I removed the lever and bolt for the first time today after shooting some bad ammo. It was surprisingly easy. It gave me a chance to do some real cleaning. Previously I've bore snaked it so I didnt use the muzzle. I'll still bore snake but will breech clean more often.
The first time?!?! I always remove the lever and bolt to clean. Gives me more time fondling lever action parts.
Oh man taking down the Marlin is a dream compared to my 94 Winchester. I haven't taken the trigger group out of it yet, but it can't be harder than the Win. Winchesters get cleaned from the muzzle most of the time.