[daved20319]

Doing some research for a friend. He has an old Marlin .22 lever gun, on the barrel, it's marked 39A, but on the tang, it's marked Model 1897, and says Marlin Safety on the top of the receiver. Serial number on the bottom of the receiver dates it to 1901, if my Google-fu is working, serial number is 2265XX. It's a family heirloom, but it's been reblued, so no collector value as far as I know, he's just curious and trying to add to the history of this rifle. Is it reasonable to assume the barrel got replaced at some time? Thanks.

Dave

 

[wwmartin]

I have an 1893 that was wearing a model 36 ADL front. It now has a 38-55 proper barrel and hardware. My understanding was that Marlin would rebuild tired Marlins . Posable his is an 1897 that hade the same thing done.
I still have the takeoff parts, never know when a 36 needing a new barrel might turn up.
WW

 

[navajo]

Several members here have that same set-up.
A 39-A barrel will work on an 1897 receiver.
It actually makes a nice rifle.
Value is in the eye of the beholder...

 

[BulletBait]

Have you checked here ? Google search is often helpful.
https://www.google.com/search?q=1897+marlin+with+39a+barrel&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-1