need marlin .22 expert advice

[BUGEYE]

when I feel up to it, I piddle around with a sears model 43/marlin 81.
there is a blade in the middle of the lifter that blocks an extra cartridge from sneaking in, but when you close the bolt, that blade does not quite push down far enough for to allow a cartridge to slide into the lifter.  it does not look worn and no wear shows on the bolt.
however, I can pull that blade down maybe 1/64th of an inch and a cartridge slides right in.
it takes such a miniscule movement to make it work that it really bugs me.
any suggestions?

btw, I'm trying to restore this rusty relic.  good bore, shoots good.

[bilmac]

I would guess that whatever surface that cams the blade down or the blade itself is wore a little bit. It wouldn't take much wear because it is close to the pivot point. I guess the pivot hole or pin could be worn too. If it was the hole or pin I think I would make the hole larger with a new proper fitting pin. If the cam surfaces was worn then I think I would just file the top of the blade down enough to let it work.

[BUGEYE]

I would guess that whatever surface that cams the blade down or the blade itself is wore a little bit. It wouldn't take much wear because it is close to the pivot point. I guess the pivot hole or pin could be worn too. If it was the hole or pin I think I would make the hole larger with a new proper fitting pin. If the cam surfaces was worn then I think I would just file the top of the blade down enough to let it work.

thx for the reply. I've looked at every point with a magnifying glass and can't see a wear spot.
after reading your reply, I put a cartridge in it and pulled the blade to let it load, then I pulled back the bolt and the blade raised the cartridge to a high position.  so if I filed a tiny bit, I believe it will still lift the cartridge high enough to chamber it.
I don't know why I didn't think of trying that. I've heard that two heads are better that one.
thanks

[ratdog]

bugeye before you do any thing use carb  cleaner on it then oil it might just be dirty. i just bought a marlin made in around 1945 it wasn't very clean functions great now.

[BUGEYE]

too late, I used a dremel (actually my wife did it) and ground some off.  works good now.
waiting on warm weather to continue working on it.