Fix for Marlin Model 60 fail to feed issue

[Emberglo]

In old marlin model 60s, it is fairly common for people to have failure to feed issues due to the old feed throats spreading and allowing the rim of the cartridge to jam.

I was having this problem, and found a fix to make it function reliably again.

I pulled the action apart, and gave it a thorough cleaning. Something it needed terribly. That helped a lot as is. But I knew that the problem was the old feed-throat spreading and allowing the cartridge to jam. I noticed there was a tiny gap between the feed-throat and the action wall. I used the tab off of a cardboard box (it was an incense box that is the same thickness as the box on a deck of Hoyle playing cards). I pulled the tab that is used to secure the end of the box shut off (this step incurred some wrath...) and used it as a shim between the feed-throat and the wall of the action. Only 1 layer is needed. 2 layers made the action to difficult to work.

Took the old girl out shooting today and fired about 100 - 150 rounds. She functioned perfectly. I'm not sure that it's something I'd want to rely on permanently, but it will definitely work until I can get tools for the conversion!

I know this is a common issue, so I thought I'd share my little fix.

 

[Jaymo]

What exactly do you mean by "feed throat spreading"?

 

[Emberglo]

The factory marlin feedthroat on the older guns is 2 pieces that are pinned together. Over time, the two pieces spread when the action cycles allowing the rim of the cartridge to catch. Generally this causes the nose of the bullet to jam into the breech face. If you'd like a link to some pictures, I'd be happy to post it.

 

[Mac's Precision]

The feed throat can be peen back together if you like. You have a shot at this being successful. Marlin still makes this part and is readily available. Give them a call and they can send you a replacement.

 

[Emberglo]

Thanks for the reply Mac. I have the parts to do the conversion, just haven't had the time... stupid midterms...

Only trouble is with these older guns, you have to get the new feed throat, new bolt, new cartridge lifter, and new ejector spring to do the conversion. Marlin charges for the parts, and they and the retailers that stock them are usually out of something or other that you need.

 

[gamestalker]

I have 2 M60's, and other than keeping them clean and free of build up, especially around the ejector groove, there is a spring on the bolt that has a tendency to get displaced and then interfere with normal feeding. Both of mine have come loose from time to time, probably something caused by build up or during reassembly after cleaning. You'll easily spot this spring problem as soon as your aware of it. The last time in encountered the problem I slightly increased the tension where it latches and haven't had a repeat in a long time.

If you don't recognize anything out of place go to marlin or Sniper Country and pull up a detailed diagram so you can recognize and refit the spring.

 

[Miata Mike]

The guys over at Rimfirecentral.com really know their stuff about Marlin model 60's.

Dropping the guts of the rifle and a good cleaning solve a lot of problems.

 

[Jim K]

The Marlin 60 can have problems, but I found that 99% of them could be fixed by taking off the stock and throwing everything else in the sonic bath. Let it drip dry, throw on a minimum of oil (too much will just make it crud up faster!), and it's good for a while.

Jim

 

[Miata Mike]

I have a model 60 and 99 that were my Fathers that both misfired from neglect, that enjoyed a good deep cleaning, and functioned flawlessly after. Very easy once you have done it once or twice. Nice to have that nice squirrel stocked gun running like a champ again!

 

[Emberglo]

Thanks for the input guys! I gave mine a thurough cleaning, which didn't solve the problem. The feed-throat issue is pretty well discussed on Rimfire Central and Marlin Owners, but I hadn't seen anybody come up with putting a shim in the action.

 

[jimercer]

If you have a feed throat problem, I would recommending replacing it. I have a 1970's model 60 and the tab in the feed throat that holds down the lifter blew apart. I bought a new one and just ground off one of the positioning tabs and a small bump on the lifter arm and now my gun is back working like new. I had to bend the lifter spring up a little bit as well so it wouldn't slip off but the fix was easy and for 25 bucks I'm sure it will work another 30 years.

 

[amflyer]

Nevermind