Big loop lever for a BLR

[JumboJVT]

I'm looking for a gunsmith that could increase the loop size on a BLR. I don't have big hands, but even with a fairly light glove, I need to force my hand into the loop, and once in there it gets cold fast. Neither quick nor comfortable.

Thought I'd pickup a used lever for scavenging. Obviously this won't be an inexpensive operation but I love the like rifle and really want to hunt with it...but can't the way it is. Anyone you can recommend? Thanks.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Go over to marlinowners.com
There used to be a couple of gunsmiths that offered the service to open up the Marlin levers. Now there are drop-in big levers commercially available for the Marlins.
Never saw onefor the BLR.

My solution is to just use my thumb to pull down the lever, and pull outside of lever to close.

 

[earlthegoat2]

It is sort of annoying that “standard” lever loops are so small when really only a 1/4” of increase in the length and width of the opening would do the job and only affect the aesthetic subtly.

There are some gunsmiths who will do it and some metalworkers but they can be hard to find.

I personally think the best shaped lever loop is on the Taylor’s 1892 Alaskan. Just a little bigger in all dimensions for a better feel with it without gloves.

 

[JumboJVT]

It is sort of annoying that “standard” lever loops are so small when really only a 1/4” of increase in the length and width of the opening would do the job and only affect the aesthetic subtly.

Agreed. The stock lever on a 336 is too small also, but its an easy fix with all the aftermarket levers available. I put on a Ranger Point mid-sized loop on one and everything is fine. It probably would make more sense just to scope that rifle, but I hate to, whereas a 7-08 BLR begs for a scope and my eyes definitely need one. Would make the most sense just to sell the BLR, but I bought it from an older friend in order to have one of his rifles to hunt with. Didn't fully think this through.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

Numrich has the entire cocking assembly available for sale -- that way you can preserve the original part and possibly enhance resale : https://www.gunpartscorp.com/products/2022680

From what I'm seeing, the other thing you would need is a competent welder and a willingness to do the filing and polishing yourself. But any smith who specializes in this kind of task on Marlins or Winchesters shouldn't have trouble altering the BLR's lever.

 

[3Crows]

I understand some dislike the large loops. But for myself, it is the tiny curved loops on the Marlin pistol grip rifles that I disdain. I cannot get my hand into them and they are curved in the wrong direction. By the time I put on gloves this Marlin SBL big loop lever is full up:



You would think there would be a gunsmith who could piece in another section and then reshape the BLR lever.

 

[Beck]

I agree about the "Teardrop" shaped lever on the Taylor's Alaskan being about the best I've seen. I have a Rossi 92 with the same problem of being on the small side. I'd be happy to get an Alaskan style loop on it, or just the original stretched out to be a little roomier for a gloved hand. About any competent, experienced smith could get it done for you.

 

[JumboJVT]

I agree about the "Teardrop" shaped lever on the Taylor's Alaskan being about the best I've seen. I have a Rossi 92 with the same problem of being on the small side. I'd be happy to get an Alaskan style loop on it, or just the original stretched out to be a little roomier for a gloved hand. About any competent, experienced smith could get it done for you.

Competent, experienced and still working seems to the the problem around here.

 

[Hokkmike]

Have used BIG and small looped levers. The larger sizes were originally intended for gloved hands and horseback riding. They actually hurt unless, in fact, you do wear gloves and/or wrap or pad the lever. That attracts and holds moisture.