Guns, Bows, Shooting Sports, and Hunting Marlin Big Loop Lever

[jclark5810]

So I want to put a big loop lever on my Marlins. There seems to be a few off the shelf models along with a few folks that do custom levers. Who has done this and what advice do you have for me? Thanks!!!

 

[jgillott]

I'm not positive, but I think a buddy of mine used this one on one of his Marlins

http://www.brownells.com/rifle-part...ers/marlin-1895-big-loop-lever-prod16628.aspx

 

[GHarman]

You can use the Brownells source or, if you are comfortable? You can cut and weld your own. Just be careful of the leading edge of the lever, where it fits inside the bolt. That is the locking lug!
Use "Heat Sink Compound" (http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...es/heat-stop-heat-control-paste-prod1121.aspx) on that part of the lever, at least 1" down that extension. Keep it moist. (Depending on the type of "Heat Sink Compound") Cut out the loop, or heat the loop and reshape. Use TIG to weld the pieces together adding 70-S6 filler wire.

GregH

 

[GHarman]

PS, Is yours the 1895 Model? The "Big Loop" lever in the above link is for 1895's only, not the .336. If there is any difference and that is what you want to use? Call Brownells and talk to a tech!
GregH

 

[jclark5810]

Thanks for the advice. I had looked at Brownell's and thought that is where folks mentioned having to do some modifications to get it to work smoothly. I definitely don't have the ability to modify my lever myself. I did see a gentleman where you could mail yours in and he makes you a custom loop. http://www.mulemangunworks.com/mule-loops-custom-levers/ I have the 1895 and 336 and wanted to do both. If I have to take them into a gunsmith that's fine, I certainly don't want to screw it up

 

[Wayne M.]

Can we keep this going?

I was considering adding a lever to my small collection. I was looking in Cabelas gallery recently. I didn't realize there were so many. Any buying advice for the newbie? Caliber selection or other considerations? I was liking the hex barrel Henry too.

Thanks!

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Go to the marlinowners forum and you will find lots of info!

 

[GHarman]

Wayne,
It depends on your shooting facilities, hunting, target shooting or plinking activities.
More info on what your activities include. IMHO, for a collector, plinker, cowboy action shooter.
This is just about top notch! http://www.henryrifles.com/rifles/the-henry-original/
This is a recent reintroduction, reverse engineered from an original Henry. I do not know how well it shoots.
It is not a cheap offering. However, the cost is a fraction of what you would pay for an original Henry

Personally, I am a fan of the .45/70. Love the Marlin 1895's lever action and the
1886 Winchester lever actions.

I have to mention the Sharps, Winchester/Browning 1885 single shots. These are my absolute favorite rifles!
Ruger #1 is a modern High Power rifle chambered in .45/70! Lots of horse power in a light weight package!

The 336 Marlin lever action is the quintessential woods rifle.
The Winchester 1894's and the smaller frame 1892's
Back in the late 1800's and early 1900's, the Old Marlin Firearms Co. also produced small frame models to compete with Winchesters 1892.
Now considered collectors items.
There are lots to choose from!
GregH

 

[Wayne M.]

I am truly a newbie at shooting, but I want to get involved. I am attracted to machinery in general, and I like the action of these rifles. Most guys I know like to just empty a clip, and I don't think that's productive. I've never done any competitive shooting in any way, but I don't know where I'll wind up! So I guess just plinking for now.
Mr. H, I never considered the Ruger #1 as I didn't realize the action it has! (D-oh) but I just watched a you tube clip and I love it!

 

[jclark5810]

I love my 336 and 1895. They're both from the early 1980's and both had less than 50 rounds through them when I bought them from my dad. I've now killed deer with both and I love the 1895, just don't like not being able to get my hand in there with gloves on. I'm hoping that will be remedied with a big loop. I absolutely love hunting and shooting with the rifles. I probably won't use anything else for a very long time.

 

[Wayne M.]

I inquired about the big loop I saw on some. I was told it is a "cowboy gun" and they wear gloves when they ride. Thus the big loop.

 

[JJPage]

Here is a pic of the difference between the two size bails available from Marlin. I really like the larger bail on my 45/70, be aware if you outfit your firearm with the large bail, it may cause a clearance issue with any scabbard you are using.

 

[jclark5810]

Wow, thank you very much for the photo, the comparison is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks! I think I will definitely be satisfied with the larger bail. Did you fab that your self or is that from a manufacturer?

 

[JJPage]

That Guide gun(1895 SBS) comes from Marlin setup like the pic. IIRC SBS = stainless black synthetic. Top rifle is a Marlin 444 XLR.

 

[Wayne M.]

Some loops or bails I saw on display were much larger than that. Almost to the point that it didn't seem right.

JJ, what wood/ stock is that?

 

[GHarman]

I wanted to add this picture to the discussion. Old timers disease, here! Its been a while and to many distractions. There is indeed a breech bolt, in addition to the leading edge of the lever. The lever is less of a locking mechanism than the lug but, nevertheless, it is a high wear area. One reason to not anneal it if you forge or weld on the loop! See the breakdown in this picture.
#ad

GregH

 

[GHarman]

PS,
This picture is for the round bolt 1895 and 336 Marlins.
GregH

 

[HHhuntitall]

I've seen several of the large bails installed from Brownell's... if you have a SS, call them and they'll order one for you from Marlin, most likely. The ones I've seen almost fit perfectly. They were 99% drop in, but had to be fitted to make the bolt headspace correctly, IIRC. A simple file and a polish, and it's good to go..... perhaps a bit much for someone who knows nothing about firearms....

OOps!! I see Brownell's now offers the SS loops!!

 

[BIGNASTY]

http://www.wildwestguns.com/custom-guns/the-custom-shop/

http://www.wildwestguns.com/gun-parts/

Just to let you in on something that hasn't been mentioned here, I went to the synthetic stock and removed the rail on top, for the same reason that was mentioned above, you would almost have to remove it to make it usable in a scabbard on a horse IMO. When I went to the Synthetic stock the amount of punishment that is delivered to the shoulder is substantially!! more, one reason that my Nephew that did the same thing on his rifle went to a ported muzzle ( and he's a sissy) but it did make a difference I don't know and don't care what it did to the ballistics but if he didn't he couldn't shoot it as well, if you don't shoot it well, ya might as well use it as a club BTJMO

 

[GHarman]

Brother BIG!
Which Synthetic stock did you get for your crew served, Bear buster =)!
GregH