Do the Marlin Lever Actions still have problems?

[splithoof]

I've enjoyed reading through the various threads on this forum about Marlin, Winchester, and Henry lever rifles, and was hoping that Marlin had finally got their act together, but it seems very "hit & miss", if you will.
I have already had one bad experience with Marlin, and don't wish to go through that again. Sounds like the best way (wishful thinking) would be for Marlin to supply all the parts in a box, with a PDF list of qualified gunsmiths who could then final finish, assemble, and tune the whole works into something that works as it should. On the other side, one could simply order what they want, and see exactly how much "improving" is needed (or not) before they send it off, knowing to expect this to be necessary.

[SigSauerP226]

I would order a new extractor. They're inexpensive and it might just fix the problem. Regardless it's good to have one on hand when you try to bend yours. They only bend a tiny bit before they break....

That's a good idea, I'll do that.

What's best for getting rid of sharp edges?

[jerdog3]

Thank you all for such great input and helpful advice. It was enough to scare me from buying a new Marlin from my local gun shop. Haha. But I really want a Marlin so I kept looking for other options and found

https://grizzlycustom.com/

So I will buy an awesome rifle from him after he's gone through it and inspected, fixed, and upgraded all that's needed. I wish I were more handy, but sometimes when I am finished cleaning my guns and put them back together I have "extra" parts still lying on the table. Haha. I definitely needed to find someone like Lew from Grizzly Custom. I ended up getting the 1894CSBL in .357 Mag / .38 Spl.
But now I have two more questions for you guys.
1. Is there any ammo that I shouldn't use for any reason? i.e. unreliable feeding in lever guns, or too pointy? I know that's a dumb question, but being dumb has never stopped me before. Haha.
2. What revolver should I pair it with? It doesn't have to be a cowboy gun, but it certainly can be. I like everything from the Ruger Vaquero to the S&W R8. What would be the .357 Mag Revolver you would trust your life to and believe it would reliably do that same for your grand kids? I'm leaning towards the S&W 686 Plus or the R8. Your thoughts?

Thanks again for all your great comments and advice!
Your pal,
jerdog3

[RHT447]

Likely this won't do you any good for 38/357, but it is a handy reference for "store brand" Marlins.

http://www.hoosiergunworks.com/catalog/cross_reference.html

[snowdog650]

I picked up a Model 1894 CSBL after getting rid of my semi-autos.

The action is smooth, there have been no FTF or FTE, and it is reliably a 1 - 1.5 MOA shot at 50 meters with a Sig Romeo red-dot. I have no feeding issues with any 357 or 38 ammo, to include lighter 125-grain projectiles (I just saw in another thread that Henry's don't take anything under 158 grain very well).

My only issue is that the rear peep is simply too big for any real accuracy beyond 25-50 meters ... thus, my installing a red dot. But that peep makes for very fast target acquisition in a CQB situation.

I will buy another.

I think the stainless action Marlins tend to have fewer issues, but I have nothing to back it up.

[tomrkba]

Take it to a gunsmith. Have him install better sights and clean things up. Maybe update a few internals to improve reliability.

[SigSauerP226]

Anyone have a lead on a good gunsmith near Simi Valley? I wouldn't mind one checking mine over and doing a little bit of work to make it perfect. I wouldn't mind trying some stuff, but I'd rather not jack it up if I can get a gunsmith to do it for a decent price.

[elk hunter]

I kinda like my new (3 years ago) Wally World 30-30, seems to be a reasonable rifle for short range work. The money was right to, granted it isn't a .357/.38 spl or other pistol cal but they are made at the same place.

[tigerpan]

I have the 3030 and 45-70 both are working fine. Not much different than my JL stainless 44mag. The key is you have to go to store to pick the good ones.

[pennstater]

I kinda like my new (3 years ago) Wally World 30-30, seems to be a reasonable rifle for short range work. The money was right to, granted it isn't a .357/.38 spl or other pistol cal but they are made at the same place.

[ATTACH]851340[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]851341[/ATTACH]

elk hunter, that right there is perfect! Doesn't have to be a handgun caliber, those Marlin[or any make] 30-30's been getting it done for a looong time.
Good shooting. And, like you, I need glass on my levers. 69 year old eyes don't work like they used to. Carry on.

MLC

[200Apples]

Tom, I'm gonna need some glass! if I'm gonna shoot like elk hunter, there. I can't bring the front sight into as clear a focus as I want to, and the rear semi buckhorn was a dark blob.

IMG_0971.jpg

In spite of that, this thing put 15 of 15 rounds onto a 15" gong @ 100 yards (sitting, both elbows on the bench). Nice way to break me in to .45-70.

Loads were commercial Remington, 405 gr sjsp, safe for Trapdoor rifles. From a 24" barrel, they're claimed to clock 1330 with a 100-yard zero. Figure they're travelling 1250 from the muzzle of my 18.5" Marlin. Easy on the shoulder, but good grief, that momentum.

I'm hooked.

[golfish]

We got to get out to the Mojave. Anybody know if the fire restriction are lifted ?

Thats one purdy gun you have there

[elk hunter]

I'm 70 and the glass helps a lot. The CB 45-70 I bought after the 30-30. The lower 30-30 is a mid 50's RC it is my wife's rifle. There's a lot of finish difference in all 3, used for comparisons. All shoot good. I still prefer a good iron sight but my eyes work better with the glass. All are nice guns but still not my favorites. I really don't think the op should be to leary of the new Marlins but it's his money and I would be just as cautious as he is. If I wanted a .38/.357 I would pay the extra and buy one of the new Winchesters, I've seen them and I like them except for the tang safety and rebound hammer. Other than that they are a well made rifle. Thanks for putting up with my 2 cents worth.

[200Apples]

^ ^ ^ Nice! elk hunter. Thanks for the photos.

We got to get out to the Mojave.

I was *going* to go for the 100-mile drive to hit the Mo-Jay-Vee today, but didn't have the time last night to load up for an early departure, so instead I drove just 25 miles to Angeles Shooting Ranges.

You bet we better! hit the Mojave.

[pennstater]

Chris and Mark: I got my Talley today and put a "Tasco World Class 1.5-4.5x32mm" on my .45. I'll send a picture to Mark tomorrow[Fri]. In-expensive scope I know, but, it will help with load development and hitting what I aim at. It actually seems to work pretty good.

MLC