Marlin 30AS locking up a bit after firing

[shrewd]

So I picked up a fairly beat up 30-30 in trade awhile back.

I've been going through a bit of a saga trying to sight it in ( requiring different front sight posts and so on), but I've noticed something peculiar.

It cycles we'll enough during dry fire. Sure getting the bolt over the hammer requires a little bit of umph, but no biggie. I picked it up for a beater/deer gun if I ever go hunting (and who doesn't want a 30-30?).

However, after firing it it's super hard to open the action; like I need two hands to crack it open. I checked the brass and there seems to be no indication of burrs or deformed cases, so I don't think the cases are getting stuck.

I just broke the rifle down and there doesn't seem to be any serious abnormality in the metal to my untrained eye.

I was thinking about taking a stab at polishing the internals and maybe the chamber, though I've never tried that before.

What do you guys think?

 

[dprice3844444]

send it to marlin for a workover.might be worn/damaged parts that need to be replaced.
over 50 years old,they will not repair.
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/customersupport/repairs.asp customer service
http://forum.pafoa.org/gunsmithing-44/121363-marlin-1894-357-mag-feeding-problems.html
http://www.gun-parts.com/marlin/ parts
http://www.marlinowners.com/forum/repairing-your-guns/ marlin forum
https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search...&hsimp=yhs-att_001&type=att_pc_homerun_portal marlin feed issues

 

[rcmodel]

Have you tried oiling it?

And, Step away from the Dremel Tool.

rc

 

[shrewd]

Yes it's been cleaned and oiled, and cycles fine without firing

 

[Badlander]

Ask here..... www.marlinowners.com Someone there will tell you what you need to do.

 

[Bush Pilot]

Have you tried oiling it?

And, Step away from the Dremel Tool.

rc

My gunsmith gave me a Dremel tool and tons of accessories and told me to go to town.

 

[Scooter22]

Smart guy. He's guaranteeing future business.

 

[rromeo]

Okay, here's a wild hare. Use a good screwdriver and make sure that the loading gate screw is tight. Mine was loose and it made the action hang up sometimes.
Past that, good luck.

 

[22250Rem]

If you're not familiar with Marlin lever guns, the Model 30AS is just an economy model 336 that was made for the discount market. So as far as mechanical problems go you are dealing with a Marlin 336. That might make your searching simpler. I'd do a lot of looking around concerning Marlin 336 problems before I did anything drastic. The 30AS is just a 336 without a walnut stock (birch?) and no checkering, no sling swivels and cheaper front & rear sights. Except for those cost cutting features it's still just as good as any 336. I should know; I've had a circa 1991 Model 30AS since 2002. But I'm no expert on Marlin problems because I've yet to have any problems with mine. Perhaps you could let a good gunsmith take a look at it. If you find the problem let us know, I'm kind of curious.

 

[Moparnut]

Check the two small screws on the left side of the reciever. Make they are flush and not screwed down tight. Second I would check to make sure the little spring piece you remove when you remove the bolt for cleaning is sitting properly.

 

[shrewd]

The screws are good and the ejector was seated properly.

I'm thinking the most obvious culprit is my issue.

I spotted a small spot of something when shining my flashlight down the action. It's gotta be rust or some sort of fouling/buildup.

I don't have a 30 cal chamber brush so looks like I'm gonna have to order a three dollar part from midway. Which always turns into me blowing more money....

Curses!

 

[rcmodel]

See this about that.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=9483054&postcount=2

rc

 

[4v50 Gary]

What do the fired cases look like? Are you using handloads or factory? If the former, you must full length size the cases.

 

[loose noose]

Had one about 20 years ago, I had the same problem, I believe it was head spacing, however the gun got stolen from my son before I could get it repaired. Hopefully the culprit that stole it found out about it the hard way.

 

[WestKentucky]

I was thinking how it sounds like an issue I helped clear up with a buddies 336. He left it in a Plano case for a few weeks and it rusted up pretty bad. We went over that gun with steel wool and eventually fine grit sandpaper in places. Once we got it looking good with a cold blue job on most of the externals we had this issue. Pull the bolt and stick a brass brush down into the chamber and work it a little. Spray oil in it every few strokes. If it's REALLY funky in the bore put your brush in a cordless drill and give it 2 second bursts until it polishes out or you give up and take it to see the gunsmith.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

You may have a broken loading lever spring or the screw may just be loose. Marlins are very picky about the screws being tight.