Marlin 39A Ejection problems

MandoCowboy · January 8, 2021, 12:14 AM

Experiencing what seems to be a unique issue with my Marlin 39A. Rounds are fed and extracted without issue but are being pinched between the ejector and extractor and preventing rounds from fully ejecting. No parts are bent/broken.

FrankenMauser · January 8, 2021, 03:27 AM

Have you cleaned it?
How old is it?

MandoCowboy · January 8, 2021, 11:42 AM

Rifle is in good condition and has been thoroughly cleaned, oiled, etc.
The year should be 1963 with the "W" prefix on the serial number.
I'm attaching images of what's going on

Dfariswheel · January 8, 2021, 07:34 PM

First move is to deep clean the action.

Check the ejector for free movement and good spring tension.
The ejector should have a good amount of tension.

Remove the ejector assembly from the left side of the receiver by removing the two outer screws on the outside.
Pay attention to how the ejector and spring fit into the ejector "box".

Disassemble the bolt by lifting the firing pin out and carefully prying the extractor out.

Inspect the ejector, spring, and ejector box for wear or deformed parts.

Inspect the bolt for damage around the front, and inspect the extractor for wear, bends, or other damage.
A common fault is an extractor that's bent or has lost tension, or has a damaged hook.
Lubricate everything and reassemble.

Make sure the upper cartridge guide is in the inside "roof" of the receiver and make sure it curves downward not upward.

Remove and inspect the cartridge guide in the right receiver wall, clean it and the recess in the receiver wall and lubricate.

AT THE RANGE, load a round in the chamber and slowly operate the lever to pull the cartridge out of the chamber and watch as it attempts to eject it.
Try slowly ejecting a fired round and watch to see what's causing the problem.

Most times the problem is a worn, bent, or altered part, or a fouled receiver.

rc · January 9, 2021, 02:11 AM

I believe there is a screw that must be turned to take down and put back to use. I believe it holds down the ejector. If you don't turned the screw to take it apart, the ejector won't move. I'm not a 39 expert.

603Country · January 9, 2021, 09:36 AM

What RC said. If the OP took apart and cleaned the rifle, and if he left the ejector screwed down, that might be the cause. When I say “screwed down”, if you have a 39A you should know what I mean.

Dfariswheel · January 9, 2021, 07:08 PM

What appears to be a screw inside on the front of the ejector box is actually a slotted rivet.

To clean the bore, the ejector is pressed down and the slotted rivet is rotated to lock the ejector down.
After cleaning you have to remember to rotate the rivet to unlock the ejector.

From the pictures posted above, the ejector is unlocked, so that's not the problem.

Doc TH · January 16, 2021, 03:11 PM

Agree with Difaris.

January 8, 2021, 12:14 AM	#1
MandoCowboy Junior Member Join Date: January 6, 2021 Location: Mandalor Posts: 2	Marlin 39A Ejection problems Experiencing what seems to be a unique issue with my Marlin 39A. Rounds are fed and extracted without issue but are being pinched between the ejector and extractor and preventing rounds from fully ejecting. No parts are bent/broken.

January 8, 2021, 03:27 AM	#2
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,427	Have you cleaned it? How old is it? __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

January 8, 2021, 07:34 PM	#4
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	First move is to deep clean the action. Check the ejector for free movement and good spring tension. The ejector should have a good amount of tension. Remove the ejector assembly from the left side of the receiver by removing the two outer screws on the outside. Pay attention to how the ejector and spring fit into the ejector "box". Disassemble the bolt by lifting the firing pin out and carefully prying the extractor out. Inspect the ejector, spring, and ejector box for wear or deformed parts. Inspect the bolt for damage around the front, and inspect the extractor for wear, bends, or other damage. A common fault is an extractor that's bent or has lost tension, or has a damaged hook. Lubricate everything and reassemble. Make sure the upper cartridge guide is in the inside "roof" of the receiver and make sure it curves downward not upward. Remove and inspect the cartridge guide in the right receiver wall, clean it and the recess in the receiver wall and lubricate. AT THE RANGE, load a round in the chamber and slowly operate the lever to pull the cartridge out of the chamber and watch as it attempts to eject it. Try slowly ejecting a fired round and watch to see what's causing the problem. Most times the problem is a worn, bent, or altered part, or a fouled receiver.

January 9, 2021, 02:11 AM	#5
rc Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2001 Location: CA Posts: 1,769	I believe there is a screw that must be turned to take down and put back to use. I believe it holds down the ejector. If you don't turned the screw to take it apart, the ejector won't move. I'm not a 39 expert.

January 9, 2021, 09:36 AM	#6
603Country Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2011 Location: Thornton, Texas Posts: 3,998	What RC said. If the OP took apart and cleaned the rifle, and if he left the ejector screwed down, that might be the cause. When I say “screwed down”, if you have a 39A you should know what I mean.

January 9, 2021, 07:08 PM	#7
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	What appears to be a screw inside on the front of the ejector box is actually a slotted rivet. To clean the bore, the ejector is pressed down and the slotted rivet is rotated to lock the ejector down. After cleaning you have to remember to rotate the rivet to unlock the ejector. From the pictures posted above, the ejector is unlocked, so that's not the problem.

January 16, 2021, 03:11 PM	#8
Doc TH Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2005 Posts: 633	Agree with Difaris.