Marlin 336 cycling trouble

[MrCleanOK]

I just got a 336 from a deceased relative's collection. The serial number dates it as manufactured in 1980.

When you hold the rifle ejection port down, it cycles just as it should. When held ejection port up, the bolt will only move about an inch before it begins to sieze up. In the normal up/down orientation, the bolt will cycle about half the time. I can't see anything loose inside the receiver, but I don't really know what I'm looking for. Does anybody have any ideas?

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

 

[rcmodel]

First thing to check is the screws.

Make sure the carrier screw, hammer screw, trigger guard plate screw, and loading gate screw are tight.


Except the four scope mount plug screws on the top of the receiver, and two receiver sight plug screws on the left rear should not be tight.
If they are screwed in too far, they can bind up the bolt.

rc

 

[Kp321]

Worst culprit I have experienced on the 336 is the loading gate screw. Doesn't take much looseness to bind things up.

 

[MrCleanOK]

Sure enough, it was the loading gate screw. Thanks for the help!

 

[rcmodel]

Well, that was easy!!

Glad to help!

rc

 

[Tarjb]

Keep those screws tight, it's a great gun I have one in .35 Remington, have no problems cycling the lever action.

Good shooting

 

[Nutbustd]

I have a 336 also and read this post and thought well maybe I should check mine just because. Guess what? Loading gate screw was loose and I didn't even know it!! The stuff you can learn on THR thanks guys