Hi all
I just picked up from a friend a old Marlin 39, no other digits following it, just a straight model 39 as it says on the tang, the reciever has a tiny bit of case collor left, mostly grey, 24" octogan barrel. top of the barrel says the marlin firearms corporation new haven conn. u.s.a. patented. serial # 5017 under the lever. the lever has a little slop to it. if just holding the rifle normal the lever falls a inch or so with out holding the lever, can this be fixed and should i fix it. also what year was it made?
any help would greatly be appreciated. i can text or msg pictures.
thanks
Cliff

This is the only info I could find it might give you a place to start,you might also try Marlinowners.com
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2012/01/chris-dumm/classic-gun-review-marlin-model-39/