POTD: Put The Extra into The A1 – 1936 Marlin A1E
Sam.S 12.13.23
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! The Marlin A1E is a fascinating variant of the classic Marlin A1 semi-automatic .22 rifle, produced from the A1’s introduction in 1936 through 1941. While retaining the closed-bolt operation and aesthetic of the Marlin Model 50, the A1E differentiated itself by coming equipped from the factory with target sights – a receiver-mounted peep paired with a hooded front post. This allowed recreational and small-game hunters to extend their accurate range right out of the box with the fast-handling, reliable six-shot detachable magazine Marlin platform.
Early A1E models until 1939 mirrored pre-war Marlin production with uncheckered walnut stocks akin to the Model 50, metal trigger guards, and a takedown screw on the smooth forend. By 1939, modernization efforts transitioned the A1E to plastic trigger guards and a simplified forend lacking the takedown screw. Stocks also took on a bit more refined, glossy appearance later in production. The A1E ultimately fulfilled a niche for those seeking an affordably priced, basic semi-auto .22 rifle optimized from the factory for recreational target shooting. With receiver sights installed, the A1E brought an added degree of versatility through enhanced sighting options paired with the fast-handling attributes of Marlin’s reliable six-shot detachable box magazine platform.
