Marlin Model 39 age

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rw1341

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I just bought a Marlin 39 (not a 39A). I'm trying to determine when it was manufactured. It's serial number is HS 175XX and also has the "star" mark on the upper tang. I know the 39's were made from 1922 thru 1938 and that the HS prefix started in 1932. Anyone able to pin it diwn to a certain year? I should have it in hand this week.
Thanks in advance!
 

Huckelberry75

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Here are a couple of options for you to work with.

MARLIN Manufacturing DATE CODE.

(22 caliber bolt action & semi-autos were not serial numbered prior to 1969)
Firearm serial numbers were date coded by a prefix within the s/n, as signified below.
For example a Marlin model 39A with a serial number of N1255X would have been made in 1955
while a 1894 in 44 magnum with a serial number of 2510509X, would have equated to 1975
LEVER ACTIONS ALL FIREARMS
1945 = C 1957 = R 1968 = AD 1981 = 19 1993 = 7
1946 = D 1958 = S 1970 = 70 1982 = 18 1994 = 6
1947 = E 1959 = T 1971 = 71 1983 = 17 1995 = 5
1948 = F 1960 = U 1972 = 72 1984 = 16 1996 = 4
1949 = G 1961 = V 1973 = 73 & 27 1985 = 15 1997 = 3
1950 = H 1962 = W 1974 = 26 1986 = 14 1998 = 2
1951 = J 1963 = Y 1975 = 25 1987 = 13 1999 = 1
1952 = K 1964 = Z 1976 = 24 1988 = 12 2000 = 0
1953 = L 1965 = AA 1977 = 23 1989 = 11
1954 = M 1966 = AB 1978 = 22 1990 = 10
1955 = N 1967 = AC 1979 = 21 1991 = 9
1956 = P 1968 = AD 1980 = 20 1992 = 8


if your M39 (not A) has a star stamped on the end of the upper tang, it means the factory gunsmithing inspector determined the rifle to be of higher grade manufacturing than the standard.

Also, if the serial # has an "S" prefix, you should not shoot high velocity ammo through it.

http://www.oldguns.net/
 

rw1341

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Thanks for the info. Here's what I've been able to find out. With the "HS" prefix, it was made in between 1932 and 1938 (they started making the 39A in 1939). The "HS" indicated that is approved to shoot the higher velocity ammo. I think I'll stay with the standard ammo, though. From 1932 - 1934 the front sight had an ivory bead. After that they went to a silver bead. Mine has the ivory bead, so that coupled with the "HS" prefix puts it between 1932 & 1934. Probly as close as I'm going to get.

BUY2.jpgBUY4.jpgBUY1.jpgDSC01310.jpg
 

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