The TDS also came with a case and a plastic insert to keep the action from falling apart when it was split in half and stored in the bag...

 

And the price, they are not cheap.

 

I had a TDS once for a month or so. It was the worse shooting 22 I ever had. So I sold it. I wish I kept it and had it to sell now!

 

I have to agree on the TDS being the worse shooting Marlin I ever owned. I had two and whether peep sighted or scoped they were terrible shooters. One other Marlin that was just as bad was a 1897 Cowboy. Most of my 39A's have been average to very good shooters. My Henry Frontier is more accurate than almost all 26 Marlin 39A lever guns my wife and I have owned. Now we only have six left. I do agree they are easy to sell and bring good prices for them.

 

Do you think it was typical of that gun or just your bad luck to buy a lemon

 

At the time I thought it was a lemon. But as time went on I bought more Marlins and with the internet I found that the general opinion was the shorter the barrel on a Marlin 39's the worse it shot. I have bought several Mounties over the years and they all shot worse then the 39A's. I have only had one TDS and it was so bad that my 8 year old son, who I bought it for, said that thing sucks dad! I still remember that after all these years. ha ha I then found a Browning BL-22 and he still has it after 26 years.

 

My opinion is that at the price they command now that this is a piece for collectors, I wouldn't shell out for one if you just want a shooter.

 

I never am interested in a gun that's not a shooter...😊

 

I can understand that, to each his own. I can appreciate guns as tools and as art or an investment. The TDS's value is in it's rarity and condition. First year is most desirable with the letters TDS in the serial number.
The value decreases dramatically if it has been used and or is missing the accessories that came from the factory. It was special due to the short barrel, and carrying case. The straight stock also added appeal. Overall a unique piece of Marlin history. If you want a shooter you are better off buying a regular Mountie.

 

The stock is shorter my TDS too small for me but keeping it in my collection.
I even have to roll stamp from the factory that printed the lettering on the TDS.

 

I had a TDS once for a month or so. It was the worse shooting 22 I ever had. So I sold it. I wish I kept it and had it to sell now!

Ditto...I've never owned another rifle that shot as bad as the TDS I once had. Kind of soured me on all Marlin lever 22 rifles. Traded it for a marlin model 60 that shot like a laser.