Author Topic: Lever extremely difficult to close on XLR  (Read 1368 times)

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Offline 1longshot

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Lever extremely difficult to close on XLR
« on: April 09, 2010, 05:35:43 PM »
My XLR came in today.  I went to examine it before picking it up and upon inspection closing of the lever was extremely difficult.  More specifically when fully closing the lever at the point at which the spring loaded plunger locks it in place it required an unreasonable amount of force to "snap" it in place.  I then asked the clerk to let me try another 336 (blued) version and it cycled very much more smoothly and locked into place with considerably less force.  I told the clerk about this and he told me he would have to talk to Marlin before he could reorder me another one.  I told him I would call Marlin right then.  Talking to Marlin Technical service, I found out that there could be a number of issues that could cause this problem aside from being new. It could be an obstruction in front of the bolt, a burr on an internal part, or that in might just need a drop of oil.  Well this explanation did not satisfy me and I requested the clerk exchange my rifle for another.  Do any of you have this problem with your marlin 336 with a safety?  Should I settle for this one?  Whadya think?

1longshot

Offline dpe.ahoy

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Re: Lever extremely difficult to close on XLR
« Reply #1 on: April 09, 2010, 05:55:52 PM »
I would buy it and try it for a while.  If it didn't loosen up soon, send it back to Marlin, they will do ya right.  DP
RIP Oct 27, 2017

Handi's:22Shot, 22LR, 2-22Mag, 22Hornet, 5-223, 2-357Max, 44 mag, 2-45LC, 7-30 Waters, 7mm-08, 280, 25-06, 30-30, 30-30AI, 444Marlin, 45-70, AND 2-38-55s, 158 Topper 22 Hornet/20ga. combo;  Levers-Marlins:Two 357's, 44 mag, 4-30-30s, RC-Glenfields 36G-30A & XLR, 3-35 Rem, M-375, 2-444P's, 444SS, 308 MX, 338Marlin MXLR, 38-55 CB, 45-70 GS, XS7 22-250 and 7mm08;  BLR's:7mm08, 358Win;  Rossi: 3-357mag, 44mag, 2-454 Casull; Winchesters: 7-30 Waters, 45Colt Trapper; Bolt actions, too many;  22's, way too many.  Who says it's an addiction?

Offline Rangr44

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Re: Lever extremely difficult to close on XLR
« Reply #2 on: April 10, 2010, 04:43:47 PM »
[this explanation did not satisfy me and I requested the clerk exchange my rifle for another.]

Since it's a "NEW" rifle, ergo, IMHO you did the right thing.

While I play games all the times with used items, I don't with brandy-new stuff - If it's "not right", it gets returned.

.
There's a Place for All God's Creatures - Right Next to the Potatoes & Gravy ! !

Offline Empty Quiver

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Re: Lever extremely difficult to close on XLR
« Reply #3 on: April 10, 2010, 06:42:33 AM »
Since they are going through a shake-up I would be very leary about sending it off in the mail. Every time I move stuff shows up for years. Hate to spend that sort of money and then have six months of wondering when the new shop is fully operational.
**Concealed Carry...Because when seconds count help is only minutes away**

Offline Savage .250

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Re: Lever extremely difficult to close on XLR
« Reply #4 on: April 10, 2010, 02:37:44 PM »
If it`s new ...........it should be good to go. If not, who knows, maybe more problems lay in wait.   :) 
" The best part of the hunt is not the harvest but in the experience."

Offline 1longshot

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Re: Lever extremely difficult to close on XLR
« Reply #5 on: April 10, 2010, 03:21:49 PM »
We'll see.  The clerk said there were 6 when I ordered it and that he would have it traded for another one.  Hopefully he can get another and they are not all gone.  Have to wait to find out. 

Offline JohnnyLoco

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Re: Lever extremely difficult to close on XLR
« Reply #6 on: April 11, 2010, 10:19:50 AM »
I've found several new rifles where the plastic follower would contort and putrude through binding the lever up for some reason. 
John 7:17, Retired USAF

Offline 1longshot

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Re: Lever extremely difficult to close on XLR
« Reply #7 on: April 11, 2010, 11:40:15 AM »
what is the plastic follower?

Offline JohnnyLoco

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Re: Lever extremely difficult to close on XLR
« Reply #8 on: April 11, 2010, 12:06:18 PM »
Its the "orange" plasic thing in your magazine tube where you load the bullets.  For some reason I've seen a few that will pop through into the reciever too much for some reason and block the lifter making it hard to move the lever.  They make an aluminum follower that might work (IF) thats what it is.
John 7:17, Retired USAF

Offline yukondog

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Re: Lever extremely difficult to close on XLR
« Reply #9 on: April 11, 2010, 01:58:16 PM »
If he can trade it for a new one I would do it, I would think that if you try to " fix" it , it may void the warrenty dont know if it would, but if it's new send it back.
an unloaded wepon is equal to the same mass and volume as a rock.

Offline JohnnyLoco

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Re: Lever extremely difficult to close on XLR
« Reply #10 on: April 11, 2010, 03:37:27 PM »
I wouldn't buy it new if it weren't functioning properly.
John 7:17, Retired USAF

Offline 277284

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Re: Lever extremely difficult to close on XLR
« Reply #11 on: April 21, 2010, 07:55:42 PM »
Try the trigger out while your there and ask if some rounds could be run thru the action and feel if the lever is still that way.

Offline dpe.ahoy

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Re: Lever extremely difficult to close on XLR
« Reply #12 on: April 22, 2010, 05:25:58 PM »
Just a thought, have heard of the filler screws going through and rubbing on the bolt.  Might just back them out a bit to see if there is any difference.  DP
RIP Oct 27, 2017

Handi's:22Shot, 22LR, 2-22Mag, 22Hornet, 5-223, 2-357Max, 44 mag, 2-45LC, 7-30 Waters, 7mm-08, 280, 25-06, 30-30, 30-30AI, 444Marlin, 45-70, AND 2-38-55s, 158 Topper 22 Hornet/20ga. combo;  Levers-Marlins:Two 357's, 44 mag, 4-30-30s, RC-Glenfields 36G-30A & XLR, 3-35 Rem, M-375, 2-444P's, 444SS, 308 MX, 338Marlin MXLR, 38-55 CB, 45-70 GS, XS7 22-250 and 7mm08;  BLR's:7mm08, 358Win;  Rossi: 3-357mag, 44mag, 2-454 Casull; Winchesters: 7-30 Waters, 45Colt Trapper; Bolt actions, too many;  22's, way too many.  Who says it's an addiction?

Offline Lloyd Smale

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Re: Lever extremely difficult to close on XLR
« Reply #13 on: April 24, 2010, 03:25:10 AM »
theres a drift pin that holds that plunger in. Drift it out (be careful as its spring loaded and you dont want to loose parts) once out clip one coil off the spring and reinstall it. It will help your problem
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Offline 1longshot

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Re: Lever extremely difficult to close on XLR
« Reply #14 on: April 29, 2010, 09:21:12 PM »
Well, thank all of you for your replies.  After asking the sales clerk to order me a new rifle he later contacted me and told me that he sent the rifle to Marlin for repair.  He told me that when it returned that I could look it over and if still interested I would have the option to purchase it or not.  Now I just have to wait until it returns.  I will update this post as events transpire.

Offline 1longshot

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Re: Lever extremely difficult to close on XLR
« Reply #15 on: May 21, 2010, 05:17:27 PM »
Got the new replacement XLR today.  Everything seems fine.  I am still waiting to shoot it though.  I'll keep you all posted. Thanks for the replies.

Offline 1longshot

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Re: Lever extremely difficult to close on XLR
« Reply #16 on: May 28, 2010, 05:34:29 AM »
Took the new XLR to the range along with my other marlin 30-30.  My other 30-30 looks just like the xlr but it is blued and was made in 1948.  It has the 24" barrel and ballard rifling.  Side by side compared it is easy to notice the older gun is tighter. The trigger pull is far superior to the XLR.  However, the XLR shot well at 100 yards off a bench with bags.  I was able to put 4 shots in 2 inches with Iron sights.  It has been over 15 years since I shot iron sights at that range.  Man, the front sight covers the whole target!  Also, I forgot how much elevation the elevator actually has the point of impact shift when adjusting. I would like to lighten the trigger I'll have to do a search to find out some info.

thanks for following.

Offline dpe.ahoy

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Re: Lever extremely difficult to close on XLR
« Reply #17 on: May 28, 2010, 06:12:04 PM »
Glad to hear it came together for you.  That's some good shooting with iron sights at that distance.  My xlr is a 338, but always puts the first 2 shots touching and the third out less than an inch away.  (With glass, not irons.)  DP
RIP Oct 27, 2017

Handi's:22Shot, 22LR, 2-22Mag, 22Hornet, 5-223, 2-357Max, 44 mag, 2-45LC, 7-30 Waters, 7mm-08, 280, 25-06, 30-30, 30-30AI, 444Marlin, 45-70, AND 2-38-55s, 158 Topper 22 Hornet/20ga. combo;  Levers-Marlins:Two 357's, 44 mag, 4-30-30s, RC-Glenfields 36G-30A & XLR, 3-35 Rem, M-375, 2-444P's, 444SS, 308 MX, 338Marlin MXLR, 38-55 CB, 45-70 GS, XS7 22-250 and 7mm08;  BLR's:7mm08, 358Win;  Rossi: 3-357mag, 44mag, 2-454 Casull; Winchesters: 7-30 Waters, 45Colt Trapper; Bolt actions, too many;  22's, way too many.  Who says it's an addiction?

Offline Empty Quiver

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Re: Lever extremely difficult to close on XLR
« Reply #18 on: May 28, 2010, 07:15:12 PM »
Wonder what a few evenings spent with a snap cap ( hard to find I suppose ) would do for that trigger?  Glad it all worked out for you.
**Concealed Carry...Because when seconds count help is only minutes away**

Offline ScoutMan

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Re: Lever extremely difficult to close on XLR
« Reply #19 on: May 29, 2010, 06:17:33 AM »
Use a piece of eraser, sugical tubing, rubber washer between the hammer and the striker plate and go to town on it.
If you can get closer, get closer
If you can get steadier, get steadier.

A telescope helps you see; it does not help you hold and squeeze.-Jeff Cooper