Marlin 39A ...HELP!!!

[offthepaper]

Today I was at the range with my Marlin 39A (vintage 1968). She was shooting fine when at one point I was working the action and the lever action will not close. The bolt is in the rear position. I don't want to force anything.
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Detritus]

Ok semi-stupid question.. But i assume you checked that the takedown screw hadn't backed out slightly?

one of the few times my 39M ever choked on me the screw had either backed out or wasn't tightened properly and allowed the receiver halves to just barely shift out of line and the lever and bolt bound up on me (I was all of 16 when i pulled this one.. ). also bound up the screw until I got the two halves back in alignment.

Just a thought.

 

[Threeband]

Mine will occasionally hang up just slightly.

Could the cartridge on the lifter have been jostled slightly out of position? You can probably shake and tilt the rifle gently (thus jostling the cartridge in various odd ways) while gently attempting to work the lever just a little bit. Gently wiggle the lever while you gently jostle the gun. The cartridge might find its way into the chamber. You also might be able to just shake it right out of the ejection port. You should be able to see the round on the lifter through the ejection port.

If all else fails, just disassemble the rifle.

 

[offthepaper]

Thanks.
But the screw is tight and the rifle has no play.
The "jam" occured after the last round was ejected. there are no more rounds in the gun. Not sure what is keeping the lever/bolt from moving.