Post by Sasquatch on Sept 4, 2016 11:07:29 GMT -6
As I stated in another recent thread, when it comes to lever action rifles I'm a big Marlin fan. I wouldn't mind a nice Henry or two, but will never own a Winchester since we're just not meant for each other in many ways.
That being said, I grew up in the 60s and 70s before Marlin added the cross-bolt safety to their lever guns in '83. The half-cock safety is second nature for me, and to this day seek out pre-'83 models when adding to my gun collection. Some of you may do the same.
A few years ago, I stumbled on a killer deal on a Model 1895 (.45-70) that was made in '89. This of course had the cross-bolt safety I'm not fond of, but I loved everything else about the rifle and bought it anyway. It's the only post '83 Marlin that I own.
Some of you may already know about these, but I recently discovered an outfit in Montana who sells a kit to replace the cross-bolt safety with a dummy filler that looks like a receiver screw. They call it the Marlin "Safety Delete", and you can get it blued or in stainless for $18.00 + shipping.
beartoothmercantile-2.myshopify.com/products/basic-safety-delete-for-marlin-rifle
For those who may be interested, they also make another model with a saddle ring on the left side of the receiver. I have a friend who has several post-'83 Marlin levers with straight stocks, and being raised in the western culture (Nevada) he went sideways over the saddle ring model.
These work in all Marlin centerfire rifles, but NOT in the Model 39A (.22 LR).
Anyway, the safety delete is super simple to install. Just remove the rear stock by removing one screw and pulling it off, back out an allen head screw (the wrench is included) and drop out a small spring and ball, then literally pull out the cross-bolt safety.
Then you just insert the "safety delete" and reinstall the ball, spring, and allen head screw. Reinstall the rear stock and you're done. Works great and looks great.
Now I don't have to worry about managing two safeties on that rifle when hunting with it. I just do the same as I do with all of my other lever guns and use the half-cock hammer safety. Works great for me.