Marlin 1893 woes

[hamilton0729]

So I inherited the Marlin in 38-55 and after a few years finnaly as able to get the reloading gear to be able to shoot it after making my first rounds I am having lots of Ftf. I removed the bolt last night and found that the rear firing pin (the one the hammer strikes) was on a downward angle. I removed the pins and found that the rear pin is loose in the hole and that it is slightly ovaled. So my question. Is the bolt pooched? Where do I go from here is it a wall hanger now? Was hoping to get a deer with this rifle.

Thanks Hamilton

 

[nomad 68]

I believe there is a one piece firing pin conversion available. Western gun parts or Brownell's may have them.

 

[hamilton0729]

Thanks a lot I just went to numrich and it seems it is supposed to have a one piece even the early 1894's had one piece pins maybe mine broke or was converted?? What's the point of the two piece versus the one piece anyways?

 

[kamlooky]

The two piece stops the firing pin from hitting the primer if the lever is slightly ajar.

 

[Eagleye]

The two piece stops the firing pin from hitting the primer if the lever is slightly ajar.

This! That downward angle disappears when the locking lug is fully up, thus allowing the rear pin to contact the front.

You have some other problem. My '93 is just like yours, and never misses a beat. Dave.

 

[hamilton0729]

Ok great info so either light strikes or Winchester primers.

 

[fingers284]

Main springs on those early Marlins have been known to loose their "snap". Two fixes I have used ...Federal primers only is the first thing to try (easiest), second is when you take the stock off, under the main spring just ahead of the bolt/screw, there should be a small groove in the bottom tang. Find a small pin (I use small broken drill shanks) that will just not slide in underneath the spring when the bolt is still tight...loosen the bolt, slide the pin under the spring (the groove will hold it in place) and re-tighten the bolt. That should add a little tension to the spring. You have to be careful not to "add" to much tension as the hammer cocker on the underside of the bolt will interact to strongly with the hammer and cause a bit of binding to the action movement.