Hi Will, welcome to MO.

I like the old Marlins and am slowly getting myself a few of them, and I've learnt a lot about the inner workings. So far I have an 1897, 1892 (32 Colt) and now a couple of 94's in 32-20. My 92 and 97 were missing parts so I've been in and out of the 97 and 92 a lot fabricating the parts I needed and working out what is the same etc so I might be able to help regarding interchangeability.

As you know, many of the parts do interchange particularly the 22lr ones, but there are some calibre specific items too. You mention the carrier may be a 32, I have some pictures here that shows some of the differences (they are not my pictures but credit is due to the original contributor whoever that may have been). These pictures allowed me to fabricate a carrier and rocker to suit my 32 Colt 92. It should be able to help you also.

Your dream of originality might be a stretch, I'd aim for functionality first, originality second. I don't think anyone has original/replacement carriers in stock (Wisners or Numrich), but I may possibly be able to find one for you if things pan out over the next week or so. If you have a 32 Carrier you may also have a 32 lever, and if not then they likely won't work together. The 22 carrier, rocker and lever are calibre specific, the same is true for the 32 Colt. Timing is worked out by the interaction between the rocker and the lever. I had to have two goes at getting my rocker for the 32 Colt correct as I worked it out blind before finding the pictures I posted above so it was trial and error. If I'd had the pictures I would have got it on my first attempt.

You'll find screws interchange. The cartridge cut off "may" be the same, as there have been variations, and as you said the ejector can be different, but if they are the right variation they will interchange. Hammer, hammer spring, triggers etc are all the same from what I can tell. You may find the screw that holds the lever on to be different between the 92 and the 97.

Well hope that's a start. HB

 

HB
Thanks for the welcome and the very thorough reply. At this point I am fairly sure the carrier I have is from a 39a as it is a very close match with those on sale from several suppliers.
Mine just did not seem up to the quality I would expect for a factory part. So the search begins for an appropriate replacement. The lever is not a 32 as it does not have the notch
to allow for more travel. I seems tech data on the proper set up of these Marlins is going to be a tough one. I am surprised at the lack of printed info on these Marlins considering their
popularity over the years. A little common sense and patience will probably have to suffice it getting this old timer back doing what it was meant to do!
Again, thanks for all your advice.

 

No worries Will.

Yeah, I've found no real info on setting them up. The timing I worked out by looking closely at the functioning of the rifle. The 92 is about the only gun you could really do this with because the side plate comes off and all the parts remain in situ and function without the side plate, so you can watch what is going on.

What exactly isn't functioning on your rifle? How "exactly" do the cartridges not feed properly? I doubt you'd need to replace the carrier unless it really has been modified. They just don't wear out. The carrier in my 1897 has been working for 100+ years and I can basically swap it between my '79 39a and vice versa, they are so close that a touch with a stone would see them function perfectly in either rifle. It's amazing how little Marlin changed the design over the 100 years.

If it's a timing issue, then the rocker is what you will need to look at, possibly the face on the lever that interacts with the rocker. You need to be more specific and I can probably help you out.

HB

 

HB
Thanks again. I will take some photos and attempt to post them.
Will

 

HB
Well, I finally got around to taking a few pictures. The ejector and firing pin are missing in all the pictures. The carrier is definitely from a 39a as it is an exact match to a 1960 39a I dug out of the closet.
Thanks again for all your advice. Will

 

Hey there Cwiaa,

Right, first thing, you mention it won't cycle rounds with that carrier. The 97's (and quite possibly the 92's) have to have the firing pin installed to work properly, otherwise the bolt does't move back properly. Put the firing pin from your 39a in the 92 and see if you get better feeding, I think they are pretty close. You'll have to either not push the rounds all the way into the chamber or push them out with a rod if you don't have an extractor.

I'm pretty sure with minor fitting that 39a carrier should work fine depending on how the timing is with the 39a rocker. If you need it I can take some pics comparing my 97 with the 39 and look for differences (actually, you've already for a 39a there). Unfortunately my 92 is the .32 so the bolt, lever and carrier are different so no good for comparison.

Next heads up, there is a 97 carrier on ebay at the moment. Might be worth trying to get it, otherwise let me know and I can probably put you in touch with someone that has a 97 one.

Looks like someone has replaced most of the parts in there. New lever spring, carrier, the lever spring screw is proud. Looks like original cartridge cut off.

Also looks like someone might have tried to give your hammer a bit of a case hardened look with a torch. Still, looks like a solid gun and worth fixing up for sure.

Good luck.

 

I just picked up a 1892 .22 cal and its missing the carrier assembly and the buttstock...any leads on where a guy could find one?

 

Try Ebay, they show up from time to time

 

Theirs a stock on eBay now, search marlin 1892

 

Thank you Cj I have those on my watch list...how bout the carrier assembly...will other models work?

 

Hello all,
Looks like I am running into the same problem, that is, a missing carrier for a Model 1992, .32 Cal myself. Numrich and the other websites I have found all show out of stock. Any help you can provide would be great.
Many thanks.