[ChadTB]

I am new here so if i am posting incorrectly please let me know. I recently bought the best rifle I have ever owned. It is a Marlin 336 made in 1975. I took it to the range and knew it was meant to be when the first three round out of the barrel made a quarter size group at 25 yard. I took it to a three gun competition and when my semi auto failed My Marlin jumped in and didn't miss a shot but Jammed once. The last round get jammed in the chamber at the time I thought it was operator error in the excitement.

Now about 75% of the time the last round in the tube will get stuck and jam up the lever. I think I need to replace the spring but was looking for advice.

Thanks

 

[FOUR4D4]

I had this happen with my 444S once at the range a range master tightened all the screws on the receiver and told me you have to keep them tight and use smooth even movement cocking the lever.But I think it could have been Leverevolution ammo

 

[ChadTB]

Thanks. I thought it might have been my fault also. But if that was the case why does it only happen on the last round?


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[upnorth73]

Hey, I had this happen to me the other day with my 1895 45/70.

Had put a box of federals through it without a problem, then on my first magazine of lever revolutions it just locked up.
I to assumed it was to do with the lever revolution rounds.
Hornady say no mods are necessary, but there are magazine followers designed to be used with the lever revolution, designed to locate the tip.

 

[Gumpy]

I've never had a 45/70. But it seems like I read that about the revolution rounds somewhere.

 

[Hillbilly]

Last round problems on a semi auto usually is an indicator of a weak mag spring that needs to be replaced
Just thinking maybe the same applies here


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[GunnerJacky]

The Marlin 336W is a fine firearm. It has a reputation for being quite reliable so its a little bit surprising its giving you trouble. The good option is Contact Marlin or take help of your local gunsmith.

 

[Snubshooter]

Last round problems on a semi auto usually is an indicator of a weak mag spring that needs to be replaced
Just thinking maybe the same applies here


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I think it might be the spring as well. It IS 40 years old. Replacement should be easy and inexpensive.

 

[ChadTB]

Thank you everyone. I did buy a new spring. It has made a big difference and it is happening less. It only happened once at the range last weak. So I think that was my fault. It is my favorite rifle.

 

[jbaker30]

It's not the spring, it is the follower, the older Marlins had the flat faced followers and the the last round in the mag tube gets hung up, or wedged between the follower and mag tube wall. You need a new follower that is dimpled in the middle to catch the tip of the first round loaded in the mag tube, or get an after market aluminum follower from Wild West Guns or they even are on ebay. they are cheap and will solve your problem. This applies to the Hornady Leverevolution pointed tip ammo.
JB

 

[ChadTB]

I was just watching the action last night trying to figure it out, because with the new string it only happens about half the time. So the spring was not the entire problem. I thought of the follower but when i took it out it looked fine, it was original but great condition. I was thinking about ordering a new one when I saw your post. AWESOME!!! Thank you very much. I will let everyone know how it goes.

 

[jbaker30]

Glad I could help Chad.
JB

 

[ChadTB]

Thanks that fixed it.
JB Maybe you can easy my mine about another issue?
If not I will start another thread.
I was testing the new follower today and It worked great. After about the 10th shot the brass would not eject. The lever was stuck and closed. I started messing with it but was concerned that I still had 3 rounds in the tube so I removed the end cap, spring and follower and with a little muscle the bolt came loose. I didn't fire anymore because I wanted to take it apart before i risked it. Everything looks fine but I have never had this issue with any of my lever guns over the years. The brass was slightly pinched inward after extraction and the ammo was a cheap brand I have never used before. So I figured I was the Ammo.

Thanks.

 

[jbaker30]

Chad it definately sounds like the ammo. Some times with cheap brass(ammo) you get some expansion and that is probably the case with your's, I'd try some different ammo and see if the lever locks closed again. I doubt it will , but you want to make sure.
JB

 

[ChadTB]

I usually use Remington or Hornady. By the way I replaced a couple of the old screws in the receiver that kept coming loose, I replaced the spring and the follower. It is a metal follower with the new design. The rifle operates like it was designed. I am very pleased. Thanks a lot for your help. I don't know what it is about lever guns but I am in love.

Chad

 

[jbaker30]

My pleasure Chad, glad everything is working properly now. Oh and it's called Marlinitis and yes I suffer from it too. Have a few Marlins myself (1895CB 45-70, 1895GS 45-70, 450MXLR, 1895M 450 Marlin ported, 444XLR,1894CB 44mag, and a 1894c 357mag).
Cheers,
Joel