problem with Glenfield 30A

[Texgunner]

I recently bought a 1977 Glenfield 30A off an auction site. The rifle's in great shape but I've just discovered a bit of problem. I can't get the hammer to reliably half-cock. Sometimes I can lower the hammer from the cocked position and pull it back to half-cock. But, at other times, it won't. I then noticed that when it won't, the trigger had remained back toward the rear of the trigger guard and a slight push forward on the trigger would allow the hammer to half-cock. When the trigger stayed back in the rear-most position, I couldn't re-cock the hammer either. It would just spring forward.

I could engage the half-cock several consecutive times and then next attempt, I'd notice that the trigger remained rearward in the trigger guard, and sure enough, when I pushed the trigger forward it would half-cock. When the trigger stayed back toward the rear of the trigger guard, the hammer would lock in a position just a bit more rearward then normal half-cocked and was not locked. It would drop in this position with trigger pressure. Something's not right here. Has the rifle been the victim of an amateur "trigger job"? Thanks for any advice!
Gary

[J Miller]

Texgunner,

Take the lower tang, or whatever Marlin calls that part out, disassemble it and clean it good. Then reassemble it making sure the springs and other parts do not bind on the inside of the channel.

It sounds to me like the trigger return spring(s) is binding preventing the trigger from resetting properly.

Joe

[Pete44ru]

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Even though Marlin 336's (which is what your Glenfield is) are fairly easy to dis & re assemble, if you've any trepidation about disassembling it, then I would suggest you first remove the rear tang screw & remove the buttstock, which will expose those parts to an areosol blast of cleaner while you manipulate the parts, folllowed by a light oiling.

Just be sure to inspect that the springs are OK.


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[Chuck 100 yd]

Do what those guys said and you will be back in shooting order in no time.
Removing the buttstock is the first step in doing what both of them suggested so
Pete44ru `s Method is just part of what Joe said to do but may just take care of your issues.
If it were me, I would do as Joe said because that rifle no doubt needs to be completely taken down for a cleaning and inspection of parts. also don`t forget to check the half cock notch in the hammer.
Marlin`s are far easier to strip down and re assemble than a Winchester so get to it.

[AJMD429]

While you've got it apart, definitely check the mating surfaces of the hammer/sear/trigger, and make sure there are no big chunks missing.

[Texgunner]

Okay, I took the rifle apart, well, everything on the back end anyway. I couldn't see any obvious problems except that one leg of the trigger spring looked like it might bind against the trigger safety block. I pried it away from the block a bit, to make it more straight. There was very little bit of rust on the locking lug and some sticky, gummed up areas on the carrier. I cleaned every part and polished any rough areas with some crocus cloth. I left a light coat of oil on all surfaces and reassembled her. The trigger/hammer works like it should every time now. (or at least each of the many times I cocked it, lowered it closed or stopping at half-cock upon lowering the trigger. I could not make it malfunction at all.) Maybe I'm good to know now. I'm glad for all the help gentlemen and I'm glad to learn more about my rifle. I have one other Marlin 336, and 1949 model and I have to say that it has a nicer trigger than this '77 Glenfield.

I haven't shot this Glenfield yet but I will be doing that soon; I have to sight in a new scope. I have mounted a new Weaver K4 4x38 in Leupold low height rings on a Weaver rail that came attached to the gun. I'm anxious to see how she shoots. I put a Williams receiver sight on the '49 as I didn't want to molest the "waffle top" receiver. Thanks again for the help!
Gary

[Chuck 100 yd]

Great, Go shootin!

[Pete44ru]

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We're awaitin' yer range report, w/pics (of course).


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[Texgunner]

1977 Glenfield 30A .30-30, pics taken before the scope was mounted:




















1949 Marlin 336SC .30-30 These pics were taken before I installed the receiver sight. Interesting back-story on this rifle; it was originally given to a young lady in Florida as an 18th birthday gift, I assume in 1949 or thereabouts. Supposedly, she hunted with it most of her life. As an elderly woman, she sold it to the buyer from which I bought. He is the one who sanded the forearm down and painted it flat black. I added the swivels and the sling.

[.45colt]

Good score, I have the Glenfield model 30 with a half mag made in 1969, picked it up cheap as it was rode hard and put away wet. after cleaning it up inside and out it is a great shooter. it's hardly bigger than a .22 . Enjoy.

[Chuck 100 yd]

The Marlin SC (sporting carbine) is just sweet. My favorite version of the 336. I own several of them.

[Texgunner]

Good score, I have the Glenfield model 30 with a half mag made in 1969, picked it up cheap as it was rode hard and put away wet. after cleaning it up inside and out it is a great shooter. it's hardly bigger than a .22 . Enjoy.

Yeah, this rifle does feel quite light and handy, even with the Weaver K4 mounted. I'm looking forward to seeing how she shoots!

[Texgunner]

The Marlin SC (sporting carbine) is just sweet. My favorite version of the 336. I own several of them.

Yeah, I like how they look too. Kinda "streamlined", lol.

[Pete44ru]

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IMO, you did a nice job, restoring that SC !

Two years ago, a neighbor I got into hunting picked up a Glenfield .30-30 much like yours @ a N.H. funshow for $210 (so tagged).

I guess that the dealer, that had it tagged so low, didn't think much of a Marlin's - at the same time I bought a 1955 Model 39a for the same chump change.


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[Nath]

The Glenfield looks new

N

[Texgunner]

The Glenfield looks new

N

Yes, it's in great shape. The bore looks as though it wasn't shot much.