Marlin 336 problem

amadmann · September 23, 2009, 10:14 PM

I have a Marlin 336 in 35 Rem. While sighting-in a new scope using Hornady Lever Revolution 200 gr., I had several misfires. The primers showed indentations from the firing pin but didn't fire. It occurred to me that each time a misfire had occurred, I had cocked the hammer manually from the "safe" position. After reloading the same cartridges and cycling them with the lever, each one fired normally. I had no misfires when cycling with the lever.

Is this likely a "light strike"? If so, why would they only occur when the hammer is cocked manually from the "safe"(half cocked) position? Can anybody help me out?

Thanks

teeroux · September 23, 2009, 10:20 PM

Are you sure the lever was fully in the firing position when you cocked the hammer manually and fired?

hoghunting · September 23, 2009, 11:41 PM

Have you pulled the bolt and given it a good cleaning. The firing pin channel could have a build-up of old oil, grease, or dirt that is slowing the firing pin.

amadmann · September 24, 2009, 01:59 PM

Thanks for the replies!

Teeroux, that had not occured to me. It is possible that the lever was not totally in battery position. I'll do some follow-up test firing to see about that.

And, Hoghunting, before I test fire it, I'll take it down and give the bolt and pin a good cleaning. I think the rifle had been sitting up for a long time when in the possession of a previous owner, although it was well-cared for.

Again, thanks to you both!

September 23, 2009, 10:14 PM	#1
amadmann Junior Member Join Date: June 8, 2007 Posts: 3	Marlin 336 problem I have a Marlin 336 in 35 Rem. While sighting-in a new scope using Hornady Lever Revolution 200 gr., I had several misfires. The primers showed indentations from the firing pin but didn't fire. It occurred to me that each time a misfire had occurred, I had cocked the hammer manually from the "safe" position. After reloading the same cartridges and cycling them with the lever, each one fired normally. I had no misfires when cycling with the lever. Is this likely a "light strike"? If so, why would they only occur when the hammer is cocked manually from the "safe"(half cocked) position? Can anybody help me out? Thanks

September 23, 2009, 10:20 PM	#2
teeroux Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 2006 Posts: 1,512	Are you sure the lever was fully in the firing position when you cocked the hammer manually and fired? Last edited by teeroux; September 24, 2009 at 01:02 AM.

September 23, 2009, 11:41 PM	#3
hoghunting Senior Member Join Date: March 27, 2006 Posts: 1,559	Have you pulled the bolt and given it a good cleaning. The firing pin channel could have a build-up of old oil, grease, or dirt that is slowing the firing pin.

September 24, 2009, 01:59 PM	#4
amadmann Junior Member Join Date: June 8, 2007 Posts: 3	Thanks for the replies! Teeroux, that had not occured to me. It is possible that the lever was not totally in battery position. I'll do some follow-up test firing to see about that. And, Hoghunting, before I test fire it, I'll take it down and give the bolt and pin a good cleaning. I think the rifle had been sitting up for a long time when in the possession of a previous owner, although it was well-cared for. Again, thanks to you both!