Marlin 917 Help

[Bang]

So, took my Marlin to the range today for it's maiden shooting. Very fun gun. One thing i noticed and was bothering me was the bolt movement seemed like it kept sticking. I tried to clean and re-oil it hoping that would help but it didn't seemed to help. Then I tried less or no oil, no luck

What can I do to smooth it out and make it not a chore to open and close? If I am completely off my rocker, please let me know seeing I am a noob and all.

 

[alucard0822]

Back out the big screw in the front part of the trigger guard a turn and see if it helps, marlin bolt action rimfires are famous for having a burr or glob of metal on the end that will bind or even gouge the bolt, a file and some patience will fix it if that is what it is. And check to see if it cycles smoothly with the magazine out, and rough with it in and loaded, or is rough with one particular magazine, the catch can sometimes hold the mag little loose, or the catch rail on the back of the mag can be out of spec. The catch can be bent a little tighter, or if it is sitting on a burr in the screw holes, a file or stone will take that out also. Marlin rifles are decent rifles for a good price, but are full of burrs and rough metal, with a heavy trigger. With some finish stoning, bedding or shimming the front pillar, and some simple work on the trigger they can be improved dramatically.

good luck

 

[Bang]

I did what you recommended about the big screw and it helped a little. Yeah, there are all kinds of sharp edges and burrs. What helped greatly with the bolt is I watched the movie War and just kept cycling the bolt over and over. Seemed to loosen up some. Just getting a little abnormal wear (in my opinion) on the bolt where the handle is. It happens when I push the bolt back in and it grinds when I lock it down. I will try to post a pic tomorrow, maybe it is normal wear, I have no clue.

 

[gunconnection]

Toothpaste

Try using regular Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Toothpaste to lap and smooth your action, apply to bolt and action and cycle action 100-200 times, then clean thoroughly. Apply oil generously and repeat if necessary, also check where the bolt handle contacts the action, it may be rubbing there too. Call me if you need some help. Dan