That's the 2nd one today.

 

Great fix it adds a special character.

 

The rear band screw broke some time in the first few times taking the gun out, which I've read is common. I haven't had any urge to shoot the gun since I bought it for grins and giggles in college and therefore never fixed the band screw. Decided I would finally get around to it, only to find that Marlin is bankrupt, and I can't find the screw online anywhere.

I took an 8-32 x 1-1/4" machine screw, stuck it in a drill and grinded the threads down with an angle grinder while it spun (in lieu of a lathe). Tapped the threads on the band to fit the threads on the screw, and made the other hole large enough for the screw with a chamfer to ensure it goes in.

The screw fits in the groove in the barrel very snug and I can't get the hand guard to budge at all. I was gonna do the black silicone trick but I don't even think it will be necessary.

I said years ago, that little pin they use should be made out of titanium. What causes it is the stock slamming into that pin on recoil. Only permanent fix I found is to put a bead of black Permatex along the edge of the stock where it contacts the barrel & receiver Just wipe off the excess with mineral spirits and you can't even tell it's there. Never had a bent pin again. Also what helps is to never lay your forend on anything hard when firing it, just use you hand.