I bought two NIB .357's from a dealer last year. After buying them he sent me catalogs on guns up for bid. I believe the site is armsbid.com or armchairauction(s).com. You might be able to find out the worth of your 39d at these sites.

 

The 39D's were made in pretty limited in number.

It sounds like you have a fine rifle, there. I doubt many survived NIB/ANIB as did your's. Therefore, I'd bet there would be some collector interest in it.

 

The 39D was officially introduced in 1971 with some sold in 1970. They were discontinued in 1973 with final production figures somewhere over 23,000. They are considered by some Marlin collectors to be a "cheaper" version of the the Model 39 as they have a barrel band and a couple of other changes. I've found that many of the 20" 39's shoot better than the 24" versions simply because of the stiffer, shorter barrel. My 39D is very accurate with it's period Weaver K-4 scope on it. It's by no means a competition rifle but it's taken more than it's share of varmints. Since yours is NIB it's up to you what to do with it. If you can afford it I'd buy another 39 if that's the lever gun you prefer and leave this one to appreciate in the future.

 

Mike,

You are right on the money on the dates. I looked at the original receipt in the box with the gun and it is dated 1/22/72. I think I have received good info and advice. I will leave the Marlin in the box, other than to occasionally check on and wipe down. I do like the marlin levers to shoot, but have alot of favorites that will probably fill the bill that are a little more common. Thanks for the input!

 

Win 67, you are welcome for the information. I got that information while Marlin Talk was around. There were lots of very helpful, knowledgable folks there. Some of whom arrived here after it closed to posting.

 

I'm not an expert on gun values.

It would seem to me that there would be some collector value for a new 39D. However, I doubt that we are talking thousands of dollars here. A few hundred might be more like it. You might be able to buy a fairly nice computer if you sold that Marlin.

Given that your Marlin will not likely allow you to retire to the Bahamas, I wonder if you shouldn't just scope it up and go shooting with it.

After all, when you pass on, do you want your middle aged sons to say "This is my father's boxed Marlin 39D, complete with owner's manual" or do you want them to say "This is the rifle that we shot with Dad and you wouldn't believe how many squirrels, tin cans and dirt clods we shot with it."?

 

I think Old 39A User has the right idea. I like it better than mine You cannot put a price tag on memories. Memories cannot be taken from you. Also it is really neat when your kids have all moved out and then call you and ask if you'd like to setup a family hunting trip with them. Those memories are what it's all about.

 

Well you folks have added an interesting insight on the 39D. I have thought I may could part with it to generate funds for "shooting .22's", and leave it to a collector who may like the condition, but just don't think I could do it. I don't have enough guns that I received from my father and will keep it around awhile longer. I know my sons would love the chance to use it, probably as much as I did when I couldn't take just looking at it any longer and snuck it out to try a tube full of shells. I felt guilty for awhile and to this day I wonder if my dad ever knew.
Thanks again for all the insight...I'm sure it will be enjoyed one way or the other!

 

keep that gun

if not sell it to me and I won't shoot it and I'll sell it back to you at my cost plus shipping

consider it a favor from a fellow shooter, I know as soon as you get rid of it you'll want it back... I can't wait to let my grandkids shoot some of the guns my grandfather has promised to give me that he shot back in the 1920's and 30's

single shot rifles and the such...

sell some safequeen modern bottom feeder (clipfed) with too many safeties to list, and keep that family heirloom!!!!

 

Marlin Model 39D

From what I can remember the 39D was introduced in 1971. The 1971 model had a white line spacer on the grip cap and also had one on the buttplate. In 1972 none were produced. Again in 1973 the were reintroduced in the line-up but the 73's did not have any white spacers. I would say your gun was manufactured in 1971, and bought in 1972.

I saw one in www.gunsamerica.com that was new in the box with no handling marks of any kind and it went for $400.00. I wanted to buy it but someone beat me to it.

The 39D has a special place in my soul. My father bought me one as a birthday present in 1972 when I turned seven (Mine is the 1971 with the pretty white spacers ). That gun, The dog I had at that time, and me had a lot of fun together.

It would still rate very good to excellent on the metal and wood but it's been retired since about 1990. I have more rifles than I really need and cherish them all, but if you told me I could only keep one----it would be the 39D. The only way someone could get that paticular rifle from me is by prying it away from my cold, dead fingers!!!

I guess I'm just a sentimental old fool, but that rifle represents the best times of my childhood.

Best Regards,

marlin39d

 

Marlin Model 39D From what I can remember the 39D was introduced in 1971. The 1971 model had a white line spacer on the grip cap and also had one on the buttplate. In 1972 none were produced. Again in 1973 the were reintroduced in the line-up but the 73's did not have any white spacers. I would say your gun was manufactured in 1971, and bought in 1972. I saw one in www.gunsamerica.com that was new in the box with no handling marks of any kind and it went for $400.00. I wanted to buy it but someone beat me to it. The 39D has a special place in my soul. My father bought me one as a birthday present in 1972 when I turned seven (Mine is the 1971 with the pretty white spacers ). That gun, The dog I had at that time, and me had a lot of fun together. It would still rate very good to excellent on the metal and wood but it's been retired since about 1990. I have more rifles than I really need and cherish them all, but if you told me I could only keep one----it would be the 39D. The only way someone could get that paticular rifle from me is by prying it away from my cold, dead fingers!!! I guess I'm just a sentimental old fool, but that rifle represents the best times of my childhood. Best Regards, marlin39d

Very well said sir.

 

I don't really care for heavy guns. I really wanted a light compact lever action 22lr. I thought the 39A was just to heavy and long. But there was a slick little 39D in the rack, brand new. Now as I look back, that was probably the best gun purchase of my 78 years.

 

i bought a new 39D at a long gone gun shop in Kirkwood Mo for around $75.00 in 71'. killed a a lot of squirrels & bunnies with it. wish i still had it.

 

My wife teaches in Kirkwood, dang you are close to home if still in the area.

 

I paid $900 for a 39D at a gun show last year. Real nice condition but no box. I have 4 mounties and 3 39A's so it fit in with my addiction. I saw the same seller this year at a gun show with a regular 39A priced $900.

 

It's just a "thing". It ain't gonna fund your retirement. Shoot it, enjoy it, and let your kids have good memories. Some of you make it sound like it's the Holy Grail.

 

Reading these posts has made me glad of every scratch, nick and bump on my 39D which I got new a half century ago. There seemed to be something magical about it. I would just take it hunting and come home with something other people would tell tales about especially my Dad. I didn't care it made me sort of a hero.