Help with an old Marlin .22

[Ale-8(1)]

I have a friend who came up with an old .22 lever-action Marlin rifle marked Marlin Safety Model 1892 with serial number 198xxx.

It's not in great shape but it does work and shoot.

Can anyone help with a date of manufacture and source for some parts?

Thanks in advance.

 

[GasGuzzler]

Dating will be tough. They were made from the 1890's to the 19-teens. 198XXX should be right around the turn of the previous century. Look for parts in the typical hide outs on the internet. There's a Marlin parts guy with the most cave man website ever you likely need to call but I cannot remember the site name or his name. I got some out of production Marlin magazines from him a few years ago. Last ditch effort is to log into the snootiest, most poorly moderated gun forum there is and ask there.

 

[Highstandardguy]

If you haven't already, you might want to try asking on a Marlin forum. Also there are some Marlin guys that hangout on RIMFIRECENTRAL.

 

[GasGuzzler]

Last ditch effort is to log into the snootiest, most poorly moderated gun forum there is and ask there.

If you haven't already, you might want to try asking on a Marlin forum.

Mentioned that

 

[eveled]

There is more than one Marlin forum.

Going by memory, I think those early Marlin tube fed .22’s have a wonky tube magazine that is hard to keep running reliably.

I’d love to see some pictures and keep us posted with your progress.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

There is more than one Marlin forum.

Going by memory, I think those early Marlin tube fed .22’s have a wonky tube magazine that is hard to keep running reliably.

I’d love to see some pictures and keep us posted with your progress.

The entire tube magazine assembly is missing; it's something he'd like to find. The rifle is not in very good shape, anyway.

 

[eveled]

It probably got used for parts to get another one running.

It was backwards from a “normal” one.

The outer sleeve slides off the inner stationary tube. The .22 shaped feed hole is in the inner tube. The spring and follower are attached to the outer sleeve.

I doubt you will find those parts, but I haven’t looked either. Best of luck.

 

[GasGuzzler]

There is more than one Marlin forum.

Yes. One has 4 members, one 4300, one almost 8900, and one has 107K members so there's really one that people refer to and it's not run well.

There's a "magazine tube kit" on eBay that may make the rifle function. ---> CLICK HERE

There are 139 other listings for parts where the title/description says they fit the Marlin 1892 and others. Some parts seem to fit more modern rifles as well.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

It probably got used for parts to get another one running.

It was backwards from a “normal” one.

The outer sleeve slides off the inner stationary tube. The .22 shaped feed hole is in the inner tube. The spring and follower are attached to the outer sleeve.

That's info I didn't have before. Thanks.

 

[eveled]

That kit from ebay, says it will work. If it does, it will be upgraded to the model 39 system.

I would ask questions of the seller, or try the various Marlin forums. Those rifles aren’t very common.

Best wishes.

 

[Richard76]

Dating will be tough. They were made from the 1890's to the 19-teens. 198XXX should be right around the turn of the previous century. Look for parts in the typical hide outs on the internet. There's a Marlin parts guy with the most cave man website ever you likely need to call but I cannot remember the site name or his name. I got some out of production Marlin magazines from him a few years ago. Last ditch effort is to log into the snootiest, most poorly moderated gun forum there is and ask there.

Maybe Jack First ?

 

[Ale-8(1)]

That kit from ebay, says it will work. If it does, it will be upgraded to the model 39 system.

Found that kit . . . kinda pricey, but if it works . . .

Don't know if he's that interested in this restoration.

 

[eveled]

Honestly he’d be better off finding a nice old model 39.

 

[GasGuzzler]

Yeah, those are cheap and plentiful.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Honestly he’d be better off finding a nice old model 39.

I have mentioned that possibility. His gun, his money.

 

[reuben_j_cogburn]

pics?.... maybe list it in classifieds?.. or part it out on ebay?...... some people like project guns.....

 

[Longcarbine]

See if this helps, not sure if it is what you are looking for.
https://www.gunpartscorp.com/gun-manufacturer/marlin-glenfield/rifles/1892

 

[mirglip]

One thing to consider is that the breech bolt on those rifles is kinda light duty and not rated for high velocity ammo. I would look closely at it to make sure there are no cracks or other damage because it's a very expensive, hard to find part that should be gunsmith fitted.
An 1892 in good condition would be a pleasure to own and shoot.