question about Marlin through a fire

[thxmrgarand]

' Suppose this isn't exactly a Marlin question.  I have a few Marlins and like them very much.  I picked up a Marlin  in .375 Win that was in a fishing boat that burned.  I have never needed to fire the gun and doubt I have any ammo.  The finish is ugly.  The fire shrunk the forearm enough that it is cosmetically noticeable; I might guess 1/64th of an inch.  However the stock came through fine and the plastic pistol grip and butt plate not only did not melt but do not look scorched.   The action works like a normal gun.  Anyone have an opinion about safety of ever shooting this gun?  Thanks. 

[Graybeard]

I wouldn't ever fire a gun that had been in a fire without having it checked for safety. If you have a gunsmith you trust you could let him decide but I'd have Marlin make the decision if it's a Marlin gun.

[Savage .250]

 What GB said. Also you can get "new wood" (stock) for it. Just a thought.

[dstegjas]

I own guns that have been through a fire. In fact two of them were Marlins. One was a 39A and the other was 336 in .35 Remington. They did not come in contact with the flames. However they were subjected to fairly intense heat. The only mechanical problems I found was that it affected all the springs in the guns. Mainly in the action itself. Remember, this is what happened to my guns. Depending on the amount of heat. It could easily affect the strength of the steel in the firing pin, hammer as well as the barrel itself.

As mentioned above. If you know a good smith, I would have them take a look at it before firing the rifle. When you are talking about high pressures. You really don't want to take any chances.

Jim