Smith Entreprises Ladder sight excellent for Marlin Cowboy Rifle

[RowdyBill]

Ordered one, had it mounted today, looks very nice.  Can't wait to take to the range.

[Standpat Steve]

Howdy RowdyBill,

The scratches make me wonder if somebody already had your gun out
of the box? I've personally never seen a Marlin where the bolt wasn't flush with the rear curve of the receiver. Is the front of the bolt flush? I'm wondering if the bolt and lever were taken out and reassembled with a small metal shaving stuck up towards the chamber.

[Standpat Steve]

RowdyBill,

Let us know what you learn. The front and rear of the bolt are supposed to be flush with the receiver-something's not right.

[Big Hext Finnigan]

Wow.. sounds like you got all the bad luck!
I have had several Marlin rifles and they have all been well made and functional.  They benefitted from a little stone and spring work, but nothing like you experienced.  Sure sorry to hear about it.

I do think you can do well buying online from small dealers, like Brutha Dave, Ultona/Rezac and folks selling used guns.
Adios,

[REELFOOT REGULATOR]

May just be my imagination, but the fit and finish on the wood and metal of the new marlins that i have seen lately seem to be lacking a little bit compared to a few years ago.But i still think they make a quality rifle

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Yep.  It's a piss-poor reason, but probably true.

I have one Marlin;  a 1966 Golden 39A Mountie.  It is/has been flawless in form and function.

Sorry you're having trouble.  Marlin is a GREAT company and can do better than what you've been exposed to.