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The Marlin Jam

WoundedWolf
Yes, I have the "Marlin Jam", as described on these two websites:

http://my.net-link.net/~napfn/marjams.htm

http://www.marauder13.homestead.com/files/Marlin94Fix.html

And this is on my brand new .357 Mag 1894c with less than 50 rounds through it. It basically jammed from the start. The carrier timing must have been off from the factory. I think Bert H. was right when he told me I should have bought a Winchester.

Yes, this gun is still under warranty, but I do NOT want to send this gun back to Marlin. I have read too many shipping horror stories, especially with UPS, whom Marlin recommends. Besides, I know what the problem is, I need a new carrier but Marlin will only send this part directly to a qualified gunsmith.

I can replace the carrier myself in my gun in about 3 minutes, I don't want to spend $50 -$100 to have a gunsmith do the same thing. The few places I have found on the internet that sell Marlin parts appear to be out of stock on 1894c carriers (guess this is a common problem).

Okay you Marlin guys, where can I get this part? Maybe some of you CAS guys can help me find out.

"History will look upon the act of depriving a whole nation of arms as the blackest." -Gandhi
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Comments

2 comments

Date Votes
  • ahankster
    Well,
    As far as which is a better rifle in .357, there really isn't a question. The Marlin is a much better gun. I see many rounds go downrange from lever guns during Cowboy Action events. While the 66's and 73's are becoming more popular by the day, of the Rossi's, Puma's, Winchesters and Marlin's, the Marlin is the one that has the least problems and ends up in the winners circle the most often. It is the most durable and reliable lever of the group (my biased opinion).

    First thing, check the screws. Especially the one on the bottom, front of the receiver. If this one is loose, or swapped, somehow, with the screw on the right side of the receiver (only difference is length) you will get feed problems.

    Second, are you shooting reloads or factory rounds? The one thing about Marlins is that they can be particular about OAL. Once you get the correct length, it eliminates almost all cases of "Marlin Jam".
    The jams that most people have, similar to yours, are generated by the carrier wearing to a point where you get the hangup. Since yours is new, I suspect a case of OAL rather than wear.

    IF the carrier is the problem, you can get a new one from Brownell's, around $45 dollars or so, they will be available in JUNE. Putting it in is very, very simple.

    Good luck
    Hank
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  • WoundedWolf
    Thanks, Hank.

    That front screw is locked down tight. I tried to budge it and it won't give at all, so I let it be.

    I've shot .38 Spl +P round ball reloads and Win .357 Mag JHP factory rounds through it. I've been using the .357 Mag JHP to troubleshoot it at home. Maybe I should buy a box of .357 and .38 factory cowboy loads and give them a try.

    I started doing the fix outlined in the second article above. I pulled out the carrier and there was definitely a notch there as described, so I polished it down till the carrier was smooth again. I then polished the lever to take the edge off of that radius that rubs against the carrier. Then I realized I didn't have a torch and a solid vice to do the third step (bending the carrier up slightly). So I decided to just try a new carrier. I will put an order in with Brownells, they have it listed for $34.

    Maybe in the meantime I will try to acquire a torch and vise.

    Thanks

    "History will look upon the act of depriving a whole nation of arms as the blackest." -Gandhi
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