I have a , new to me, 357 /1894 . I shot the gun and was sighting in the scope and when I worked the action to chamber another round the lever locked in the forward position ? New to this forum and new to the 1894's so I thought some of you may have had the same problem and know the simple fix !! Thanks Jim.

Welcome.

Make sure that one of the screws on the side of the receiver hasn't gotten loose. The loading gate screw in particular can cause issues (it's on the left side toward the front of the receiver).

There are other possibilities, but check that first.

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MikeG

Welcome to the forum. Make sure the magazine plunger has not come out of the magazine tube and is catching the shell lift arm as this will prevent the lever from closing. I had to send a 357 94 back to Marlin for this problem.

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A truely successful life is mostly based on how well you handle PLAN B.

Thanks for the suggestions. I will try both of them. Also there are 4 rounds of 357 in the mag tube , that I cannot remove because the lever is stuck, can I remove the plunger tube screw in the front and take the rounds out that way ? Thanks again for your help ! Jim.

Might want to just disassembly, by removing the lever pivot screw (right side at the lever/action). then the bolt can be pushed back out; and watch all the small parts and where they go. Then the operation will be visible, and the jam can be cleared.

while apart, since this is a used rifle, you might want to clean it thoroughly and look for worn or bent parts.

As always, if you can't easily fix it; a good gunsmith can do it easily and correctly. nothing is as frustrating as gun you can't count on to cycle properly.

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Just curious, is this a brand new rifle ? i wasn't sure if you meant that a lever action is new to you (and maybe the gun is used) ?

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It is a used gun , but shows very little use. The bluing on the top of the bolt was hardly even marked and wood and blue almost perfect. I work with other types of fire arms quite a bit but this lever action is new to me just thought i would accelerate the learning curve by asking questions. removing the lever was my first though but have not had time to work on it. I did order an adjustable main spring that a cowboy action shooter friend recommended.
The gun shot well with not problems for first 50 rounds then locked up. I went and down loaded the disassemble video from Marlin so that will help also. Thanks again . i will post what I find.

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This link might be helpful for you :

1894C disassembly

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Yep that is the one that I copied to my hard drive so I can have it as a reference document. Thanks Jim.

Did you mount the scope on there, or was it there when you got it? If it is a new mount, make sure the base screws are not protruding into the action.

Problem discovered , maybe !! "magazine plunger has not come out of the magazine tube and is catching the shell lift arm" I took the end cap off of the magazine tube and rocked the gun forward and the lever freed up ! I tilted the gun up and cycled out the loaded rounds put the gun back together and it functions fine ? What needs to be fixed /replaced ? If it is a part replacement I can buy parts and do it myself . Loaded magazine tube , under spring pressure -- locks up . remove the spring pressure and rock the gun forward , free to function. Gravity feed the rounds function fine ?
All answers appreciated ! Jim

Same problem as mine. Apparently magazine tube is out of spec and is letting the shell plunger to come through into the action locking it up. I would send it back to the factory if it was me. I tried a new mag plunger but that did not fix my problem. Glad you figured it out.

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A truely successful life is mostly based on how well you handle PLAN B.

Thinking about it must be the magazine tube because the plunger would be above the loaded rounds and the shell lifter would be catching on the case rims ? and the gun cycles fine when it is empty ? Comments welcome ? So ? I guess pack up and send back to Marlin , after first of the year ! do not want it included with Christmas packages.
New address for marlin repair station ?

Update !! If this is the reason I will be embarrassed and happy at the same time. I found several screws on the receiver that were loose , some as much as two turns ! I put 5 rounds in the mag tube and the gun cycled flawless ! Welcome a new-be to Marlin 1894's Next range trip should give some more feedback !!