Marlin 1894C issues?

[Gary O]

I just bought a new Marlin 1894C in .357 magnum. I realize that I need to shoot the gun some before it will begin to smooth out. However, this rifle is not only very well finished with sweet wood; it is the roughest, grittiest lever action I have ever handled. Is there something I can do to speed up the "break-in" process? What say you? Thanks...

 

[youngda9]

Work the lever a lot. I have the same firearm in .44 mag with a 24" octagon barrel and it is my favorite.

Here are some details I found by googling "marlin 1894 action tuning" I've done much of this work myself and it has really helped. Cycle the action several hundred times prior to doing any work. Much of the work is cone on the lever itself, the portion that contacts the carrier and bolt. Be sure your lever bolt isn't too tight, keep it loose and use locktight.
http://marauder.homestead.com/files/TUNING_M_1894.htm

Check out http://leverguns.com/ for all sorts of information. There is a forum there where you'll find lots of help.