Marlin 336 - Light Primer Strike ?

[@TargetSuite]

Challenging times my friends. My entire family (minus my sister), is holed up in the little house at the farm. So, we are blessed . . . and thankful to be able to get away. But, I have a friend living in China that has been restricted to a tiny apartment with his family, for about 50 days . . . and they live at ground zero. And it's almost certain that some of you who have visited my channel have been touched by the pandemic either directly, or because a loved one has been affected. So It feels odd publishing an "entertainment" video in an environment like this. I just hope it will provide a few minutes distraction from the harsh reality that we find ourselves in. Taking a step back, my Target Suite channel is not the place for me to share details of my faith. But over the next day or two I will post a short video on another channel that does just that. And I will update this comment with a link to that video. If you are interested, it will be just a click away. God bless you all!

[@TargetSuite]

👍

[@TargetSuite]

Hi Chris. Glad to have you here. Your comments have been encouraging. And I am going to keep making content. I just wish I could speed up the process, but for me, being creative comes in spurts. It's just who I am. But I do have several projects in varying stages of "development"😄

[@jazzman5598]

👍☝🏻👍

[@paulaubuchon5842]

"Promises are like crying babies in a theatre, you have to carry them out as quick as you can" I love that!

[@TargetSuite]

👍👍👍

[@frankthompson3712]

I had the same problem with my very old and heavy used but not abused Marlin. I took the bolt apart several times for cleaning and inspection and problem still there. I gave up and took it to my friend and gunsmith. He did what I did with the same results. He decided to took a real close look at the spot both firing pins met. He realized that they weren't perfectly square with each other. He dressed them to be square and so far after around 200 rounds no misfires. My gunsmith charged me $20 for his work about 3 years ago. I had considered buying a fire pin assembly but was to cheap to spend the approximately $30 on a hunch. I don't know if this is your friends problem but might help. Good Luck Frank (From the great state of Kansas(

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks Frank. Great info. I'll check it out. Stay safe in Kansas!

[@easttexan2933]

As of today, we 'uns here in Woodville are not restricted. We are distancing ourselves from others if we "have" to venture out. Good video George. One misfire is too many but I think cleaning the bolt solved the problem. Might just needed loosening up. Hope to watch your "faith" video soon. Born again in 1978.

[@TargetSuite]

Probably work on that tomorrow. But there's a lot of other (non-KZbin) stuff happening. I just found out Louisiana has the fastest growth rate of the virus. But most of it is down around New Orleans. Think we'll stay put for now.

[@Larry-tl6vw]

Great video….I hunt with a 1969, Marlin 336 in the 35 Rem, I had a misfire on a very nice buck this year, first time ever for this rifle, so that evening I took the bolt out and cleaned it like you did, works great now, my son wanted me to smash it around a tree….LOL..!! That will never happen, love my Marlin 35 Rem….

[@TargetSuite]

Haha! That was advice that you were wise to ignore😄

[@thaddeustroyer]

This may have already been suggested and I have read a good number of comments to see if it has but have not seen it as if yet. Is there any chance that the actual firing pin tip has been worn down ever so much that sometimes you get a light primer strike? (Using and inch as references since I have no idea how long the pin is supposedto be) , let's say the original pin is an inch long and over time and use it is now 15/16th of an inch. To me that would a potential problem for hard/thick primers thT would not show up in light/thin primers. I know by seeing these videos (which are WONDERFUL 👏 by the way) the the problem has all but been solved and even with that you still had 1 dead primer strike. Let me know if I'm off base. I have a 67 model 336 30-30 and love it.

[@thaddeustroyer]

Oh! Also, what is the likelihood of a "bad primer" with factory loads?

[@TargetSuite]

That's something I hadn't thought of before! I'll check it out if I get my hands on that rifle again.

[@kirkboswell2575]

I agree that the primer strike you showed wasn't a light one. So, that leads me to think it was a bit slow. And since I saw your cleaning video, the immediate thought of "gunk" vanished. So, what else can slow the firing pin? Too weak a spring, and excess friction. The spring can be ruled out by shimming it for more compression. If that works, get a new one. The excess friction is probably in the two piece firing pin. The lever presses up on the safety pin to ensure full closure of the lever. If that little piece of metal has worn, it won't push the firing pin all the way up, and you'll have a slowed down strike. You can put a dab of JB weld on the exposed tip, and if that fixes the problem, replace that part. Also, as a couple of others have suggested, you can get a one piece firing pin, but that also eliminates a built in safety feature.

[@TargetSuite]

Of all the factory ammo that I tested in Ron's Marlin, only Remington green and yellow CoreLokt rounds had issues with failure to fire. He was satisfied with picking another round.

[@timothystecher1979]

Both my friend and I have had the same issues with Remington core Lok ammo as well. Both were 30-06, we have now moved to other companies and hand loads.

[@TargetSuite]

Interesting. It's good to hear that others have seen the same issue. Thanks for the comment!

[@sidneyfisher3939]

I had two failures-to-fire from a box of 20 Corelokt 170 grain while trying different ammo in my 1995 336. I had cleaned and polished the action prior, and I had no failures with any other ammo then, or since. I now use Winchester or Federal 150 grain with acceptable accuracy from both.

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks Sydney. That kind of confirms my suspicion, that the Rem Core Lokt is the problem. No hint of issues with the two types of Hornady ammo, other than the fact that the Leverevolution wouldn't group well in that Marlin.

[@KathrynLiz1]

Yeah... I reckon it's that locking block.... check the mechanism for wear on the parts that raise it into battery. Depending on the gear you have you'll either have to fix the wear (or replace the worn bits) or alter the locking block a few thou perhaps.....making it a wee bit 'taller'..... It's obviously only just not working sometimes.......

[@TargetSuite]

For some reason it just can't digest the Remington CoreLokt ammo. Go figure! Thanks for the comment!

[@ingelri2]

I had the same problem with a Marlin 336 from the early 80s in .35 Rem I recently acquired. I took the bolt apart and gave it a good cleaning and replaced the hammer spring. I also changed primers in my reloads and adjusted the sizing die a little and seems to work fine now, but testing continues.

[@TargetSuite]

Good input. Thanks Michael!

[@daviddejong187]

I realize that this is an older video but I re-visit your videos often. Last weekend I had my 336 out at the range and also had a complete misfire. These are my handloads but as far as I can recollect this was my first misfire. I did have a PPFFFT once but not a misfire and I've been reloading since the 1970's. No matter how many times I pulled the trigger that round would not go off. Very nicely cratered primer so definitely not a light strike. These were CCI primers. I realize that every barrel can contain one bad apple but I just shy away from CCI's now. I would not expect a factory round to misfire

[@TargetSuite]

Hi David. As I said in this video, the Remington CoreLokt were the only misfires, but I have also had misfires with my own Marlin 1894 using CCI primered handloads. It was really bad after I installed the Wolf hammer spring then improved when I added a washer on the hammer strut to increase tension a little. But still too many misfires. I haven't experimented yet to see if a different primer brand would eliminate that. Maybe some day. Thanks as always for your comments, and double thanks for the views.

[@redneckmini14]

My 1894 had some light primer strikes last time I took it out, but after a few rounds it stopped. Might have some gunk in the firing pin channel that needs to be cleaned out.

[@TargetSuite]

👍👍👍

[@terryschiller2625]

Hi George, honkered down here also in East Tennessee. Like your choice of background music. Gotta love a fiddle and banjo!!! Nice video I'm thinking the one misfire ways just a ammo thing. Hope your family and friend in China stay safe.

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks Terry! We're good, and my friend says things are starting to loosen up in China. Fiddle and banjo are magical, no doubt.

[@alancaron984]

Lee Precision makes a good 170g/gas check bullet mold for the 30-30. With a tang sight on a model 94 with a 26" barrel, I could get most of the shots in the black at 100yds. I haven't cast bullets for a couple years and now use Sierra 170 flat nosed bullets. I got prejudiced against Hornady when I first started reloading 40 years ago; The second box of 9mm JHP was noticeably different from the first box. The explanation from Hornady didn't include an apology.

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks Alan!

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

I'm a big core lokt fan. I use 150sp in 30-30 100psp in 243 180psp in 30-06 Back in day In 243 and 30-06 I switched back and forth depending on terrain between the sp and psp because they were sold side by side but these days the sp is hard to find. I always sited in at 35 yards and it was dead on at 100 If I shot dead on at 50 I was always about a inch low. But that's my experience with the ammo and calibers.

[@TargetSuite]

Core Lokt was what I shot as well back in the 70's in my 25-06. 100gr bullets were tack drivers.

[@bengerman9736]

You did a great job on the video, I'm gun dum and I understood all of it so thumbs up to you!

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks Ben!

[@thomasburns9116]

Another good video ... I enjoy the 336 in 30-30 useing .... Lead 160 grs. with 9 grs. of Herco very light load ...Very ... 10 ... Ring prone... Good FUN ... 25 to 50 yard distance...

[@TargetSuite]

That does sound like fun!

[@georgedeedsnotwords2162]

Do me a favor and run them rounds through a chronograph and see what ther feet per second is . Harmonic tunning . Check out Matt Dubber's KZbin video on harmonic tunning . This might help explain the accuracy difference with them rounds . Very good videos with lots of helpful information . And yes he does alot with air rifles he learned most from his powder burners and the basic apply to both . Great videos keep them coming . " Deeds not words"

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks. I'll check out his stuff.

[@61rct]

I had a Marlin 336 that did the same thing. Mine would shoot winchester power point bullets all day and never misfire.

[@TargetSuite]

Interesting. I think there is just something about the Remington ammo that makes it susceptible to misfires.

[@SIRJ1895]

Did you take the firing pin parts out of the bolt? Perhaps they are a little gunned up? Or someone put in a reduced power hammer spring or modified the factory one to reduce trigger pull.

[@TargetSuite]

Hi Scott. Good questions. Thanks! Yes, I disassembled and cleaned (and polished off camera) some of the surfaces that could slow the firing pin travel. Ron bought the rifle used, but there is no sign the hammer spring has been modified. My guess at this point is that the spring may have fatigued over the last 32 years. But I did drop the hammer on that one Remington round 3 or four times, so I suspect something is amiss there.

[@bushcraftnorthof6012]

Great to see you again! As a firearms instructor, I’ll get out the obligatory stuff first. With a misfire, should wait 60 seconds pointing it in a safe direction before you eject it, in case it’s a hangfire. That wouldn’t end well outside the chamber. The only other thing is going to half cock. I see a lot of people lower the hammer all the way with the trigger, and then pull it back to half cock. The downside to this is that if you lower it too quickly, or it slips from your thumb, it’s going off when you don’t want it too. This actually happened to me once with a well-oiled Henry .22 rifle. Thankfully good muzzle control at the time prevented catastrophe. I always tell my students, “Thumb the hammer back, then finger on the trigger, as hammer is carefully controlled ahead, release trigger. The hammer can be controlled safely to half cock, with no possibility of striking the firing pin.” So, not to be a downer, I’ll move on to the good stuff. I’m glad you’re staying safe and positive down there. I personally look forward to seeing more videos to distract from what can really get you down, if you let it. I rest easier knowing God is in control. Would be interesting to pull the bullet from the misfire and see what’s inside! Although I would assume even just a primer pop would still make a bit of noise and dislodge the bullet. Wonder if a new pin would help? I’ve heard of old timers stretching out firing pins back in the day. Heat and beat it. In sad news, I missed out on a late seventies Marlin .444 that came up locally here. Rare as hen’s teeth in the Northwest Territories. A friend sent me the ad as I was leaving for a three day course teaching winter survival out in the bush. Gone when I got back. Looked loved and would have been fun to handload for. Take care down there, and keep the content coming!

[@TargetSuite]

Bad example - great feedback. Thanks! I know better, but it's taking me a long time to not be distracted by the video making process. I sometimes forget glasses, and other things less obvious like pausing to avoid a hang fire. As far as changing how I control the hammer . . . that's going to be a heavy lift. The muscle memory built up over 20K+ shots will be hard to relearn. Knowing your "prying eyes" are out there may help😄 Btw, I've watched several of your videos. Great stuff. If there was a real "God's country", I guess it would look a little like your part of the world . . . but with a longer summer!

[@bushcraftnorthof6012]

Target Suite I hear ya on the video distraction. I once shot a whole BB gun video without glasses. Whoops!

[@TargetSuite]

As a six year old, I used to shoot my Daisy at the gate post from my grandparents old porch and marvel when the BB's would come back and smack me. Good thing I didn't know it was dangerous, I might have been really hurt😮

[@Win94ae]

Ohio is under lock down, I was out getting my red-dot ready for quarantine. We'll be safe now!

[@TargetSuite]

Yep. No gas port or automatic whatever to let you down!

[@dnhman]

Have a mid 80s Marlin that has light primer strikes with the Remington Corelok

[@TargetSuite]

Sounds like this rifle and yours are twins!

[@dnhman]

@@TargetSuite also haven done much to see if I can fix it but now thinking about the hammer spring. I don’t use her much so using other 30-30 seemed simple enough . Good video

[@davethompson3252]

I have one that is the same way. I soooo want to take it hunting but it just doesn’t fire every time. The primers have deep dents but the round doesn’t go off. Wish I could fix it.

[@daviddejong187]

Just watching you work the action it looks to me that this rifle may have had some work done to it. It may have a reduced hammer spring installed and if thats the case the misfires can be cured by installing a one piece firing pin or just by shimming up the hammer spring with a small washer. I have the reduced hammer spring and one piece firing pin installed in mine. Otherwise a pretty rifle

[@TargetSuite]

Hi David. I've only heard about the one piece firing pin since posting the original video on this. I may need to do some homework. Thanks!

[@frankthompson3712]

I forgot to say I enjoyed your videos. Frank

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks Frank!

[@callawayken650]

About that crossbolt safety. Another idea is to replace it with a pin. leverguns.com/articles/taylor/crossbolt_safety.htm

[@IrnMaiden304]

You get scoped on that one shot ? ... 😆 12:52

[@TargetSuite]

Maybe a light tap on the glasses ? 😉

[@IrnMaiden304]

It happens ... Sometimes worse then other's

[@jazzman5598]

Hello Sir! My name is Michael & we both live in Houston. I am a new sub. I have scoured around the Net looking for what I thought was not “Secret Sauce” but.....anyway, can you tell me the difference between a 336A vs. 336C etc.? What does the letter after the Model number designate? I have a 2005/2006 336A that was a little spendy even then. I got Blessed. It was made by the real Marlin guys before the 2007 Remington debacle. Thanks very much for your time Sir. We are about the same age and I love my 19th century “Assault” rifles 😂 Stay safe. You know what has happened here. GBU

[@TargetSuite]

Haha! It's almost (but not quite) as bad as the Harley Davidson model codes. See if this helps www.marlinowners.com/forum/marlin-years-manufacture/31126-list-336-model-differences.html

[@jazzman5598]

Target Suite Thank you Sir! I’m on my way to the link you provided! GB

[@frankwebster6082]

What a Great Video. Thanks.

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks Frank!

[@paulchandler9646]

Change the hammer spring .

[@TargetSuite]

Thanks Albert. That's probably the overriding problem. For now, Ron is going to stick with ammo that responds to the weaker hammer spring.

[@tripplebeards3427]

Could be primers not seated deep enough or the shoulders are set back to far on the case.

[@TargetSuite]

Hi Tripplebeards. The 30-30 headspaces on the rim of the cartridge so the shoulder wouldn't have any impact on that. I'm guessing the Remington loads just had harder primer cup material. I just can't think of another reason that particular round would exhibit FTFs.

[@tripplebeards3427]

@@TargetSuite I was thinking yours was a 35 Rem. If my 35 Rem shoulders are set back to far I have issues. Also if I don’t seat my primers completely flush it takes two hits of the hammer to get them to go off. One to seat it property and the second time it fires. I use Remington 9 1/2 primers and feel they are a little harder then most.

[@TargetSuite]

This is actually a rifle a friend loaned to me for KZbin. He bought it used so the history is suspect. I know it was a mess when I got it. I do have a 336 35 Rem in my "personal shopping" cart though.

[@gohunting13]

@@tripplebeards3427 Good afternoon, I have the same problem. I've tried everything everyone has tried. Next step is resetting the headspace ?? Any more info would help if you have a suggestion Thanks Louis