Marlin Lever action

Question
Bob, during High School and after, somewhere after 1976, my Father purchased a Marlin Lever action with Bicentenial stamp on the gun 1776-1976. I think this was a Model 39? I lost this rifle in a friends house fire and have been looking on and off for around 20 something years, and still all I can find is the 1870-1970 edition.
Please point me in the right direction so I can hopefully find and purchase this rifle for my Father before he is breathing dust.

Robby Byles
Many, La.

Answer
Hi Robby.

The Model 39 was made in dozens of different variants over the course of many years. The current blue book doesn't list every single variation and there are so many references to the model 39 online that it will be challenging to find what you are looking for. I called Marlin but they didn't have a comprehensive listing available and their operators are not trained on the older guns. Here are some tips and links that might help:

A 1976 Marlin Firearms catalog for sale. Could help you confirm the specific model and other details:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=136761979

A forum for Marlin collectors:
http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/index.php/board,130.0.html

A long forum thread dedicated to the model 39:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=261635

A book on Marlin firearms history:
http://www.amazon.com/Marlin-Firearms-History-Guns-Company/dp/0811708772

And several online auction sites where you can search for Marlin model 39 rifles for sale:

http://www.auctionarms.com/
http://www.gunbroker.com/
http://www.gunsamerica.com/

I hope this helps!

Bob