Marlin Double Safety on Lever Gun

[skidooman603]

OK this may be a stupid question. I just got a Marlin 30-30 and love the gun. The most accurate lever gun I have owned in a long time. Problem is this safety system. Seems unless I use lever hammer safety in certain order the firing pin just kisses the primer hence no ignition. Yes, before you ask, the push button safety is pushed all the way in. Hate to have my boy pull up on the "buck of a lifetime" and "CLICK"

 

[cane]

Try taking it apart and give the bolt a through cleaning.

 

[Brian Williams]

Get one of the O rings and put it on the safety and never use it or have the safety replaced, I think there is somebody who does this, go to http://levergunscommunity.com/index.php
These guys might know, I am not remembering right now.

 

[rcmodel]

See this:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=5318577&postcount=11

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=443411

rc

 

[skidooman603]

As Usual RC I can count on you for the practical answer!

 

[paintballdude902]

i just dont use mine

i use the safety the gun was designed for, the halfcock.

there is a replacement safety that just doesnt move so it just plugs the holes

 

[skidooman603]

Thank You Brother! Uncle Ted in 2012!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[paintballdude902]

haha darn tootin

are you looking to get rid of it all together?

 

[MCMXI]

Another option is the safety replacement screw (bottom) from www.longhunt.com . I've installed these on my three Marlins and much prefer them to the factory safety. It's consistent with my Winchester '97 shotgun which has no safety and folks have been carrying them loaded with the hammer at the half-cock position for over 100 years without any problems.

From what I gather, the safety replacement screw is popular among CAS members since the last thing they need is to be fumbling with the safety during a stage.

 

[ArmedBear]

I remember reading here that there's a set screw inside the rifle that will lock the safety in "Fire" position.

I can't find it now.

Anyone know about this?

(I'm thinking of doing it on a couple rifles as I read this...)

 

[MCMXI]

ArmedBear,
Remove the butt stock and tighten the 5/64" allen screw shown in the photo below when the safety is OFF and you won't be able to move the safety to the ON position. The allen screw on my Guide Gun shown below was "loose" from the factory i.e. the paint wasn't doing anything.

To install the Long Hunter replacement safety screw, you simply remove the allen screw, spring and ball shown in the photo below and install the new safety screw. Reinstall the ball, spring and allen screw and rotate the safety screw until the ball engages the detent on the safety screw. Tighten the allen screw.

Here are a couple of photos showing how the factory safety works to block the hammer. With the safety ON, the channel in the safety cross bolt is misaligned with the hammer. When the safety is OFF, the channel is aligned so that the hammer can "fall" all the way forward.

 

[skidooman603]

Thanks 1858 Most informative

 

[skidooman603]

Not in this lifetime PB DUDE Love the gun

 

[SST]

I've got lever guns with and without the crossbolt safeties. I've heard too many lever guns go off just before light when hunting. It was usually due to an accidental discharge when loading (or unloading) with cold hands and gloved fingers. After all, you can't load or unload a levergun without having the hammer all the way back every time you work the lever. I believe the crossbolt safety is a good idea. The only time it is used is when you are loading or unloading the rifle. If someone wants to add an o-ring to the crossbolt safety after loading up in the morning, I don't see a problem with that, but I've never had a crossbolt safety accidentally get pushed to the safe position. I know my firearms and know when a safety is on or off.

 

[rogertc1]

A really easy fix is to just put an O ring around the red indent. Done that on my 2 Guide Guns

 

[geologist]

I use the O-ring to secure my safety.

I unload my 1895 GS by pushing the lever forward and then roll the live cartridge out the ejection port. I don't chamber live rounds when I unload.

 

[MCMXI]

I unload my 1895 GS by pushing the lever forward and then roll the live cartridge out the ejection port. I don't chamber live rounds when I unload.

That's a point I was going to make. The trigger is blocked unless the lever (and bolt) is all the way closed. It's easy (and safe) to unload the magazine without ever closing the lever all the way.

So the only time for me when the safety could be useful is after chambering a live round. However, I lower the hammer to the half-cock position with the muzzle pointing in a safe direction the same way it's been done for 100 years with Winchester '97 shotguns.

I would never advise anyone to remove the safety. That's a personal decision that everyone should make for themselves with all the facts at their disposal. I would strongly advise anyone who removes the safety to PRACTICE lowering the hammer in a manner consistent with their use i.e. if they wear gloves frequently, then practice with gloves on.

 

[CajunBass]

I've heard too many lever guns go off just before light when hunting. It was usually due to an accidental discharge when loading (or unloading) with cold hands and gloved fingers. After all, you can't load or unload a levergun without having the hammer all the way back every time you work the lever. I believe the crossbolt safety is a good idea. The only time it is used is when you are loading or unloading the rifle.

I just got a 336W not long ago, and the first thing I thought when I looked at the crossbolt safety was "this will make unloading safer." I agee, I see no problem with it. Leave it "off" most of the time, and put it "on" to load and unload.

Originally Posted by geologist
I unload my 1895 GS by pushing the lever forward and then roll the live cartridge out the ejection port. I don't chamber live rounds when I unload.

Although I'll admit I had never heard this before. I'll have to try it. Thanks for the info.

 

[R.W.Dale]

I've got lever guns with and without the crossbolt safeties. I've heard too many lever guns go off just before light when hunting. It was usually due to an accidental discharge when loading (or unloading) with cold hands and gloved fingers. After all, you can't load or unload a levergun without having the hammer all the way back every time you work the lever. I believe the crossbolt safety is a good idea. The only time it is used is when you are loading or unloading the rifle. If someone wants to add an o-ring to the crossbolt safety after loading up in the morning, I don't see a problem with that, but I've never had a crossbolt safety accidentally get pushed to the safe position. I know my firearms and know when a safety is on or off.

I had this happen to me as a kid with what could have been tragic results.

I'll wager that while the 30-30 has killed more deer than any other round I'll bet just as much that it has the dubious distinction of having the most ND's as well.

I love my leverguns but it's beyond me why folks want to put these very attention intensive firearms in the hands of Children. In my opinion a non crossbolt lever gun is the absolutely WORST platform to start a hunter out on. Yet for some reason every hillbilly who's ever driven an F150 thinks a youth MUST be started out on a leveraction 30-30

 

[Davek1977]

I love my leverguns but it's beyond me why folks want to put these very attention intensive firearms in the hands of Children. In my opinion a non crossbolt lever gun is the absolutely WORST platform to start a hunter out on. Yet for some reason every hillbilly who's ever driven an F150 thinks a youth MUST be started out on a leveraction 30-30

Like any gun, it is only as dangerous (or safe) as the person handling it. Adult or child, leverguns have been used for decades with no issues, so long as the person is properly trained. No rifle in "safe" in the hands of someone who doesn't know what they are doing. I grew up shooting leverguns, first a BL-22, then a 336. I have never had issues with either, and have shot and carried them since before I was 12 years old. My dad never drives a Ford nor is he a hillbilly. However, he DOES believe in proper training and safety. Hence, neither of us have ever had a ND using leverguns developed before the advent of the crossbolt safety. I personally see no reason for such safeties on leverguns. The orignal design was sufficient if proper care is exercised, and when handling firearms, proper care should ALWAYS be exercised. To each their own,ign isn't itself inherently dangerous. A gun is only as safe as the arms its carried in.

 

[CZguy]

Like any gun, it is only as dangerous (or safe) as the person handling it. Adult or child, leverguns have been used for decades with no issues, so long as the person is properly trained. No rifle in "safe" in the hands of someone who doesn't know what they are doing. I grew up shooting leverguns, first a BL-22, then a 336. I have never had issues with either, and have shot and carried them since before I was 12 years old. My dad never drives a Ford nor is he a hillbilly. However, he DOES believe in proper training and safety. Hence, neither of us have ever had a ND using leverguns developed before the advent of the crossbolt safety. I personally see no reason for such safeties on leverguns. The orignal design was sufficient if proper care is exercised, and when handling firearms, proper care should ALWAYS be exercised. To each their own,ign isn't itself inherently dangerous. A gun is only as safe as the arms its carried in.

Particularly well said. Plus 1.

I think it all goes to show that no engineer can design something that's truly dummy proof. I believe the best "safety" is in-between your ears.

 

[R.W.Dale]

I think it all goes to show that no engineer can design something that's truly dummy proof. I believe the best "safety" is in-between your ears.
__________________

YEAH and 10yr olds never do anything impulsive and without forethought?

Where can I buy those rose colored glasses?

Any gun that requires you to actually pull the trigger on a live round to engage the safety is the height of stupid careless Victorian engineering. Even the much lambasted glock is better than that. Even with the utmost care fingers can get cold and numb or gloves can get slick with moisture. Ever hunt in the cold or with gloves?

Sure you can use a levergun safely just like you can use a Glock safely. But that doesn't make either ideal for the beginner by any stretch of the imagination.

 

[skidooman603]

Wow Lots of ignorant opinions. My son who is 17 can out shoot and out think 99% of all humans on this planet. He is already signed up for ROTC in college which he will complete and enter the Marine Corp as a officer. Thanks to all.

 

[R.W.Dale]

Wow Lots of ignorant opinions. My son who is 17 can out shoot and out think 99% of all humans on this planet. He is already signed up for ROTC in college which he will complete and enter the Marine Corp as a officer. Thanks to all.

Hate to have my boy pull up on the "buck of a lifetime" and "CLICK"

Well since your son is obviously in the 1% most firearm proficient person on the planet you shouldn't have a problem. Why did you even bother to ask us lowly mortals?

Meanwhile everyone else's children didn't pop out 17 and ready to go into the corps and thus have to learn starting somewhere

 

[CZguy]

YEAH and 10yr olds never do anything impulsive and without forethought?

Some do and some don't. I would supervise those that need it. Or don't let them hunt. What ever the appropriate response is.

People need to be taught the correct way to use things. If it's beyond someones ability to use a lever action safely, then they would be better served by using a different type of gun. But to suggest that because some people have difficulty that everyone does is unwarranted.

Some people probably shouldn't use chainsaws, cars, or firearms. But that doesn't necessarily suggest that the rest of us can't do it correctly.

Where can I buy those rose colored glasses?

If you really think that you can legislate common sense, or have an engineer design it in, then I submit that, that way of thinking might be the rose colored glasses that you were referring to.

I have been in aviation for thirty five years and and I can absolutely promise you that you cannot design a machine to do your thinking for you. I believe that it's the same with firearms.