Need a Sanity Check-39A-DL

[Premo]

I have an opportunity to purchase a Marlin 39A-DL, 1961, from the original owner's family. From the pictures that were sent to me, I have determined that the barrel has some rust and the left side of the receiver has some flecking, approximately 60-75% blueing(just a guess based on limited info). The gun has been sitting for approximately 15 years.

I realize few A-DL’s were made from 1961-63 and I would like to add one to my collection.

1st question--How much value is lost to the degraded blueing?
2nd question—How much will I devalue it if I have Marlin do a re-blue?

Since I started buying Marlins earlier this year, I have purchased 12, but none with this type of rust/ flecking. All others, from 1948-78, had good blueing and wood. Do not know how to value this one. Sorry no photo’s.

FP

[Blaine]

Regardless of how it looks, I'll bet it's a good shooter. They almost always are, unless the bore is stuff. It sounds ugly, so I'd offer 150.

[Doc Hudson]

If the bore looks good, do like Blaine said, but be ready to go as high as $200.00 if you have too do it.

Take it to the range for test firing, and if it shoots as good as most M-39A's keep looking for a pretty rifle for you collection and use the ugly M-39 for a rainy day squirrel gun.

[Hobie]

The minute it had rust the collectors value is gone. Price accordingly.

[jdad]

A Marlin factory reblue would actually help it from it's current condition. You will have a record of a "factory reblue".

If it's surface pitting vs just some surface rust, then you have some good negotiating power. Surface "color" comes off easy.

[Blaine]

If you get it for 175 or less and don't like it, give me a buzz