I have a 2010ish Marlin 1894 rifle in 44 Mag that has some movement of the bolt back and forth when closed. It shoots and cycles fine but has the play in the bolt. just wondering if this is normal. Too much play affecting headspace could become dangerous? The factory spent Federal brass looks ok. I will be shooting min charged reloads in the future (Campro 240gn projectiles).
44 Mag Marlin 1894 Bolt Play and Headspace
- Thread starter dodgecrew
- Start date
Lee Enfield
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Republic of Alberta
Do your fired cases show signs of excessive stretching?
Does it have as much movement when there is a sized cartridge case in the chamber?
All guns have headspace, if the was no movement you would not be able to cycle the gun, they would lock up.
The term is "excessive" headspace. With a rimmed case you will experience stretching leading to case head separation.
If this is not occurring, there is little cause for concern.
Does it have as much movement when there is a sized cartridge case in the chamber?
All guns have headspace, if the was no movement you would not be able to cycle the gun, they would lock up.
The term is "excessive" headspace. With a rimmed case you will experience stretching leading to case head separation.
If this is not occurring, there is little cause for concern.
Spent brass is not stretched and looks ok, no bulges or shiny ring, primer looks normal and not backed out. I tried 4 different brands of loaded factory ammo and there is still movement of the rectangular bolt forwards and backwards but not as much as with empty chamber. I am holding the lever closed tight to the stock. I did see similar pics of other marlin 1894's on the Marlin owners forum website with the users indicated some bolt play. Just wondering if any other 44 Mag Marlin 1894 owners have the same issue?
