it just has to be that with all the clean livin i've been doing lately. (not by choice however). but i was prowling around the gunshop yesterday and founda marlin 39a from about the late 50's or early 60's. metal is 99% and the varnish on the wood needs a redo. but for $200 i guess i can redo it. Maybe i'll even stick that 2-7 leupold compact that i found 1/2 hour latter for $100 on it. no drooling now, i really deserved it

Good for you. But who actually sells this good stuff? Must be from an Estate.

Proceed with resurrection slowly and deliberately. We will be expecting pictures when it's done...