed as long as you're careful about muzzle control when letting the hammer return to half cock.

My first gun was a Marlin 39A and I litterly wore it out. Every dime I made went to feeding that gun. Not once did the hammer ever slip away from me.......My father forewarned me and I always respected the issue.

BTW there's a hammer spur available for guns with scopes and the spur provides a very large area to hold on to. I recommend the spur even if you don't have a scope...one more thing...that gun will take the eye out of a squirrel in the tallest tree in the county.....they're very fine and reliable guns.

[t roy]

thanks Vapo, thats the info I was looking for, yes it is a very sweet little rifle, I have a accuracy problem maybe you could help me with; i consistently group my shots to the rightabout 3 inches at 50 yds, I dont think its the gun, but actually how short and light it is, I am wondering if I am pulling by shots (i'm right handed). I guess one way to find out is shoot it off a rest of some sort, any advice you can give is appreciated.

[Vapodog]

weight and barrel length are not contributors to accuracy....except that when not using a rest the heavy guns are easier to shoot.

You must find a good rest and shoot for groups. I'd recommend 25-35 yards.

Since you have a hooded front sight if the gun still shoots consistantly to the right get a brass hammer and tap the rear sight a little to the left. If you have a scope adjust the scope accordingly.

If you don't have a scope I'd recommend you get a Bushnell 1" tube in 4X.