I'd like to make members aware of a defect with my new Marlin 1894C rifle. Any feedback on this issue would be appreciated. I've notified Marlin and they have accepted the gun for repair and are paying shipping both ways to NY. I love the gun and am not implying the problem is widespread. Probably a one time flaw. If you purchased an 1894C in .357 around the same time as mine, it might be a good idea to test your rifle. I'll post a follow-up on this site after getting the verdict from Marlin.
In 2010 I purchased a new Marlin 1894C rifle chambered for .357 from a dealer. Serial #910604XX
The rifle appears to have a defect with the half cock safety.
I was at the range explaining the half cock safety feature. To demonstrate, I chambered a round and moved the hammer to half cock and pulled the trigger. The rifle fired. Needless to say, we were all quite surprised.
In a follow-up test two weeks later with a chambered round, I was able to repeat the event. Moving from full cock to half cock, it fired. In the presence of a fellow shooter, I demonstrated this three times in a row. Later the same day, I was only able to repeat the firing once out of twenty attempts. So, the problem seems to be intermittent.
I can also duplicate this by dry firing. I work the lever to cock the action and then move the hammer to half cock and pull the trigger. Repeat until it “fires”. On my rifle the safety fails in about 10% of tries.
My rifle has no modifications and has never been to a gunsmith for service. I only use factory ammunition. The gun is kept clean and not abused. I’ve fired perhaps 300 rounds through it.
In 2010 I purchased a new Marlin 1894C rifle chambered for .357 from a dealer. Serial #910604XX
The rifle appears to have a defect with the half cock safety.
I was at the range explaining the half cock safety feature. To demonstrate, I chambered a round and moved the hammer to half cock and pulled the trigger. The rifle fired. Needless to say, we were all quite surprised.
In a follow-up test two weeks later with a chambered round, I was able to repeat the event. Moving from full cock to half cock, it fired. In the presence of a fellow shooter, I demonstrated this three times in a row. Later the same day, I was only able to repeat the firing once out of twenty attempts. So, the problem seems to be intermittent.
I can also duplicate this by dry firing. I work the lever to cock the action and then move the hammer to half cock and pull the trigger. Repeat until it “fires”. On my rifle the safety fails in about 10% of tries.
My rifle has no modifications and has never been to a gunsmith for service. I only use factory ammunition. The gun is kept clean and not abused. I’ve fired perhaps 300 rounds through it.