the "marlin jam"
- Thread starter m1978
- Start date
easyrider604
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Greater Vancouver, BC
My simple solution to the Marlin Jam was to shoot only .357 Mag, new or reloads. It would jam on .38 special, within one mag load, as sure as the sun rises. Having said that, I have no issues with using only .357 Mag brass to reload for this baby. Love it.
Like previous posters have said, keep cartridge overall length over 1.5 inches and she should cycle reliably. I'm also thinking of loading 200 grain heads in .38spl brass if OAL exceeds 1.50 inch.
Like previous posters have said, keep cartridge overall length over 1.5 inches and she should cycle reliably. I'm also thinking of loading 200 grain heads in .38spl brass if OAL exceeds 1.50 inch.
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I've had a few Marlins and only the 1894 ever jammed. I had a pre WWI model 1895 that was totally reliable as was the modern 336 based 1895. The 1894 would consistently jam with .44 Specials. With .44 magnum it would do the Marlin jam on occassion.
I've put over 12,000 rds (conservatively) through my .44 mag Marlin M1894S and at about 8,000 rds the front firing pin broke, at about 9,500 rds the back portion of the firing pin broke. I replaced both with a one piece firing pin and polished the chamber to better feed 240 grain LSWC's and thats all the work that has been required. Can't say that about a post 64 Winchester though!!
That's crazy talk. Two users already posted that the bloody thing jams as soon as they pick it up. Kind of like some users blowing up Norincos just by looking at them.
My 1895GS runs fine, even with my sub-standard hand loads.
i've never been a fan of levers but,
i had a model 1895, in .444 marlin. i got it in a trade and it was well used. At the range i had it jam once. While hunting it jammed 3 times. Third time i got upset and decided never to use the dang thing again, traded it for a muzzleoader. That said, will you have that problem? maybe... maybe not. mine was well used by who knows who, i didnt know the history of the gun or how it was maintained or cared for. If yours has little or no use then you probably wont have that problem if at all for a long time. Not all guns even the same model have the same problems, i would use it till your hearts content, if it jams worry about it then.
but as for levers, nothing beats a pre 64 winchester.
i had a model 1895, in .444 marlin. i got it in a trade and it was well used. At the range i had it jam once. While hunting it jammed 3 times. Third time i got upset and decided never to use the dang thing again, traded it for a muzzleoader. That said, will you have that problem? maybe... maybe not. mine was well used by who knows who, i didnt know the history of the gun or how it was maintained or cared for. If yours has little or no use then you probably wont have that problem if at all for a long time. Not all guns even the same model have the same problems, i would use it till your hearts content, if it jams worry about it then.
but as for levers, nothing beats a pre 64 winchester.
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Hhhmmm, I've read your grief before in the past with your Wrangler Post-64 Trapper, Garand.
I know this sounds strange to you, but I have an AE 44 magnum Trapper made about 1983 or so, and the only issues I've had was the front screw for the mag tube working loose once, due to recoil impulse. Otherwise it's been smooth as silk.
Now I have a 1967 Canadian Centennial Commemorative that appears to be just cr@ppy cheaply made.
My 1956 made 30-30 Carbine is the best by far......superb reliability and craftmanship.
Cheers!
I bought a new 1895 a couple of years back, and it jammed on the first trip to the range. With factory ammo, too, and I wasn't babying the action. I had to take the mag tube plug out, and pull the bolt and lever to clear the jam. It didn't jam again, but I totally lost confidence in the rifle that I bought to carry in bear country. I went back to my old Winchester 94 made in 1927. That one never jams.
