Marlin .22 stiff bolt

[Guvnor]

I finally tracked down a Marlin 981t (tube fed bolt action) the other day. I put about 100 rounds through it and I love it so far, but the bolt sure does seem stiff to unlock sometimes.

Is this just the nature of the beast with marlin .22s? Anyway to loosen it up?

 

[dagger dog]

Any new gun will "loosen up" 100 rounds on a rim fire .22 won't even start to break in your new Marlin. The thing to do now is give it a thorough cleaning especially the areas where the bolt slides in the race ways, you can see the areas on close inspection they will have striations where the surfaces rub against each other. I like to use a light lithium based grease (LUBRI-PLATE) it dries and lubes so as not to leave any moisture to pick up other dirt or grit. A little goes a long way, apply it and remove the excess with your finger"burnish". The other bearing surfaces a light oil of your preference will do.
Try to disassemble the bolt and lube those camming surfaces of the cocking peice and
the lug areas along with the race ways in the receiver, and make sure there are no metal filings left over from the machining process that weren't cleaned.

I will finally break in and become smooooth as silk.

 

[Guvnor]

Thanks for the reply.

I gave it a thorough cleaning and I will see if that helps. The strange part was that for the first 50 rounds or so, it was pretty smooth. But as the session went on and the gun heated up, it started getting stiff.

I will try taking apart the bolt and lubing it. Does anyone have instructions for how to take down a marlin bolt?

 

[glockman19]

Yes it is typical. My 981t was a little stiff for the first 200-300 rounds.

A great .22 for $150.

Congrats...enjoy