Marlin 39a FTF

[bratch]

I bought a used 1950 Marlin 39a last week. Today was the first range trip. Rifle shot great and was as accurate as could be expected with the sights. Only problem was it wouldn't feed with less than 3 rounds in the tube. I'd work the lever and a round would come out 1/4-1/2" and lock up. Had to take the rifle apart to clear it.

Any ideas?

 

[dfariswheel]

Dirty/fouled/rusted/or dented inner or outer magazine tube.

Remove the inner tube and inspect the inside of the outer tube.

If you feel competent to disassemble it, disassemble the inner magazine tube and clean/inspect it. Check the magazine spring for kinks and rust, inspect the inside of the tube for corrosion or dents. Check the magazine follower for rust/damage.
With a used gun, inspect for the wrong spring or even the wrong magazine tube.

Clean and lube the rest of the rifle. If you clean the bore, make sure to lock down the ejector, and don't forget to unlock it after cleaning.

 

[Runningman]

If it feed fine with more than 3 rounds than I would suspect a problem in the inner magazine tube. It might just need a cleaning or it may need a new tube spring if the tube is not damaged.

 

[bratch]

If it feed fine with more than 3 rounds

Fed fine down to the final 2 rounds. I loaded 18 in it shot 16 and jammed on #17. Happened everytime I shot if I let the tube get down to two rounds.

I'll check the tubes and springs.

 

[bratch]

Took her apart today and checked everything out. All tubes are dent free and appear in good shape.

I think it might have the wrong magazine tube.

I took the rifle apart with the tube in and didn't see the follower coming out of the mag tube into the receiver. I put a punch into the tube and it was 1.5" before I contacted the follower.

Is this normal? What is the proper length or the inner tube so I can double check.

 

[22-rimfire]

I think you are right. It should extend all the way to the receiver. Sounds like the spring is too short or it has the wrong tube in it.