Marlin Model 336 Lever Jammed

[Gun Master]

My friend's Marlin 336 (30-30) carbine with mounted scope has the lever jammed in the extreme (most forward) position, and will not return to the closed position.

I'm no gunsmith and have never worked on lever actions.

I'd like to fix and return my elderly friend's rifle, since he wants to pass it on to his grandson before he passes on.

I do have the NRA's exploded drawing for assembly and disassembly of the Marlin 336.

Any help will be appreciated.

 

[Coyote3855]

I'm unclear on your problem. Is the action jammed open (lever down, bolt towards the stock) or closed (lever up, bolt against the chamber)?

If it's closed, the first task is to determine if there's a round in the chamber which you can do with a dowel or cleaning rod - compare how far the rod goes in vs. the barrel length all the way to the bolt face. If there's a round in the chamber, all work/disassembly MUST be conducted with the barrel pointed into a safe backstop. I had a Marlin 94 that occasionally jammed because the retainer let a round from the magazine move back under the bolt. Again, if any cartridges are anywhere in the gun, exercise extreme caution.

If the action is open and the firearm unloaded, the Marlin is fairly easy to disassemble by first removing the finger lever screw. You should then be able to remove the lever, hopefully. Further disassembly may be necessary to free the bolt, depending on why it's jammed. Use the schematic and take it one step at a time. Good luck. Let us know how it turns out and what the problem is.

 

[rcmodel]

When you get it apart, check inside the receiver for a too-long scope mount screw jamming against the bolt.

rc

 

[Gun Master]

I'm unclear on your problem. Is the action jammed open (lever down, bolt towards the stock) or closed (lever up, bolt against the chamber)?

If it's closed, the first task is to determine if there's a round in the chamber which you can do with a dowel or cleaning rod - compare how far the rod goes in vs. the barrel length all the way to the bolt face. If there's a round in the chamber, all work/disassembly MUST be conducted with the barrel pointed into a safe backstop. I had a Marlin 94 that occasionally jammed because the retainer let a round from the magazine move back under the bolt. Again, if any cartridges are anywhere in the gun, exercise extreme caution.

If the action is open and the firearm unloaded, the Marlin is fairly easy to disassemble by first removing the finger lever screw. You should then be able to remove the lever, hopefully. Further disassembly may be necessary to free the bolt, depending on why it's jammed. Use the schematic and take it one step at a time. Good luck. Let us know how it turns out and what the problem is.

It is jammed open, lever completely down, and no rounds in the chamber or tubular magazine. I don't have hollow ground screwdrivers, and don't want to return the gun scratched. I may have to take it to a gunsmith to be sure the best job will be done.

 

[Salmoneye]

Remove the lever and see if you can free up the bolt that way...

The lever comes out with just the one screw...

Once apart, look to see if the ejector is intact...I have seen a broken ejector lock up the bolt in this manner...

 

[MEHavey]

Take a look here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYa1X5qYEbo

 

[Salmoneye]

Yup!

A too long scope screws, and/or the loading gate being loose are good things to check also!

 

[mac66]

I've seen the loose loading gate jam on several lever actions. Marlins are pretty easy to take down and put back together when you get the sequence down.

 

[jmr40]

The "Marlin Jam" is a pretty common problem. Here is a good read on fixing it.



http://marauder.homestead.com/files/marlin94fix.html

 

[Salmoneye]

"Marlin Jam" only happens when the magazine is loaded...

AKA 'Letting In Two'...

First cartridge lays on the carrier, and the 2nd slides under...

Jam.

 

[Gun Master]

Marlin 336 Jammed Lever

The scope screws were OK, and all other screws tight. Extractor seems alright. Appears may have a broken loading gate (spring).

Will advise final verdict.

 

[Gun Master]

Marlin 336

Seems the loading gate was jammed, not broken, and just needed to be worked loose.
Mmmmmm.....?
Jammed, not broken.
Kind of sounds like, "Shaken, not stirred".

 

[MartinS]

Good going, and thanks for posting the fix.