Marlin 1894 Question

[bergmen]

I have a pre-Marlington/Remlin in .45 Colt (20" round barrel).

I bought this rifle to go with my ruger Bisley and Freedom Arms Model 83 both in .45 Colt.

I have been shooting +P loads in this rifle (not max loads, 23 grains of W296 under a 240 grain HTP-Mag).

I notice that when I fire these loads the lever wants to jump open. A tight grip prevents this but the jolt is there nonetheless.

This does not seem right even though I know the rifle is plenty strong enough for loads at this power level.

Anyone else experience the same thing with their 1894's, especially in heavier calibers such as the .44 Magnum?

Dan

 

[wanderinwalker]

Could be your hand. I've done this a time or two with my 336 in .30-30, when I shoot it after shooting a bunch of different firearms, especially anything low-recoil. I changed my grip and it isn't an issue. It's been a while since I've fired my 1894 in .44 Magnum, but I don't recall having this problem.

 

[greyling22]

could be the finger plunger spring has been lightened. Might is light enough that it almost won't hold the lever closed by itself any more. makes for a nice action, but it jars open if I don't hold it closed.

 

[Dr.Rob]

Never had that happen with my 44 Magnum.

 

[bergmen]

could be the finger plunger spring has been lightened. Might is light enough that it almost won't hold the lever closed by itself any more. makes for a nice action, but it jars open if I don't hold it closed.

Mine was bought new just a few years ago, so it hasn't been modified.

I haven't disassembled it to see if anything is obviously incorrect. I'm just hoping to find someone who has experienced this before (it is a bit disconcerting since it is a solid jerk action on the lever) and knows what may need attention.

I just have visions of getting a bolt in the face (not that this is likely but it is a little scary).

Dan

 

[bergmen]

Never had that happen with my 44 Magnum.

I'm studying the parts exploded view that came with the rifle. I can see a "Locking Bolt" that appears to lock the bolt closed when the lever is closed and the gun is brought into battery. Any condition that results in a slight angle of this part could impart a downward force to the lever as the gun is fired and there is rearward pressure on the bolt.

Just speculating. I may remove the lever and take a look. I have a good 'smith in town that I will take it to if necessary.

This gun will not be going back to Marlington for any sort of CS work. Don't trust them right now.

Dan

 

[rcmodel]

See post #3 about the plunger spring.

If you bought the gun used, I bet somebody did an internet action job on it.

rc

 

[bergmen]

See post #3 about the plunger spring.

If you bought the gun used, I bet somebody did an internet action job on it.

rc

See post #5. Gun purchased new off the rack at Big 5.

Dan

 

[stockett]

bergmen

my 1894 44 mag does the same thing as yours when I shoot max loads ( 24 gr. H110 240 gr bullet). I have shoot hundreds of rounds through it and havn't found it to be an issue. It does it about every 10 rounds. I always figured it was something I am doing diffrent, like not cycling/closing action hard enough to get a consistant lock up.

 

[ants]

Dan, my 1894 in 44Mag from 1976 did that, but only with super duper super-max loads with 200 grain bullets, the ones that split a brand new case in the middle of the body. Other loads ('standard' loads) didn't do that. Hope that gives you a bit of perspective. Of course, check the gun for worn or malfuctioning parts. If everything is hunky dory, then rethink the assertion "The rifle is plenty strong enough for loads at this power level". Certainly the receiver and barrel are strong enough, but it is very possible that the 45 Colt action parts were designed and selected for 'standard' handgun loads. There is no guarantee that all the small parts are the same ones they put into 45-70 rifles. For instance, perhaps there is a stronger plunger spring or something else that might help, but it would be better to get the manufacturer's input on that.

 

[bergmen]

Dan, my 1894 in 44Mag from 1976 did that, but only with super duper super-max loads with 200 grain bullets, the ones that split a brand new case in the middle of the body. Other loads ('standard' loads) didn't do that. Hope that gives you a bit of perspective. Of course, check the gun for worn or malfuctioning parts. If everything is hunky dory, then rethink the assertion "The rifle is plenty strong enough for loads at this power level". Certainly the receiver and barrel are strong enough, but it is very possible that the 45 Colt action parts were designed and selected for 'standard' handgun loads. There is no guarantee that all the small parts are the same ones they put into 45-70 rifles. For instance, perhaps there is a stronger plunger spring or something else that might help, but it would be better to get the manufacturer's input on that.

Well, this makes me feel a bit better (seeing others experience the same sort of thing).

The "Locking Bolt" is the same for the .44 magnum as the .45 Colt. Also, .45 Colt generally runs at lower pressures than .44 magnum with similar ballistics (bullet weights at a given muzzle velocity).

The rifle has fewer than 200 rounds through it (and many of these are low powered "standar" .45 Colt loads) so it is not "worn" at all.

I'll still take it apart and see what I can see.

Dan