Halwg said:
What are those 2 holes in the receiver of your 39A?
Hi Halwg:
I have done more research on the two extra holes in the left side of my 1996 Marlin 39A's receiver.
Turns out there was a special run of what was referred to in the 1995-6 Marlin catalog as the limited "OFS" model 39A's.
These OFS models were made in a specific response to the concerns of the Senior Citizens Council regarding how old people tend to be forgetful and the potential for accidental discharge with a loaded firearm is so much greater for that particular segment of the population.
The idea behind the two holes was to provide seniors with additional options concerning whether or not that elderly person's Marlin 39A was really empty, and give that person visual proof that no round was in the chamber, or the feed tube.
In fact upon further examination I noticed engraved in small script on the lower portion of the left side of the receiver, just below the line of vision,(difficult to see unless you're looking for it) "Model 39A/OFS".
Apparently there was such an uproar from Seniors who were offended by the addition of the two extra "viewing holes" that the OFS was discontinued after the 1996 model run was completed.
Personally, as an "old fart", I welcome anything that makes me safer with a firearm, and since I have acquired my Model 39/OFS my darling bride of over 43 years has decided that all of my guns could benefit from such "viewing holes". She has so far managed to drill them in my 3rd Gen Smith & Wesson model 5906 (my nightstand drawer "bump in the night gun"). My 12ga. High Standard pump riot shotgun, and yesterday she asked me where I had hidden my HK P2000sk.
If she keeps this up I'm gonna be the safest old fart in my neighborhood with a gun..
Best Wishes,
Jesse
P.S. Then again I could be full of Bravo Sierra..
