Old 39 Marlin needs help

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biggyfries

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I have a real nice Marlin M-39 (.22) apparently--it has no markings on it that tells the model--it has an octogon barrel, curved lever, bakelite buttplate, looks ancient but in nice overall shape.
The magazine tube under the barrel is dirty and gritty--it hasn't been off in a long time til today. I got it apart without too much difficulty,--the main problem is the magazine tube plug--it has a small ball you are to depress to pull out the mag tube for loading ammo. The ball has been stuck for a long time, so I think its wise to fix it if possible. I saw a small pin that secures the ball--I'm expecting to see a small spring behind the ball, and to open it up you must drive out the pin. So I managed to remove the pin alright, but the ball is just as stuck as before and I don't see what must be done to remove it. How would you remove this danged ball? I shot in a little PB Blaster (like WD-40, but a little stinkier, more strenuous)--its a solvent. You try to push the ball in and it acts like it's welded in place--no movement at all! Anybody have any insight on this? Suggestions?
 
Might try heating it up with a heat gun.
Maybe old dried grease, and the heat might soften it.

rc
 
Here's a follow-up on the stuck ball. I soaked it in solvent--nothing--I tried heat--nothing. I tried compressed air--nothing. What actually made it move was a combination of all the above PLUS --I made a little wire handle to use to whack it a sharp rap on my anvil. After a few sharp whacks I noticed the ball had moved slightly-- more whacks and I could get needle nose pliers on it and dragged er out. It was full of dried lubicant (like dried oil), dirt and rust. It made a kind of cement.
Once the ball was out it then became just like any other cleaning operation we've done before. I even re-used the tiny spring once it was clean. It had enough tension.
It seems this plug/ball aparatus is a weak link in the design of the parts--the magazine gets a gritty feel naturally and then some guy (meaning well) adds a little oil, which then attracts dirt and everytime you pull the outer tube out the ball drags itself through the oily dirt. Soon the ball is packed solid with shmutz. Eventually it may get moisture and then it is 'welded' stuck.
I recommend keeping the magazine dry, blow it out often to keep the dust/grime to a minimum, and then open it up for a good cleaning once in awhile. Take care to secure it with a good-fitting pin that will be easy to remove next time and you should be good to go.
 
It seems this plug/ball aparatus is a weak link in the design of the parts
Click to expand...
I would not call it exactly that.

Lots of old guns develop 'weak links' when they are squirted full of 3 in 1 / sewing machine and left to fester in a closet for 75 years without use or proper cleaning.

rc
 
Upon closer inspection I find there is indeed markings on the upper tang--it does say "Model 39" in faint letters--I also find its a bit newer than I had thought--between 1922 and 1932--I had thought it was earlier, in the 'teens perhaps. The Wisner site also explained why modern ammo should not be used--very informative.
Wisners is obviously up to speed on the old guns. I had an unhappy experience with Wisners once, I needed a part they were unwilling to sell so I was treated kinda abruptly on the phone. I was slightly offended at that moment, but the guy I was talking to might have had bigger fish to fry, so maybe I will just let that incident go. Misunderstandings will happen-- but I was not really harmed, I am just unused to being treated with so little consideration. I am pleased to gain information from their website, so I will minimize firsthand discussions over the phone and things will be much better.
 
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