1881 Marlin project

Kent Shootwell · March 14, 2017, 02:51:15 PM

Rebuilding a 45/70 Marlin that has seen a rough life. This rifle was made in 1884.The current issue is the magizine follower (home made I think),it protrudes into the action as the last cartridge is feed into the chamber. What should stop it from doing that? For you owners of one a photo of the area in question would be helpful.

Baltimore Ed · March 14, 2017, 05:43:41 PM

There needs to be a step on the follower that acts as a stop. I'm not sure if the original follower was hollow or solid. If hollow the mag spring slips into the follower to keep the end of the spring from binding. The followers step would bump against the frame so that only the small part of the follower would be visible. I'm thinking that a modern 45-70 Marlin 1895 follower would drop right into your rifle. I had a modern 1895 back in the 70s but swapped it for a Ruger #1 in 25-06, talk about a 180 degree switch.

Kent Shootwell · March 16, 2017, 03:33:31 PM

Thanks Ed, I'll check that out. I'm visiting a buddy in New Zealand and when we get back to his place we'll pull it apart again take some measurements. Here it's easier to make parts then get them so it's back to the lathe.

Kent Shootwell · March 20, 2017, 04:31:35 PM

Got this Marlin running. The owner had made a nose cap and loading gate assembly and straightened the dust cover before I got involved. We have made and fitted a magizine follower and refitted a new made extractor.
http://s853.photobucket.com/component/Download-File?file=%2Falbums%2Fab91%2FJKilts%2Fimage_zpsiki9ne0y.jpeg
Tryed to post a photo using this IPad and hope one of you smart fellows can figure out how to view it.

dusty texian · March 20, 2017, 04:59:12 PM

Good deal , another one back to life! ,,,DT

Baltimore Ed · March 20, 2017, 06:11:10 PM

Glad to hear that you got it going. I've resurrected several Colt Woodsman .22s over the years. It's a good feeling when you shoot a gun that you put back together from a box of parts.
Just looked at the photo of your.45-70. Very nice, hopefully it shoots ok too. Next photo needs to be with it next to a whitetail.

Kent Shootwell · March 21, 2017, 07:04:57 PM

I added a link to a photo in the other post.

dusty texian · March 21, 2017, 07:12:07 PM

Kent my old computer box is so outdated it will not open your link. Did you do your cch magic on it?

Kent Shootwell · March 24, 2017, 01:14:35 PM

Dusty, this project was taken on about 8000 miles from home so cch wasn't in the cards.

dusty texian · March 24, 2017, 01:23:54 PM

Thanks Ken , for the picture . Nice looking old Marlin. ,,DT