Marlin Expert Question
I understand the Marlin pre-cross bolt safety versus the modern cross bolt safety. Many GB auctions for Marlins advertise that the rifle is the pre-cross bolt safety model, like that's some super special characteristic of the rifle. My question is this; what's the significance of the pre-cross bolt safety model and why would I care, other than knowing it's an older rifle? Is there anything better or special about it? Thanks in advance
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Pre cross bolt safety Marlins were reliant on the half cock hammer position for safety on a loaded rifle. This was the traditional safety on hammer rifles, shotguns and single action pistols and revolvers. Firing pins on lever action Winchesters and Marlins as well as some autopistols were long and heavy, making possible a slam fire if the gun is dropped on the muzzle. The crossbolt safeties
physically block the firing pin from forward motion even if dropped or if the hammer strikes the firing pin with the safety on.
While an improvement, altering a historic guns' appearance bothers traditionalists.0 -
also some people don't like the newer cross bolt safetys because you can forget to take the safety off and then all you get is a click when the hammer drops on that big white tail instead of a bang [;)] 0 -
v35: I think the Marlin "hammer block safety" is just that, it blocks the hammer from contacting the firing pin. However, it does not restrain either firing pin from moving forward.
The term "cross bolt safety" does not apply to the Marlin lever actions.0
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