Marlin Golden 39a Bullit Feeding Problem Please help

[dogspit]

Hello

Just aquired a Marliin Golden 39a lever action rifle.

It seems to have a feeding problem, after a couple of shots it fails to chamber the bullits into the barrel. Could it be a weak magazine tube or simply needs cleaning?

Some times it will feed if I cock it bit a couple of times I had to force the bullit into the feeding apparatis through the oter tube to get it to chamber

Any help would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

 

[Runningman]

http://www.gunreports.com/special_reports/special_purpose/Marlin-Lever-Action-Rimfire-Rifles-Feeding-Problems157-1.html

 

[KenWP]

As far as I can tell by reading that link is you can't open the lever all the way open to make the gun work properly.

 

[AirForceShooter]

Another reason I don't like levers.
I have a Mod 39 and really don't like it.
Maybe my Grand Daughter will someday.

AFS

 

[krs]

As far as I can tell by reading that link is you can't open the lever all the way open to make the gun work properly

Yep, I've wondered if some people come from a Winchester 9422 or other relatively short throw levergun to have a problem with a Model 39. On a 39 the lever MUST be fully opened for each shot.

The rifle is very sensitive to waxed bullets too. The wax, along with normal powder residue builds up in one of them more quickly than in other rifles and the goo gets into the space between the chamber and the mag tube and disrupts the bullet nose as it's lifted. The rifle is cleaning dependent more than many other .22's and the black stuff can be pretty hard to get out of the little places. I use dental picks for cleaning my two model 39's more often than with any of my other rifles.

Something else: I changed the mag springs in both rifles even though they seemed OK and it makes the rounds pop out of the magazine with more energy than before. I bought Wolff replacements that are sold too long to be used in any .22 magazine tube and maybe cut them a little long. But Wolff claims 20% more power than originals so it might be that too....http://gunsprings.com/1ndex.html

both of my rifles are fairly old ones and since those springs I haven't had any kind of feed problem with either one.

 

[dogspit]

Thanks for the input so far. Any more suggestions would be truly appreciated.

 

[dfariswheel]

Here's the "usual" for problems like this:

1. Clean and lubricate the rifle. Here's an owner's manual:

http://stevespages.com/pdf/marlin_39a39m.pdf

Note the part about locking down the ejector if you're going to clean the bore.
Otherwise, just clean the action out well and apply some good lubricant.
When disassembling the action make SURE the hammer is fully cocked, and use a large coin or a home made 1/8" thick brass "wrench" to unscrew the receiver screw. A screwdriver usually "dinks" up the screw slot.
When reassembling the receiver, make sure the screw is tightened down until the two receiver halves meet with no gap.
If you look on the left rear of the receivers, the two sections should meet level with each other.

2. Try a different brand of ammo. Some guns just don't feed some ammo.

3. Operate the action fully. Lever ALL the way down before moving it back up.

 

[GP100man]

I have no trouble with rem golden bullets , anything with flat point gives trouble. Win hp fun pack bullets forgett it.
Cci mini mags ok & stingers.
Hope this helps

 

[Aeromarine]

Dogspit,

I hope you work out the bugs in your Model 39A. When you do you find it to be a totally reliable companion. I have owned over 100 firearms in my lifetime including 9422s, Browning leveractions, Winchester 62As, Ruger Model 7722s, but my Marlin 39A is one that I will never part with. Hopefully, the issue you are facing is minor and it is just a matter of a proper cleaning and full stroking the lever. If not, send it back to the people in North Haven and they will make everying right. There is a reason many of us believe the 39A is the best .22 ever made! Good luck!

 

[bggwind]

I'm getting a hold of one of these from my father. It hasn't been used or cleanede in years, so I know that chore is one of the first things I'll do.

I wish I saw that manual before I bought one on Ebay! I guess it's nice to have the hard copy though.