M1889 Marlin Feed Problem

[RustySpringfield]

Howdy folks,

I have an original M1889 Marlin (mfg. 1890) in .32-20 that I use for cowboy matches. Last spring it developed a serious feed problem. The "elevator" that supposed to raise the next round up to the mouth of the chamber stopped working. When the first round ejected the second got stuck below the chamber and was crushed as I closed the lever. This put an immediate stop to my turn at the stage. The only way the next rounds would load is if the rifle were turned counter clockwise so it would roll into position when the lever closes the bolt.

Anyway, does anyone know what part/spring is likely to be bent/broken? It's been with a local gunsmith (for the past 9 mos.) who can't figure out which part to replace or where to get it. He told me he went to the Shot Show and asked around, but couldn't get an answer. It is disassembled, so I could take a digital image of the parts to help with identifying what needs to be replaced.

Any help you can lend would be greatly appreciated.

Rusty Springfield
fc4570govt@hotmail.com

[Four-Eyed Buck]

Rusty, I'd suggest going over to The Marlin Owners forum, register, and go to the Marlin Collectors section and ask your question there. Those boys should be able to help you out as there are several old timers there that are pretty intimate with that model.........www.marlinowners.com/board/index.php

[RustySpringfield]

I did and, sure enough, this is a specific problem that is discussed in several posts. The solution appears to be replacing a spring with one from a '94 Marlin -- with some minor modification.

Thanks for the pointer!

[Four-Eyed Buck]