Tony Z wrote:Yes those Marlins are sweet. A mate recently picked up a 39A from a deceased estate with a 24 inch octagonal barrel nice timber. I would say it had a restro at some point as it is just too tidy. When i dated it for him we were shocked to find it was built in 1897. The best $300 he ever spent!!! Guns of that era are getting good dollars in the US as are JM stamped Marlins in most every caliber.
Yes they are, but they bring good money in Australia as well, especially the octagonal barrel models. If the rifle your mate got was built in 1897, is not a 39a. The Model 39s and 39As started in 1922 and 1939. It is either a Model 97 (1897-1916) or
more likely, considering your comment on it's condition, it is a Model 1897 Cowboy, produced in 1999-2002. The serial number will start with a 01, 00, 99 or 98 if this is correct.
It is hard to judge US gun prices against our own. Some are worth more here, some are worth more there. I have a Colt lightning that would be worth double should I sell it in the states. Some guns are worth more here, but not as many. Although a lot of the higher priced guns just sit and don't sell. On average, I would say the Americans pay 10-20% more, generally. It depends on the exchange rate at the time.
If it is a >20yo Model 1897 and is therefore not as old as you thought, don't despair, it is still a desirable rifle. If your mate wants to sell it and it's in good nick, I'll give him $1200 tomorrow. It's worth that if it's clean (bore especially). But he's better off shooting it and loving it for himself.
This link to Marlin Owners might help.....
http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/marli ... t-pdf.html
cheers, curan.
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