Marlin 444 - Stiff Action

[WartHog]

My brother recently bought a Marlin 444 Lever Action that probably has less than 100 rounds through it. The action is not smooth at all and he would like to have a Gunsmith take a look at it to see what can be done to fix it. Any recommendations for a Smith in the North Bay/Norcal area that can do a good job on a lever gun?

[Pofoo]

No to the question, but, have you cleaned and lubed it? Really get all the dried grease and crud out. Then, while watching TV, cycle it about a thousand times. Might save yourself some money.
If you have any mechanical skills at all, you should be able to totally break it down and look for parts that are rubbing and then stone or file any points that are sticking up and rubbing. Youtube should be of help.

[WartHog]

I could probably do a basic strip and clean but attempting to do a action job on a action mechanism I'm not familiar with isn't going to happen.

Sent via my Lumia 640 & mTalk

[golfish]

No to the question, but, ave you cleaned and lubed it? Really get all the dried grease and crud out. Then, while watching TV, cycle it about a thousand times. Might save yourself some money.
If you have any mechanical skills at all, you should be able to totally break it down and look for parts that are rubbing and then stone or file any points that are sticking up and rubbing. Youtube should be of help.

^^^^^^

I'd remove the furniture and flush it out with brake cleaner (non chlorinated) Work the action a little bit while your spraying the brake on it. After a little while I'd spray it with CLP while working the action and see if that helps

[javithewrench]

Remove the lever and bolt, clean and inspect for burrs or deep scratches. Lever guns are pretty easy to work on. I don't have a 444 but have about 20+ leverguns. I'm a 45/70 type of guy but might get a 444 some day. Like always post pictures, gun porn is always welcome!

[otteray]

"Tuning Marlin Lever Actions."
"Editorial note: This is information only about what a few cowboys found worked for them. If you do not feel comfortable working on your gun and assuming liability, please go to a good gunsmith and let them tune your gun."