[Leatherstocking]

I was shooting my 336 ss at the range this morning, and when I cycled the lever, the action suddenly got really really tight. The action was also tight when I opened the lever to remove the round. After I removed that round, the next round cycled without any problem at all, and I did not have any problem at all with cycling the rest of the two boxes of Rem 150 Core-Lokts I shot. I did keep that one round aside, and when I was finished shooting I tried to cycle it through the action. The same problem occurred again... when I tried to chamber that round, the action got really tight, so tight that I couldn't completely close the lever. It was also tight when I opened the lever to eject it, but it finally did eject. Given that I cycled two plus boxes of shells through the action this morning, and have probably shot eight boxes without problem since purchasing this gun a few months ago, I don't think that there is a problem with the gun. Anyone on MO have any thoughts on where the problem might lie?

Another question...... I finally got the rear sight adjusted in terms of the windage, and I am wondering if I need to secure the position of the rear sight in the dovetail by using a little Lo-Tite. Will the rear sight stay where I've drifted it, or do I need to use Loc-Tite to help keep it in position?

Much thanks for any insights Mo members can offer. I've learned a great deal from reading MO since I bought my 336 ss, and think that you all are a great resource.

 

[tmedic]

Sounds to me like the problem lies in that round. If all the others feed properly except that one. If you have the tools I would measure the round and see if its out of spec. Wont be the first time that has happened.

 

[tmedic]

Were there any marks on the round like it was being forced into the chamber?

 

[Leatherstocking]

Tmedic...

I took a close look at the round in question and did not see any marks on it. No scuff marks on the neck or sides of the casing and no marks on the bullet itself. Very strange.

 

[tmedic]

Yeah that is odd. With the lever action open and safe try dropping the round into the chamber by hand to see if it will fit and compare it to a different round. I was going to suggest trying it in a different lever rifle but thinking about it that may be dangerous. Measuring the round to see if it is in spec. would be the best way though. From what you describe it almost have to be the individual round. I'm sure those more knowledgable than I will chime in soon.

 

[Brian in FL]

Factory loads are generally loaded to fit chambers of every measurement. Apparently, this particular round was a little on the long side for your chamber, which might be a little on the tight side. If all other ammo feeds well, it certainly seems to be the case that you got a round that was out of spec for your particular Marlin's chamber. I'm assuming your rifle is a .30-30, and, although it headspaces on the rim, the cartridge in question was probably a little long to the shoulder of the case. Toss it, and don't worry about it.

As for Loc-Tite on your rear sight, I don't think it will be necessary. It would probably take a good deal of force to move the sight away from your sighted in position. And, if you change loads, you want to be able to adjust the sight accordingly.

 

[Leatherstocking]

Much thanks, Brian, for the helpful comments about the odd round and the rear sight.