Marlin pros, need help with my 336

freddyfour

freddyfour

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Hey gents, I purchased a Marlin made big loop lever to use in the colder season while wearing gloves. Just got the plunger for it today and it will not lock closed on my rifle. There are a couple minor differences between the levers, the pin hole is maybe a 1/16" forward on the new one and the hook on top where the plunger is is a bit smaller.

Any thoughts on a remedy?

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Most levers need to be fitted. I just did two on my rifles (444 and a 45-70). One went it without issue, the other required a lot of fitting. Measure and compare to the original and make the replacement exactly the same. Measure two or three times before removing any material. You can't put it back! Go slow and prepare to test fit 50-100 times.

Good luck!
 
Interesting, have sawpped levers from other Marlins before and never had any issue. But this one isn't off another rifle, was bought from Gravel. I will have a look today and see if and where I can relieve some metal, but the new one appears to be smaller then the original so I'm not sure that will work. Finger crossed.
 
This past spring I ordered a Ranger Point Precision lever for my Remington made 1894c. The RPP lever would not cycle in either of my Remington made 1894's. I described the issue to RPP and RPP had me return it for 'adjustment'. The RPP lever I got back works perfect with the pin, plunger & spring from my original lever.

I would suggest using the original plunger in your new lever before modifying/fitting anything.

It's hard to finding the right size Punch to get that pin out. I cut the flutes off a 3/64's drill bit with my trusty Dremel, then used the drill shank as a punch.
Put the lever in a plastic bag, Punch thru the plastic bag, when pin comes out, the plunger & spring are contained in the bag.
 
Not to derail, but mind if I ask where you got the big loop lever?
I’ve been wanting one for my 336 as well.
Thanks
 
graham1 said:
Not to derail, but mind if I ask where you got the big loop lever?
I’ve been wanting one for my 336 as well.
Thanks
Click to expand...

I ordered it from Gravel, they used to supply Marlin parts. This isn't and aftermarket lever. This is supposed to be the exact lever used on the 336BL

Obviously you can't get them anymore since Marlin is gone for now.
 
CzyHorse said:
This past spring I ordered a Ranger Point Precision lever for my Remington made 1894c. The RPP lever would not cycle in either of my Remington made 1894's. I described the issue to RPP and RPP had me return it for 'adjustment'. The RPP lever I got back works perfect with the pin, plunger & spring from my original lever.

I would suggest using the original plunger in your new lever before modifying/fitting anything.

It's hard to finding the right size Punch to get that pin out. I cut the flutes off a 3/64's drill bit with my trusty Dremel, then used the drill shank as a punch.
Put the lever in a plastic bag, Punch thru the plastic bag, when pin comes out, the plunger & spring are contained in the bag.
Click to expand...

Sending it back is a mute point, Marlin as they were is gone.

I may have to try the original plunger. Though I want to be able to use both levers through out the year.
 
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The one I had to fit was a Wild West. Uses the original plunger and spring. Their instructions state fitting is required in most cases. Prophet River has big loops for sale on their site.

Cheers
 
freddyfour said:
Sending it back is a mute point, Marlin as they were is gone.

I may have to try the original plunger. Though I want to be able to use both levers through out the year.
Click to expand...

You can also have a gunsmith fit it. A decent smith, if unable to get it to work as-is, would just machine you a new, longer plunger. It's not a hard job if you have a lathe and some files.
 
freddyfour said:
Hey gents, I purchased a Marlin made big loop lever to use in the colder season while wearing gloves. Just got the plunger for it today and it will not lock closed on my rifle. There are a couple minor differences between the levers, the pin hole is maybe a 1/16" forward on the new one and the hook on top where the plunger is is a bit smaller.

Any thoughts on a remedy?
Click to expand...

Does the new plunger actually move freely or is it stuck (and the reason you can't get the lever to lock)? If it is stuck, you need to fit/file down the flat of the plunger so that the pin doesn't interfere with the plunger and can move in the hole. The pin should only act as a stop to the shoulder of the plunger.
 
Claven2 said:
You can also have a gunsmith fit it. A decent smith, if unable to get it to work as-is, would just machine you a new, longer plunger. It's not a hard job if you have a lathe and some files.
Click to expand...

It may just come to that.

Winz said:
Does the new plunger actually move freely or is it stuck (and the reason you can't get the lever to lock)? If it is stuck, you need to fit/file down the flat of the plunger so that the pin doesn't interfere with the plunger and can move in the hole. The pin should only act as a stop to the shoulder of the plunger.
Click to expand...

The plunger does move freely. But because the pin hole is closer to the edge then the original lever, the plunger sticks out further.
 
Ok gents, I figured it out. I thought because pin hole was closer to the edge of the lever the plunger might not be putting enough tension on the spring. So just to test my theory I packed some tinfoil down the plunger hole to give to spring some more tension. Poof it locks up tight like it should. So now I need a bigger spring.

Thanks to everyone for posting. It always helps to have more perspectives and ideas to bounce around.
 
perfect. A replacement spring is one solution, or just fit a spacer down the hole. You could likely just use a hole punch to punch out one or more plastic discs from a margarine lid. You just want something that won't rust down in there or become overly compressed with time. If you have a lathe, you could also machine a steel spacer.
 
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