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  1. #1
    User
    Join Date
    May 2010
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    Right next to the pot that needs stirring.
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    Default .44 Marlin accuracy fix

    I have bought a used .44 Magnum Marlin 1894 Lever Action. My firts impressions regarding accuracy was really not good. With PMP 240 gr SJHP Factory ammo I could not hit a A3 size target at 30 meters with 3 shots in a row. (How do you adjust a scope like that?)

    I started to look things over critically and fixed what I thought was wrong. The magazine tube was in contact with the barrel right at the front in front of the barrel band. I took out the tube and bend it ever so slightly until it is not touching anymore.

    Wilst stripping the rifle I noticed at the screw of the barrel band is "burrs" on the recesses in the barrel and on the magazine tube that is also touching. A fine file sorted them out.

    Then the retainer plate for front stock was also out of its place and was thus sitting wedged between the barrel and magazine tube. I refitted it, flatted the rough edges that formed because of the wedging action and recoil and to prevent it from coming out again I used Q-Bond on it.

    After a bit of sanding to the inner parts of the front stock where I could see pressure points I went back to the range.

    Group size with same ammo as before at 30 m is now down to 23 mm!!!!

    I bet with some reloading and load development it will get better still. If I can get a 75 mm group at 100 m I will be more than happy.

  2. #2
    User
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Location
    Inne Cape
    Age
    65
    Posts
    2,525

    Default Re: .44 Marlin accuracy fix

    Nicely done!
    Amazing what a bit of logic and simple tools can achieve, eh?

  3. #3
    User
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Age
    37
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    4,042

    Default Re: .44 Marlin accuracy fix

    Congrats on the fix!

  4. #4
    User
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Cape Town, South Africa
    Posts
    3,803

    Default Re: .44 Marlin accuracy fix

    Took me five years or more to get my Marlin 336 (30-30) to group (where group = 2" 5 shots 100m). Turned out it prefers a specific bullet jump, no more, no less.

    Took me a bit less time to get my 1894 (in 44 Magnum, but a Winchester :-) to group. Slugged the barrel, it's way oversize. Check that, although with those groups you're probably OK in the barrel department.

    My Marlin 1894 shoots well, but it's in 38-40...

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