Action job on lever gun

[MrSmitty]

I have a Marlin 336, that was made in 1980, for most of it's life it sat in my father-in-laws closet, he left it to me, and it is a beautiful gun, but because it sat, and didn't get the use it could have the action is stiff, with my arthritic hands it's hard to work the action, Are there any gunsmiths in the southern Indiana area that do action jobs on lever guns?, and if I find one, any idea of the cost? I know, I know, I will post a picture.....

 

[Mgderf]

The Marlin 336 is incredibly easy to work on.
Watch a couple of YouTube videos, then tear it down, scrub the crap out of it, oil/lube the action and shoot-on!

Seriously, it is very simple to take apart, relatively simply to put back together.
My bet is that you're dealing with decades old oil/grease that has gelled.
I bet it would clean up nicely, and run like a champ afterward.

Good luck

 

[Gabriel]

My bet is that you're dealing with decades old oil/grease that has gelled.

This would be my guess also if it isn't rusty.

 

[Orezona]

336 Micro Groove in 30-30. Indiana whitetail slayer!

 

[MrSmitty]

Thanks all, didn’t think of that……duh…..

 

[snapping turtle]

Marlin 336 lever action job in five easy steps.

First find someone with out Arthur Itis.

Second find out what said person likes for adult beverages and food.

Third follow the above advise on a cleaning.

Fourth step rent the movie tombstone.

Fifth have friend rack and fire the 336 during the whole movie.

This works trust me I just skip the first step.

 

[tude]

Marlin 336 lever action job in five easy steps.

First find someone with out Arthur Itis.

Second find out what said person likes for adult beverages and food.

Third follow the above advise on a cleaning.

Fourth step rent the movie tombstone.

Fifth have friend rack and fire the 336 during the whole movie.

This works trust me I just skip the first step.

Good advice.

Your second sentence reminded me of a joke my grandpa used to tell.

He said a friend who was working out of town got word that his wife was in bed with arthritis .

His friend told his boss that he had to go home because he knew them Itis boys and Authur was the worst one

 

[MrSmitty]

Never met Arthur, but I did meet Phleb.....

 

[Mgderf]

I have a Marlin 336, that was made in 1980, for most of it's life it sat in my father-in-laws closet, he left it to me, and it is a beautiful gun, but because it sat, and didn't get the use it could have the action is stiff, with my arthritic hands it's hard to work the action, Are there any gunsmiths in the southern Indiana area that do action jobs on lever guns?, and if I find one, any idea of the cost? I know, I know, I will post a picture.....

I had another thought.
If you are dealing with gelled oil/grease/dirt buildup, you could try drowning the action in something like 3 in 1 oil, WD-40, or another light weight oil.
Lighter weight oils will dissolve heavier oils/grease...
Drown the action then try working the lever a half dozen times or so
You very well may loosen it up without having to tear it apart.
Of course you will want to clean up afterwards, but if it does loosen substantially, I would declare the problem solved.

 

[gregr]

Could it be the action only needs to be lubricated?

 

[kcw12]

I have a Model 1895cb (based on 336)
Things I did to mine:
1. Clean the crap out of it
2. Replaced 2-piece firing in with one piece
3. Added Saddle Ring
4. Replaced mainspring with light one
5. Added a ranger point loading gate
6. Skinner scope mount with the new front sight
7. Ranger Point Trigger
Cleaning just did not get it all the way crisped up. The mainspring and loading gate was the big things that made the action nice. I can now unload the rifle through the gate, which is nice and an added benefit. Trigger pull is about 3.5 lbs.

 

[warren5421]

Two close cowboy (SASS) gunsmiths

Coyote Moon Gun Works 10749 E. Green Hill Road Otterbein, Indiana 47970 765-427-2201 text or leave a message

Tom's Single Action Shop New Lebanon, OH 45345 937-687-1039

 

[Michigan Slim]

Two close cowboy (SASS) gunsmiths

Coyote Moon Gun Works 10749 E. Green Hill Road Otterbein, Indiana 47970 765-427-2201 text or leave a message

Tom's Single Action Shop New Lebanon, OH 45345 937-687-1039

Both are really good folks.

 

[Mgderf]

So, any updates?
Inquiring minds want to know...

 

[MrSmitty]

Tried channeling my inner cowboy and working the action while watching TV...Mrs Smitty... not to happy with that, so just work it a little a few times a day after work.. It was stiff because it sat so long, and not worked, or lubricated. it's getting better. Haven't had time to break it down yet.. I want to shoot it more, but 30/30 ammo is quite costly right now.....So, thanks all for the help/advice!!
Mods close, or lock thread, this has been helpful!