I saw a 989 M2 (the model with the box magazine) at a small gun show a while back. I was browsing the tables when this "M1 carbine-looking thing" caught my eye.
I had never seen one before and REALLY wanted to buy it, but I didn't have much cash on me, and had to walk away. I did get the guy's number in case I wanted to see if it was still available later.
It was in fair condition - nothing looked horribly "wrong" and it wasn't banged up, but the stock looked "blah", and there were a lot of worn spots on the metal. I wouldn't think a collector would be interested in it as it was clearly "well used". It had a commemorative medallion on the side of the butt stock and he was asking $175.
I did some research and learned that Marlin first made a 99 M1 in 1964 - a shortened, slightly modified 989/99C that used a tubular magazine.
(excerpt from a Marlin book)
Identical to the 99 M1 except that the tube magazine was replaced with a detachable, 7 round box magazine.
Two 7 round magazines were furnished with the model 989 M2 through 1969. In 1970 the practice was discontinued.
From 1965-1970 the suggested retail price was $49.95 (it creeped up to a whopping $73.95 in 1979 )
The more I read up on them and saw images online, the more I wished I had bought the one I saw at the show. "Oh well, maybe one day."
Well, good things come to those who wait and I just happened upon one again that was in a LOT better condition AND for less money. I still didn't have the extra money to buy it, but I wasn't willing to let it slip by me, so I bought it anyway with the plan of selling off some items to cover the cost of the purchase so I wouldn't actually be out any money.
Here she is!
Marlin Model 989 M2 .22LR circa 1969 per serial number.
It is missing the rear sight which is a common issue on these carbines as the rear sights were mounted to the grooved top and made to be easily removed in order to install a scope. Many owners did just that and in the process rear sights were misplaced and as the carbine changed hands, it did so minus the lost rear sight. I would like to find one if I can.
I paid $140 cash for it.
Purchased locally, so no shipping, and no FFL transfer fees. (legal here between PA residents for long guns)
The seller included the vintage (you can tell it's old by the lettering) Tasco 601E 4x15 scope that was already mounted on it.
Also included are TWO original magazines.
Overall condition is much better than it even looked in the photo I saw before going to get it.
All metal is perfect and only a few minor handling marks on the stock.
This one has fine checkering on the grip area - something I hadn't noticed in any photos I've seen of these little carbines.
The front sight is solid. (apparently some tend to come loose)
The front barrel band with the sling mount has a little play in it. That and the missing sight are the only "negatives" I can see.
I can't wait to try it out.
I had never seen one before and REALLY wanted to buy it, but I didn't have much cash on me, and had to walk away. I did get the guy's number in case I wanted to see if it was still available later.
It was in fair condition - nothing looked horribly "wrong" and it wasn't banged up, but the stock looked "blah", and there were a lot of worn spots on the metal. I wouldn't think a collector would be interested in it as it was clearly "well used". It had a commemorative medallion on the side of the butt stock and he was asking $175.
I did some research and learned that Marlin first made a 99 M1 in 1964 - a shortened, slightly modified 989/99C that used a tubular magazine.
(excerpt from a Marlin book)
The Model 989 M2 was introduced in 1965 and produced until 1978.
Identical to the 99 M1 except that the tube magazine was replaced with a detachable, 7 round box magazine.
Two 7 round magazines were furnished with the model 989 M2 through 1969. In 1970 the practice was discontinued.
From 1965-1970 the suggested retail price was $49.95 (it creeped up to a whopping $73.95 in 1979 )
The more I read up on them and saw images online, the more I wished I had bought the one I saw at the show. "Oh well, maybe one day."
Well, good things come to those who wait and I just happened upon one again that was in a LOT better condition AND for less money. I still didn't have the extra money to buy it, but I wasn't willing to let it slip by me, so I bought it anyway with the plan of selling off some items to cover the cost of the purchase so I wouldn't actually be out any money.
Here she is!
Marlin Model 989 M2 .22LR circa 1969 per serial number.
It is missing the rear sight which is a common issue on these carbines as the rear sights were mounted to the grooved top and made to be easily removed in order to install a scope. Many owners did just that and in the process rear sights were misplaced and as the carbine changed hands, it did so minus the lost rear sight. I would like to find one if I can.
I paid $140 cash for it.
Purchased locally, so no shipping, and no FFL transfer fees. (legal here between PA residents for long guns)
The seller included the vintage (you can tell it's old by the lettering) Tasco 601E 4x15 scope that was already mounted on it.
Also included are TWO original magazines.
Overall condition is much better than it even looked in the photo I saw before going to get it.
All metal is perfect and only a few minor handling marks on the stock.
This one has fine checkering on the grip area - something I hadn't noticed in any photos I've seen of these little carbines.
The front sight is solid. (apparently some tend to come loose)
The front barrel band with the sling mount has a little play in it. That and the missing sight are the only "negatives" I can see.
I can't wait to try it out.
