Marlin 336 lever pops open

[burr2of4]

I got a used Marlin 336 and the lever pops open with the slightest touch. I changed the plunger and the spring and the pin but no change. Then I looked at the lever to see where it was making contact first and filed that spot down a little. It made a little difference but it still opens too easily. Anybody got any ideas for me on how to fix this gun?

[200Apples]

What caliber?

And it'd be hard to diagnose the issue without operating the action first hand then disassembling the gun on the bench.

You may need professional help. I know we do.

May I put your name on the Mojave Lever Crew roster?

[burr2of4]

What caliber?

And it'd be hard to diagnose the issue without operating the action first hand then disassembling the gun on the bench.

You may need professional help. I know we do.

May I put your name on the Mojave Lever Crew roster?

It's a 30-30
Never heard of the Mojave lever crew

[DueceMcGurk]

"where it was making contact first ... filed that spot down a little."

Don't understand how filing could stiffen the lever release. The spring plunger is the major controller of that function.

I agree. Avoid those MLC boys. Bad apples (play on words). lol

[burr2of4]

"where it was making contact first ... filed that spot down a little."

Don't understand how filing could stiffen the lever release. The spring plunger is the major controller of that function.

I agree. Avoid those MLC boys. Bad apples (play on words). lol

The lever wasn't closing far enough for the tip of the plunger to really get behind the pin that it's rests against. The web between the trigger guard and finger lever was contacting the bottom plate. That's where I filed it and it made a slight improvement.

[200Apples]

It's a 30-30
Never heard of the Mojave lever crew

Alrightythen. Nevermind!

Hope you get it fixed.

[burr2of4]

Alrightythen. Nevermind!

Hope you get it fixed.

Thanks for taking the time to reply

[pennstater]

You could ask that question over on the "marlin owners forum.com". They may have a solution.

MLC

[darkwater]

Sounds like he's already tackled the most obvious fix for the problem, but without being there it is hard to diagnose further. Sounds like something is preventing the lever detent plunger from fully engaging, such as a burr or other crud in the channel, or there could be an alignment issue. How old is the rifle, by the way?

Yes, Marlinowners.com is the best resource, with former Marlin employees from the old New Haven plant that often chime in. They will probably say "this thread is useless without pics", though...