Marlin model 60

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floridaboy

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I recently got back an old model 60 that I'd lent to my father probably 30 years ago. The action is gummed up, and firing pin strikes are too light to fire it. Not an ammo problem, as the ammo with firing pin marks work in my buckmark. What's a good way to degum it?
If this is the wrong place, mods please move to right forum. Your help is appreciated.
 
I once cleaned an old gun, and someone had cleaned the firing pin channel and managed to leave a good piece of a patch in there. I didn't try to use it before going over the thing, but I can't imagine it would have worked very well.
 
My guess is that they used an oil that has gummed up over time. Spray gun solvents from your favorite brand may wash the stuff out. Dismount the action from the stock and spray it down generously and allow the crud to drip out. Work the action, if sticky, repeat, and so on. Use a toothbrush, pipe cleaners, bbq skewers, etc. to break lose stuff in the crevices. Unless you have the right tools, be careful about taking it apart. Try Hoppes Gun Medic (Powder Blast works ok too).

Troy is correct though if you take it apart, replace the buffer as it will probably not live long due to the age of the firearm. mcarbo has spring kits if you really want to improve it with install videos and instructions.
https://www.mcarbo.com/store/p/27-Marlin-60-Trigger-Spring-Kit.aspx
 
One solvent that instantaneously dissolves the the tacky yellow gum from old oils is Gumout carb cleaner, just don't let it get anywhere near the finish or plastics.
 
Set it in a spot to naturally get warm (sun room, inside glass door if you are remote) and hose it down with cleaner. I have 4 model 60 variants and they aren’t too bad. When they gum up it doesn’t take much to unstick them. One thing worth doing, with the gun muzzle up and the action closed squirt cleaner down the bore. Not that it will clean the bore, but it will force a little bit of the cleaner into the firing pin channel that way. When you get it moving somewhat freely, use an air compressor to blow out the action. It will push loose crud and extra oils out.
 
If you use some carb cleaners or chlorinated brake cleaner, then prepare to change the buffer. That stuff WILL eat the plastic buffer. Yes I made that mistake as a kid many moons ago. The buffer only lasted a short time on the next range trip after using brake cleaner.

As everyone has said, a good cleaning will probably take care of things. Worse case is a new buffer and new springs. When checking springs, don't forget to check the recoil spring either.
 
Clean it first. I wouldn't worry about or consider replacing any parts until after it is cleaned. Chances are that will fix the problem and you can avoid the investment and time to disassemble and replace parts. If it still doesn't fire, then you can track down a part problem.
 
Always remove action from stock!
If it’s built up gummy powder residue, remove bolt and then a good scrubbing with toothbrush and Hoppes #9 followed by compressed air. Though cleaning of barrel and chamber with same at this time also.
Reassemble action, apply a little G96 with action working and another compressed air.
Put action back in stock and you’re back in business.
Note: Removing action from stock keeps stock from softening over time with saturated solvents and oils!
I’ve used Hoppes #9 (and RIG) since the late 50s!
Jmtcw
 
Shimitup said:
One solvent that instantaneously dissolves the the tacky yellow gum from old oils is Gumout carb cleaner, just don't let it get anywhere near the finish or plastics.
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That stuff is a tough solvent that I use on old gummed up small engines. I surely would use that stuff outdoors and with the action fully removed from the stock. Might not be too good on the buffer either.
 
boom boom said:
That stuff is a tough solvent that I use on old gummed up small engines. I surely would use that stuff outdoors and with the action fully removed from the stock. Might not be too good on the buffer either.
Click to expand...

That stuff is definitely NOT good for the plastic buffer. It will break the plastic down and make it very brittle to the point that it will break when you shoot the rifle next.
 
12Bravo20 said:
That stuff is definitely NOT good for the plastic buffer. It will break the plastic down and make it very brittle to the point that it will break when you shoot the rifle next.
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And might also end up with a shiny aluminum receiver, when I said finishes I meant coatings of all types for metal and wood and plastics. So if in doubt, don't use it.
 
my brother in law had an older Marlin model 60 with the same problem. I looked like it had been lubed with GO 90 LOL. I took it home, took it apart for a good cleaning and it then ran like a champ.The 60's are great rifles but need to be kept clean . hdbiker
 
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