[JamesKelly]

This is a very embarrassing question.

I can n longer get my Marlin 39a apart to clean it. Do have old manual downloaded, and follow the same procedure I always did, but the action only slightly opens up.

Perhaps I should add that, uh, until recently I don't believe I have shot or taken it down since the early 1960's. Recall it took down just fine then. Put hammer to half cock as the older manuals say (this rifle was made before rebounding hammers or that nice button safety), very slightly drop the lever & strike the left side of barrel.

It just begins to come apart but is stuck on something. There is no rust on this rifle, just old bullet grease inside and some wear on the forestock. Dad got it for me about 1952, with scope.

I am inclined to think it is binding up on the forestock. But I'm not sure about how to remove the forestock. I removed the forend tip tenon screws, forend rattles a bit. But don't know how to take the forend tip off. Without pounding or prying enough to damage something.

I may have to swallow my pride & walk down the hill to our local gun shop, run by a nice competent guy.

Any ideas on how to get the forend tip off, once the screws have been removed? Bearing in mind that things seem to be stuck together.

 

[mike sicowitz]

Hi Sir,
I have the same problem. I don't want to use too much force. It still shoots real well so I just do the best I can without a complete strip. Gander Mountain has mine now putting a better scope on it and I should have them do a complete clean for $40. Thanks for the reminder.
Michael

 

[45ACPete]

I'll bet it's just hardened/congealed grease gumming things up. Open the action and give it a healthy dose of WD-40, then a good whack with the heel of your hand on the left side of the receiver ought to break it loose.

 

[pisgah]

Got a nice overstuffed chair or couch? See that nice, padded arm? Give 'er a firm but gentle whack over that. Same thing works when you have glass-bedded a bolt-action stock and it doesn't quite want to turn loose when the bedding has set.

 

[Daveboone]

Breaking the action down doesnt have anything to do with the forestock. Liike others advise, I would soak the insdie of the action thoroughly with a good penetrating oil and let it soak in for a day. Make sure the take down screw is fully loosened.

 

[Saskshooter]

Try half cocking the hammer.

 

[Tebsinar]

I use a slightly different technique on my 1954 Marlin 39A.
I unscrew the Thumb screw.
Put hammer on half-cock.
(The lever remains fully closed)
I trap the butt stock between right arm and my body.
I grasp the fore end stock with my left hand.
Use the palm of my right hand to "thump" the right side of the receiver while applying light forward and "break-open pressure.
Good luck.
Bob Nisbet