Marlin M60 front trigger assembly screw

[Arkansas Paul]

Hey guys. This may be a stupid question, but I'm clueless. My Marlin 60 safety had gotten stuck in the fire position. Since the safety wasn't functional, I haven't been squirrel hunting with it or even to the range with it for fear.

I took the trigger assembly off since it was just two screws and hosed it out with Gunscrubber then a light coat of oil. It must have been just dirt or powder residue built up because it fixed the issue.

The problem is, now the back screw will go in but the shorter front one won't grip anything. It goes all the way in and turns freely without contacting any threads.

What am I doing wrong?

 

[morcey2]

IIRC, there is a small nut that is pressed into the wood inside the inletting for the receiver. Odds are it has pushed up and come loose. It's been a while since I had mine apart, but that's what I remember. Take out the front takedown screw and pull the receiver and you should be able to reposition the nut.

Matt

 

[thralldad]

Yep. There's a T-nut in there. I engage the front screw first.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Thanks guys. I figured it was something simple.

 

[moewadle]

Maybe this is obvious

but will say it anyway...some newby might benefit from it. Anyway, I was confused by the same problem when new to the Marlin/Glenfield Model 60. It is a common problem with shooters new to that gun. Anyway, it finally dawned on me that when the 60 is disassembled you should always put the t/g assembly on first and, of course, put that t-nut on screw the front t/g screw into it. Somehow that was all a problem for me until I memorized that the t/g goes on the stock before the gun. I know...sounds so simple but that is what happened to me. Just another thing...that little t-nut works loose and can fall down inside and just lay there and then someone inexperienced takes the gun apart for the first time and does not realize what that little t-nut is for. And, I have bought some used 60s that were missing that t-nut. Or the t-nut and the front t/g screw.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Anyway, it finally dawned on me that when the 60 is disassembled you should always put the t/g assembly on first and, of course, put that t-nut on screw the front t/g screw into it.

I finally figured that out. :banghead:
I felt really stupid when it dawned on me. Should have figured that out before. Front screw first without the receiver/barrel installed, then replace receiver/barrel and install back screw. Its simple but it stumped me for a little while. (I'm no gunsmith if you all haven't figured that out already).

 

[FROGO207]

Well the way it was figured out assures you will NEVER forget it though. One of those D'oh moments I seem to get now and again.