[bsj425]

Hey I am new on here as you can see with my 1 post. I just picked up a 1985 "SBL" in 45-70 and wish I would of found this site before hand. It functions and shoots well but as it turns out I was one of the ones that got a "gs" barrel with extra dovetail. What is the difference between the barrels except for the dovetail and incorrect stamp? If that is It I will just hang on to it instead of sending it in and waiting god knows how long to get it back.

Well here she is..

I added a leather cheek rest which helps with the scope and I can still squish it down since I have see through mounts to use the ghost ring sites. After reading about some of the issues with these I am glad mine at least functions ok and my biggest issue is an incorrect barrel.

 

[rhendrix]

There is no other difference but if it is supposed to be an SBL and it has a gs stamp on it with and extra dovetail, there is no way on earth that I would not send it back to get it corrected. That is like buying a 2 door sedan cadillac with a chevrolet emblem on it with an extra hole cut in it where the back door would be on a 4 door model.

You must be easily satisfied because there is no way I would accept it like that. First of all it is not what you bought and second of all it is not what you bought. You paid way too much money for it not to be right. I have an SBL, one made before they started screwing them up, and I love it. I don't have to go to sleep at night and dream of an extra dovetail and the wrong stamp on the barrel.

Is it new? You need to call Marlin and tell them and they will tell you to send it back on their dime and they will send you a shipping label. And they will correct it. It may be a few weeks to get it back but when you do, you will have the gun you paid for. Just my opinion mind you. ;D

 

[bsj425]

yes it was brand new one of the dealers up here had them on sale for 799.99 so I got one and of course they were out but I got one after they got more and they still honored the sale price. Thats my problem really is it should be right yes but I have already waited over a month to get it now just to have to send it out again lol I probably will at some point in the future but right now I just want to shoot the darn thing. I put a box of hornadys through it this morning and it functioned great. There were no feeding issues and functioned well. The action is pretty tight but that is to be expected since it is brand new and will get smoother with some more rounds down range or so I hope. I was more wondering if there is a different twist rate or something with the different barrel.

 

[MOUNTAIN WILLIAM]

Well f you're wanting to shoot it anyway. I'd say call customer service to request a "UPS call tag" and while you're waiting for the prepaid shipping label to arrive, shoot it. Afterall, it is yours, you paid for it. But I would definitely send it back in to get a properly marked barrel if nothing else. It does effect the value of your rifle. From what I've been reading lately, Marlin has repaired the defective CNC machine and current barrel replacements seem to be getting done quickly. But it is your rifle, not mine.
Your other option is to request a full refund from Marlin. If you do this, don't shoot it.
Good luck!

 

[bsj425]

Thanks for the word on the quick turn around. I live in Alaska so there is no such thing as a quick turn around as it takes somethings up to a week just to get out of the state but I will give them a call tomorrow and hopefully get this all straightened out.

 

[MOUNTAIN WILLIAM]

Good luck to you!

 

[rhendrix]

Good luck. I know, in the long run, you are going to feel better getting the gun you bought. They are sweet. I laid mine in the floor in front of the fireplace for a week after I got mine just so I could look at it and pick it up and play with it every now and then. ;D

As you can see in the picture, it bagged me a nice buck on opening day last season. I envy you living in Alaska. I have been watching those Sarah Palin's Alaska shows and my wife and I have actually talked about moving. If I knew we could make a living there, we would.

 

[bsj425]

What kind of loads are you using that doesnt completely destroy those little white tail? my buddy uses his 45-75 for moose and bear up here and it tears them up good I would hate to see what it does to a white tail.

 

[rhendrix]

I used the Hornady Leverevolution 325 last season. I did a number on that buck but it didn't tear up a lot of meat. I am probably going to try the new 250 they are coming out with this summer.

 

[eaglesnest]

Is it a certainty that they are replacing these extra dovetail guns on their nickel? Last I heard they were saying that was the way they come and weren't doing anything about it and people who bought them were grumbling about legal action etc. If he just wants a 45/70 to shoot bears and moose and whatnot, the extra dovtail wont hurt. If it is going to be his pride and joy then I would be PO'ed..

 

[rhendrix]

Is it a certainty that they are replacing these extra dovetail guns on their nickel? Last I heard they were saying that was the way they come and weren't doing anything about it and people who bought them were grumbling about legal action etc. If he just wants a 45/70 to shoot bears and moose and whatnot, the extra dovtail wont hurt. If it is going to be his pride and joy then I would be PO'ed..

That is a new one on me. I haven't heard that. So they are saying that the SBL comes stamped as a Guide Stainless and with an extra dovetail? Do they say anything about what one should do with that extra dovetail?

Last I heard they were correcting all of them on their nickle as they should be and with a 5 year warranty against manufacturing defects, they would definetly have a case against them in court. These 2 flaws are most definetly manufacturing defects in any language.

 

[eaglesnest]

That is a new one on me. I haven't heard that. So they are saying that the SBL comes stamped as a Guide Stainless and with an extra dovetail? Do they say anything about what one should do with that extra dovetail?

Last I heard they were correcting all of them on their nickle as they should be and with a 5 year warranty against manufacturing defects, they would definetly have a case against them in court. These 2 flaws are most definetly manufacturing defects in any language.

Well thats good news, sounds like they are recalling all those extra dovetail SBL's so I would definitely exchange it.

 

[oldgoat80]

Definetely send it back and get what you paid for! The car analogy made earlier was spot on. ;D

 

[brassloader]

I also bought an SBL with the GS barrel.I called Marlin who sent me a shipping label.I got the gun back in just over a week after they received it.They installed an SBL barrel,rebreeched,and proofed the gun.I still have not fired the gun but it feeds and ejects with no problems.