Home Forums Lever Action Central Rimfire Levers Marlin 39AS: Misfires and Bulged Cases

I would have bought a new lever or bolt, which ever was out of spec.

I wonder if an earlier bolt was swapped in? I've noticed that very earlier bolts (pre-Hi-Speed) had a slightly shorter locking lug and took a slightly longer locking end on the lever. I wonder how many slightly different bolts have been used - I have a newer Hi-Speed bolt & lever that will not work together, the slot in the bolt is not wide enough for the locking end of the lever which is noticeably thicker when compared to an early lever. I put the late lever in an old 1891 that locks up tight with the original lever and there is a gap left between the locking surfaces which allows the bolt to move back & forth slightly with the lever closed.

There are some comparison pictures of early & late bolts here - .rimfirecentral.com/showpost.=11628557

Sure sounds like excessive head space. Why?, is the question of curiosity.

Sounds like a little bubba smithing. Either a poor bolt replacement or a bad rechamber.

I hope they get it fixed for you. They are fine rifles.

Any update? Sure hope you get it fixed and can start enjoying it.

I was told on the 12th, 7 more days. I am going to the shop tomorrow or Sat. to see what's up.

Define "GUNSMITH"

I just went in and was told sorry, a little longer.

Check the bolt its not closing completely for some reason mine wasn't closed up completely by the take down screw use a quarter on it make sure its closed tightly. . After a little work it truly was that pawnshop bargain we always are looking for.

I think I am going to pick the Marlin up tomorrow, pay what they say I owe and then find another gunsmith, even if I have to ship it off.

Good luck buddy. Hope it gets fixed.

Can anyone recommend a gunsmith that specializes or is well acquainted with the Marlin 39?

I would post this over in the Marlin forum on rimfirecentral.

I did. Thanks for the advice though, I need all I can get

I hope your previous gunsmith charged you nothing. After all he did nothing.

$110 when I picked it up in July and found it still wasn't firing ( took it back the next day )

I went in today and told them I wanted to pick it up. It took three trips there today to get the Marlin. I am going to the range tomorrow and was going to take it to see what it would do.

I was so curious I couldn't wait. I loaded up 3 Target Shorts and went to the backyard to test-fire into the ground. It would not cycle ( it did cycle shorts before ). After working the action a dozen times I removed the tube and dumped the 3 rds out.

6months and $110 and the gun is worse than when I took it in. Granted I picked it up before it was finished but I expected the same problem as when I took it in, not more problems :-(

It's not the end of the world, it's a popular type rifle, so I am not worried about eventually getting it fixed. It's the money and time wasted

That “Gunsmith” of yours sounds like a real piece of work. You are a better man than me. I don't think I’d have handled it as you did...

Your "gunsmith" is a FLAKE. The woods are full of them.

I took the rifle to another gunsmith two weeks ago. He told me today that I need a new lever. The 1st gunsmith ground down part of the lever and cut a notch in it ( 2nd smith didn't know why this was done ). He tried all his parts sources with no luck. He said he would keep trying.

I do feel a little sick, that gun looked nearly new, inside and out, when I took it to the 1st gunsmith

Does anyone know where I can get a lever for a new model ( IIRC, that is rifles made after 1957 )?

can you have it built up with a tig welder and reground ? I have built up a lot of things in the last 40 years