Marlin Golden 39A Mountie .22 S/L/LR Used Trade-In Lever-Action Rifle with Scope – A Classic American Rimfire Icon

Marlin Golden 39A Mountie 22 S/L/LR Used Trade-in Lever-Action Rifle with Scope. Few rifles in American history have reached the legendary status of the Marlin Golden 39A Mountie. As one of the oldest continually produced .22 lever-action rifles, the 39A combines rugged performance, timeless design, and an unmistakable Western feel. When you add a used trade-in model equipped with a scope, you’re looking at a firearm that’s both a reliable shooter and a valuable piece of heritage.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what makes the Marlin Golden 39A Mountie so special — and why a scoped, used trade-in version might just be one of the smartest rimfire purchases you can make today.

🏛️ A Legacy Like No Other Marlin Golden 39A Mountie 22 S/L/LR

The Marlin Model 39 series dates back to 1891, originally introduced as the Marlin Model 1891 — the world’s first lever-action rifle designed for the .22 rimfire cartridge. Through a series of refinements, it evolved into the Model 39, and eventually, the Golden 39A, which became one of the most revered .22 rifles ever made.

The Mountie variant was introduced in the 1950s to cater to shooters who preferred a more compact, carbine-style lever-action rifle. It features a straight grip stock, shorter barrel, and lighter overall weight — making it ideal for hunting, plinking, or carrying in the field.

🔍 Key Specifications – Marlin Golden 39A Mountie

• Caliber: .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle (S/L/LR)
• Action: Lever-action
• Barrel Length: 20 inches (Mountie model)
• Overall Length: Approx. 37.5 inches
• Magazine Capacity: Up to 19 rounds of .22 Short / 18 of .22 LR
• Magazine Type: Tubular under-barrel
• Stock: American walnut, straight grip
• Finish: Blued steel receiver and barrel, gold trigger (Golden 39A series hallmark)
• Weight: Approx. 6.5 lbs
• Sights: Factory open sights (trade-in model may come scoped)
• Twist Rate: 1:16 (Micro-Groove rifling)
• Receiver: Solid-top and drilled for scope mounting (many trade-ins already scoped)

🔭 Lever Action + Scope: The Best of Both Worlds

One standout feature of this used trade-in rifle is the inclusion of a scope. While the 39A Mountie already offers excellent iron sight accuracy, a scope elevates it to a whole new level — particularly for small game hunting or precision plinking at extended rimfire distances (50–100 yards).

What the Scope Adds: Marlin Golden 39A Mountie 22 S/L/LR Used Trade-in Lever-Action Rifle with Scope

• Faster target acquisition
• Improved visibility in low light
• Greater accuracy at longer distances
• Enhanced usability for younger or beginner shooters

Many of these rifles come fitted with classic 3-9×32 or fixed 4x scopes — ideal for the low-recoil .22LR platform.

🔄 Used Trade-In Value: What You Get

A used police or private trade-in firearm typically means:

• Regular armorer or owner maintenance
• Reliable operation, often only light cosmetic wear
• Great value for the price

These rifles may have been used by training units, rural law enforcement for small pest control, or by private owners who took excellent care of their firearms. Because the 39A Mountie is no longer in regular production, a trade-in rifle is often the best way to obtain one without paying premium collector prices.

🎯 Performance and Accuracy Marlin Golden 39A Mountie 22 S/L/LR Used Trade-in Lever-Action Rifle with Scope

The Marlin 39A is world-famous for its accuracy, thanks in part to its:

• Micro-Groove rifled barrel
• Solid lock-up from the lever-action system
• Heavy-duty receiver with consistent cycling

With quality .22LR ammunition, most 39A rifles will easily group under 1 inch at 50 yards. Many shooters report sub-MOA accuracy with match-grade ammo and a properly mounted scope.

🧰 Maintenance and Durability

The 39A’s takedown design makes cleaning and maintenance exceptionally easy:

• Unscrew the takedown screw to separate the rifle into two halves
• Clean the bore, bolt face, and internals with standard .22LR tools
• Reassemble and check for function — no gunsmith needed

Being all-steel and walnut, the rifle is built for lifelong service, and trade-in rifles are often still in excellent shooting condition after decades.

🔫 Why the 39A Mountie Stands Out

1. Multi-Caliber Capable

The ability to shoot .22 Short, Long, and Long Rifle makes the 39A incredibly versatile. You can use:

• Low-noise .22 Shorts for indoor or backyard use (where legal)
• Standard .22 LR for general plinking or small game
• High-velocity or subsonic loads for precision or suppressor compatibility

2. Takedown Design

The rifle breaks down easily for storage, transport, or field cleaning — a major plus for campers, backpackers, and trappers.

3. Classic Lever-Action Feel

The action is smooth, with a light lever throw and satisfying mechanical click. It’s a great teaching tool, introducing new shooters to iron discipline and safety in a satisfying, hands-on way.

4. Scope-Ready

The solid-top receiver is drilled and tapped — rare among lever guns. A trade-in model with a scope already mounted saves you the trouble and cost of setup.

🧪 Ammo Compatibility and Feeding

The tubular magazine allows a mix of:

• .22 Short – Up to 19 rounds
• .22 Long – Up to 18 rounds
• .22 Long Rifle – 18 rounds

The 39A Mountie feeds most brands reliably, though bulk hollow point ammo may need occasional cleaning between sessions for best results.

💵 Pricing and Collectability

The Marlin Golden 39A, particularly the Mountie variant, has become increasingly desirable among collectors and serious rimfire fans.

Used Trade-In Pricing (with scope):

• $400–$650, depending on condition, scope brand, and era of manufacture
• Earlier models with JM-stamped barrels are more collectible
• Rifles with clean wood and bright bores command higher prices

Compared to new lever-action rimfire rifles on the market, the 39A is in a league of its own in terms of build quality, trigger feel, and mechanical smoothness.

🧭 What to Inspect on a Used Marlin 39A Mountie

Before buying or when evaluating a trade-in rifle, check:

• Barrel condition: Bright bore with strong rifling is ideal
• Stock: Look for cracks near the tang or wrist; minor dings are common
• Lever action: Should cycle smoothly with no excessive slop
• Takedown fit: Ensure the halves lock tightly with no wiggle
• Scope condition: Check for clarity, reticle alignment, and tight mounting

Even well-used examples often function perfectly due to the 39A’s robust construction.

📦 Ideal Use Cases Marlin Golden 39A Mountie 22 S/L/LR Used Trade-in Lever-Action Rifle with Scope

The 39A Mountie is more than a plinker. Here’s how it shines:

✅ Small Game Hunting

Perfect for squirrels, rabbits, and varmints. The scoped version makes accurate headshots at 50+ yards easier.

✅ Training & Youth Shooting

Safe and easy to use, with the tactile feel of a classic lever gun.

✅ Backpacking & Outdoors

Takedown design and rugged stainless/blued steel make it great for field carry.

✅ Legacy Ownership

Built to pass down through generations, the 39A is a rifle to treasure.

🔁 How It Compares

The 39A Mountie stands out for its build quality, takedown design, and timeless lever-action appeal.

🎖️ A True American Classic

The Marlin Golden 39A Mountie .22 S/L/LR Used Trade-In Lever-Action Rifle with Scope is a smart buy for any shooter who appreciates quality, tradition, and real-world performance. You get the best of old-school craftsmanship with modern practicality in

a scoped, easy-to-handle package.

Whether you’re hunting squirrels in the woods, teaching the next generation to shoot, or just looking for a fun and precise rimfire rifle — the Mountie delivers. And with a trade-in model, you’re often getting exceptional value on a rifle that’s been field-tested and ready for more.

In short: It’s the kind of rifle you’ll shoot today and pass down tomorrow — and enjoy every lever pull in between.