Went to some local large yard sales and I bought a really nice 1980 39a. It had a scope on it with a nice leather target sling. I took the scope off and shot it. It would not eject or rechamber the next load. I took it down and gave it a good cleaning and now it seems to be fine except it is hard to close the bolt at times. The bolt stiffens up at about 80% closed and with some force will close. Is this normal and need to just shoot it or do I need to repair it. The gun appears to have been fired very little.
Try tightening or loosing the take down screw. The tension on the take down screw makes a big difference in the smoothness of the action.
Some rifles like a loose take down screw and others a tighter one. Try it both ways and I'll bet one will be better.
This is the answer. If your gun likes a looser take down screw put the gun over your knee and push the two halves apart and that will tighten the take down screw.
Other than the ejection issues you first had, the rest is normal. These guns are built like a tank, and super tight when new. My guess is it has not been shot enough yet to break it in. You are fine. I would inspect the ejector, its screw and spring. Check that cleaning screw at the ejector that has the half slot in it to make sure it is turned enough for the ejector to clear. But that stiffness is normal. Also, I have owned many 39A's over my 58 year lifetime, and have never seen an issue with the take down screw being too tight or too loose. Rem,ember its a thumb screw. I have even used a quarter int eh slot to snug it, and no issues ever.
If you have an issue that the tightness of the takedown screw fixes, you still have the issue. That takedown screw ws just a band aid for another problem inside the gun.
Very nice pick up, that is a beauty, I have been on a bit of a 39 buying binge myself lately. I would pull it apart and make sure there are no burrs or rough spots on the lever or the bolt. Make sure all metal to metal contact areas are smooth and well lubricated. Never hurts to smooth up the trigger parts while your in there. There were videos on you tube for trigger/action jobs on 39's. I did my 39 Century Limited several years ago as it was rough and clunky and I wanted it to be super smooth like my Henry 22. Its not as smooth as my Henry but it light years better than it was.
I did find the instructions I used when I did mine, I saved in word format, if anyone wants a copy PM me you email and I will forward to you, they show all areas to polish
I bought my 39A new in 1981. If I tighten the thumbscrew too tight it stiffens the throw of the action. Loosen it and it is slick as butter. I have never really worried about it, I just tighten the screw thumb tight and carry on.
Thanks for all the replies.I have shot it and the action is working a lot smoother. Also cleaned it and polished the outside with Renaissance Wax. Also picked up a nos Tasco Japan 4x32 from the same period and installed it with a Weaver base and Leupold low rings. Now I need to zero and use it.
i use the same on my firearms. I'll clean the bueing up with some Flitz then I'll use the Renaissance wax on everything . well unless the particular gun has a patina going for it that i do not wish to disturb. i make a decision on a gun by gun basis.
nice yard sale find indeed. :bthumb:
If you don't mind telling, how much did you pay for it?
To me, sharing the price of guns lets others looking know where prices are today.
Also I always get tickled when someone gets a great steal of a deal.
yes I too am interested in that info as Ive JUST become smitten with the 39a and am trying to learn about: the different models, years, details, and the current market values.. as I’m going to get one !!!
I’m not as experienced with 39A’s by far, as some here, I did however own a CL for a while which was shot very little before I took it home. Initially I found the take-down screw to be much tighter than thumb tight/snugg. It was very difficult to cycle through it’s entire range. After I disassembled, did a thorough clean and inspect (was clean inside but dry as a), when I put it back together I only tightened the thumb screw to normal snugg. Rifle cycle fine then, a bit stiff, but that was to be expected since it clearly needed some break-in. Wish that model had been the normal size 39A, I’d have kept it for sure.
if all you want is to be mad at a deal - i bought my first for $100 about ten years ago , as to setting prices i doubt a yard sale will be a good yard stick but it will be good to know for reference where things are at on the non-net market
Maybe you misunderstood my past post so let me clarify that I am ALWAYS Happy to hear that someone here got a great deal on the purchase of their gun.
It gives me hope to find one at a bargain also.
Mine was like that when I first got it. Wet it down with some rem oil and run the hell out of it. Mines still tight after a few thousand rounds. But I can now lever it with one finger. Congrats on your new to you rifle.
Sweet find listen to Gizzy he's forgot more about 39s then most of us know. I have a 1979 looks just like yours I like the slender forearm on those year models. Congratulations man that thing looks like is been a closet queen, she will loosen up keep it lightly oiled and run some ammo down her.
Good buy. I ran across one the other day at an lgs. On consignment for $300. I believe it is an 82. Decent but not pristine. If it had a 20" barrel I would have grabbed it but it had a 24" barrel. Still considering it.
It's a good find and in good condition.
My personal preference are the 20" barreled 39As. The Mounties, M, D, Century Limited are the ones I seem to gravitate to.
and i hope you do as well , i was not meaning to be antagonistic it just seemed there might have been a little resentment that i probably misinterpreted , i dont like to see anyone get ripped off - sometimes there are deals to be found when someone cares little of the money but wants to be rid of something - even better when they want 'you' to have it ,
test trying to get picture on here.....don't know what a URL is I guess
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