Model 39a major problem

[heffe3434]

A buddy of mine has a model 39a that he bought. It is a beautiful gun but has one problem. The gun will literally shred a casing down the side when you pull the trigger. I thought he was kidding until he showed me spent cartridge. He no longer shoots it but want to fix it.
1. Any good gunsmiths around Terre Haute?
2. Anyone no what the problem could be?

 

[jmiller676]

2. How old is the ammo? I shot some old 12 ga. shot one time and it split the brass.

 

[heffe3434]

new ammo.
By the way, I too own a Mustang.

 

[DownByTheTracks]

Is it an old gun or new? Kind of sounds like a chamber problem. Try calling Marlin, if it's unsafe they may fix it for free.

 

[snapping turtle]

Is it an old gun or new? Kind of sounds like a chamber problem. Try calling Marlin, if it's unsafe they may fix it for free.

Yes. You need to call marlin on that one. Thwy will ship a prepaid return box with the info. A photo of the shell ro send to them in email or in the return box would be a good idea.

 

[snapping turtle]

IF it is a real new production it could be a case of barrel creep.

 

[MrSmitty]

Is it a take down model?, if so check for fit-up

 

[kalboy]

In addition to the several good ideas already posted you may try having him polish the chamber. This could be happening on extraction. Clean the barrel and dry it of oil/solvents, take a bore mop on a length of cleaning rod and chuck this in a drill. Douse the mop with Flitz, Semi-chrome, Metal Glo or similar polishing creme and spin this in the chamber to a depth of 1". Once upon a time I had a Marlin Camp 9 with a similar issue and this fixed it. If it doesn't you're not out much time or money and you can then pursue a gunsmith or return to factory.

 

[Claddagh]

Kind of hard to sort out without seeing what a fired case really looks like. A pic or two would sure help. Is it just that the cases are getting scratched-up, or are they actually "failing" (splits, etc.)?

 

[sbcman]

In addition to the several good ideas already posted you may try having him polish the chamber. This could be happening on extraction. Clean the barrel and dry it of oil/solvents, take a bore mop on a length of cleaning rod and chuck this in a drill. Douse the mop with Flitz, Semi-chrome, Metal Glo or similar polishing creme and spin this in the chamber to a depth of 1". Once upon a time I had a Marlin Camp 9 with a similar issue and this fixed it. If it doesn't you're not out much time or money and you can then pursue a gunsmith or return to factory.

This is probably it. Midway sells a tool for this application.

The only other thing I can think of is that the ejector arm might be engaging the case prematurely, or it might be too sharp. This is a very remote possibility. If the case is shredded on the left, I would look there. If on the right, I would look to the chamber.

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

Also try some other brand of ammo to see if it's not just crappy stuff. There's only one brand that'll split like this in my Ruger 22/45; I want to say it's the Remington bulk stuff from Walmart (green box?)

-J-

 

[kalboy]

Kind of hard to sort out without seeing what a fired case really looks like. A pic or two would sure help. Is it just that the cases are getting scratched-up, or are they actually "failing" (splits, etc.)?

Very true. Seeing the casings after firing would help much.