Bolt Travel Issue in a Marlin 39A - HELP!

[Killer Kanuck]

So a few years back I picked up a Marlin 39A (made in 1954-55 era) - had to replace the extractor and firing pin when I bought it, if I remember correctly. Only fired it a bit, and then put it away - now that I've dug it out again, I remember why. When I have the lever fully forward, I can still pull the bolt to the rear (probably less than 1/8"). But it's enough to pull the bolt back past the spring ejector, which locks up the bolt. This happens from time to time when firing (probably why I had to get a new ejector when I bought it). Anybody have this happen? Any ideas on what a fix would be?

[AJMD429]

I don't have one or know the schematics, but it sounds like a pin (bolt-to-lever?) might be missing.

.22 LR isn't "hot", but still an improperly-locked-up gun can cause a dangerous situation, so get it checked out before using it any more...!

[adirondakjack]

Yup, something is chewed up, either the lever or the bolt where the lever goes in the slot. It has nothing to do with lock-up, as the 39 action locks with the end of the lever wedged tight on a big boss on the bolt, and there is nothing else to it. it's a totally different aspect of the bolt and lever involved in rearward bolt travel.

I can't see how the ejector is causing an issue UNLESS the whole ejector assembly is in backwards? The pointy end is supposed to face front, and the part facing the rear is a sort of ramp shoved into the slot by the bolt travelling forward.

I just slicked up a 39M here the other night, and I am assuming the pieces are the same????

[Killer Kanuck]

I can't see how the ejector is causing an issue UNLESS the whole ejector assembly is in backwards? The pointy end is supposed to face front, and the part facing the rear is a sort of ramp shoved into the slot by the bolt travelling forward.

And I know what I'll be doing tonight. Thanks.

[adirondakjack]

I can't see how the ejector is causing an issue UNLESS the whole ejector assembly is in backwards? The pointy end is supposed to face front, and the part facing the rear is a sort of ramp shoved into the slot by the bolt travelling forward.

And I know what I'll be doing tonight. Thanks.

When yer in there, you can take about half the tension off the ejector spring (put the little leaf spring in a vise and straighten it some) and still get plenty of "fling" out of the ejector. This will reduce the side tension on the bolt, making the gun lever a little easier.