marlin 45-70 lever problems plz help

[nightflyer]

bought my new marlin 45-70 rifle and the lever will not stay up just bump it and the lever will fall about a quarter of an inch just enough so it want fire.in order to fire you have to hold the lever up with finger really dont want to send it back if its an easy fix at home.

 

[Working Man]

Help should be on the way shortly....

You may also want to check here http://www.marlinowners.com/

 

[hoghunting]

I believe what you are describing is the way that the Marlins work. The lever has to be held in place with the shooting hand to lock the bolt so the gun will fire. That is a safety feature so that the gun will not fire if the bolt is not locked. Even the Win 94 does the same thing.

 

[nightflyer]

i dont think thats it

went to local gun dealer and the marlins he had did not do it but hes no repair man thanks for the input though

 

[rbernie]

I believe what you are describing is the way that the Marlins work.

I've owned lots of Marlins, and none failed to lock up tightly on their own.

This is not a safety feature - it's potentially dangerous. Send the rifle back to Marlin.

 

[hoghunting]

If you open the chamber and turn the gun upside down, you will see a small plunger (trigger safety block) - directly behind the trigger - that protrudes out. That trigger safety block has to be pushed up by the lever so that the trigger can be pulled. Pressure from squeezing the lever will push the safety block up so the trigger can be pulled.

 

[Cosmoline]

All Marlins should click shut when in battery. The lever should NOT be loose--they're not like Winchester '94's.

 

[rbernie]

If you open the chamber and turn the gun upside down, you will see a small plunger (trigger safety block) - directly behind the trigger - that protrudes out. That trigger safety block has to be pushed up by the lever so that the trigger can be pulled.

Absolutely correct.

Pressure from squeezing the lever will push the safety block up so the trigger can be pulled.

The lever should lock up and depress this plunger all on its lonesome. If you have to hold the lever in place by hand pressure, the rifle has a problem.

All Marlins should click shut when in battery. The lever should NOT be loose--they're not like Winchester '94's.

Cosmo speaks the truth. The rifle needs help. If you have to hold the lever against the stock, your rifle is broken and needs professional help. Seriously.

I have no connection to Marlin and I get no commission from Marlin for referring work to their warranty department. My first rifle was a Marlin, I have several in the safe as we speak, and I'm simply telling you what my experiences have been with many many examples of these rifles over the last twenty five years.

How's about you call Marlin's service department for free and ask the folks who made it? They're at 800-544-8892.

 

[JMusic]

I'd take the advise of going to a smitty or the factory if it is new. Assuming the rifle was not disasembled you may have a serious problem. I certainly would not fire it. There is a possiblility that the bolt is not closing entirely or is locked properly with this condition.
Jim

 

[hoghunting]

rbernie,
You are correct. I checked my Marlins and the lever does stay locked up and depresses the trigger safety block without pressure being placed on the lever.

I just rebuilt a Marlin 25-36 and replaced the trigger safety block spring and it must be stronger than the plunger spring in the finger lever. The safety block pushes the lever down so that the trigger can't be pulled. I thought my Marlins did the same thing and that was a safety so that the gun would not fire without gripping the stock. It's a good thing that I am not a betting man. So I am going to replace the plunger spring in the lever and make it like the other Marlins.

Nightflyer,
I think you are having the same problem. Just use a punch and push out the pin holding the spring-loaded plunger in the lever. Either replace the spring or try stretching it and put it back together. I think that might cure your problem.

 

[hoghunting]

rbernie,
Welcome back. I replaced the plunger spring and now the lever is locking as tight as the new Marlins.

 

[nightflyer]

thanks

thanks for all the input about my rifle.but guess im gonna send it back to marlin to get fixed.i was told to buy a marlin guess i just got a lemon.