Question; On the Marlin 97 22 Lever Rifle

[Lefty Dude]

On the Marlin 97's receiver top there are two holes filled with screws.

What are they for ? Maybe some type of rear ladder sight ?

They are on the one I am going to buy and I see them on the 97's that Guns America & Gun Broker. Com has also. Some have two screws others have three. If they have three screws the front two are closer together.

[jdad]

After 1905 the Model 1897 went from a "round top" receiver, with "Marlin Safety", to the "flat top" receiver Model '97. The two screws towards the top rear of the receiver are for a Hepburn receiver sight. If it has a screw near the front of the receiver, then that's for a cartridge guide.

[marlinman93]

Hepburn receiver sight:





http://www.buffaloarms.com/browse.cfm/2,236.html

[Lefty Dude]

Thanks, Guys.

I will posts pix's, when I officially get the piece. It's mine, all I have to do is close the deal.

It is in very good shape for it's age.

I have been looking for a 39 Mountie, but this is even better.

[marlinman93]

Remember! No hi velocity modern ammo in that Marlin '97! It needs to be fired with std. velocity or target ammo!

[Mike D.]

Vall, can a 39A bolt be used to replace a damaged 97 one? I have a nice 97 that needs a new bolt.

[Lefty Dude]

Remember! No hi velocity modern ammo in that Marlin '97! It needs to be fired with std. velocity or target ammo!

It was tested with std. vel, shorts & target LR's. The piece cycles and functions great with mixed sizes. The bolt was checked for damage and passed . The front & rear sights are original.

Thanks again for your help.

[jdad]

Vall, can a 39A bolt be used to replace a damaged 97 one? I have a nice 97 that needs a new bolt.

Yes, you can fit a 39A bolt to fit your 97. It will take some minor fitting, but from what Vall has told me it's nothing more than a little file work.

[marlinman93]

Yep Mike, a very simple swap, and occasionally even a drop in. If you start a 39a bolt into the receiver with some lamp black, or machinist's dye it will show you where it is rubbing. You can then back it out and stone or block sand the high spots. Just keep trying it and seeing where it constricts with dye until it fully seats in the receiver. Then try it with the lever in place to see if the headspacing is correct. The gap between the angled edge of the bolt and the end of the lever should be just about zero, so if the lever wont close, or closes with resistance, you can stone the angled mating surface of the bolt until it just closes easily.-Vall