Weak FiringPin on Bolt action

toyfj40 · Post by **toyfj40** » Sun May 21, 2006 5:30 pm

I recently got a (~2yr old) Marlin 925M ( .22wmr Bolt-action) that
was likely for sale because of a "weakly-striking-firing-pin".

I was at the range recently and also had my Marlin 980v (.22lr bolt)
and the 925M was NOT-firing about 2 of 5 cartridges.
( Win-dynaPts, PMC, CCI-MxMag...) ... since the bolts are
"identical"... I swapped Bolts and was firing .22wmr consistently.

Comparing the two bolts, I was unable to notice any size, shape,
differences in the two bolts... What do I need to do to further
determine the problem... (web-references are welcome).
Thanks. I have no problem contacting Marlin...
I just wanted to learn a little first...

ps: from a BenchRest, the 925M will group 4/5 shots in a dime at 50yds !
Marlin 925M; 76-Glenfield-60; 980v and Mossberg 144US
the Marlin's are 22" barrels, the MB-trainer is 24"
(I have the RedField PeepSight for the MBerg, just not in the photo)

boomer47 · Post by **boomer47** » Mon May 22, 2006 7:05 pm

Have you taken the bolt apart and checked the firing pin?
1st guess is a dirty firing pin channel in the bolt. Then maybe a broken firing pin or spring.
If the rifle was sold because of this problem it may never have worked correctly which could mean that it got away from the factory with a short firing pin, firing pin spring too strong or just a bind/burr in the pin channel of the bolt.
Compare the firing pin and spring length in both of your bolts.
Marlin bolt actions are usally trouble free. Let us know what the problem was when you get it fixed.

toyfj40 · Post by **toyfj40** » Tue May 23, 2006 2:57 am

boomer47 wrote:Have you taken the bolt apart and checked the firing pin?
1st guess is a dirty firing pin channel in the bolt.
Then maybe a broken firing pin or spring.
If the rifle was sold because of this problem it may never have worked correctly which could mean that it got away from the factory with a short firing pin, firing pin spring too strong or just a bind/burr in the pin channel of the bolt.
Compare the firing pin and spring length in both of your bolts.
Marlin bolt actions are usally trouble free.
Let us know what the problem was when you get it fixed.

I found a (dis)assembly guide for the bolt.
there is a "cross-pin" that holds the "front part",
it is MUCH-SMALLER and flush-fit than I expected,
I had to look twice to find it and confirm that I have the BOLT in the diagram.

I've NOT dis-assembled either bolt, yet.
a) the firing-pin moves straight and freely on both Bolts.
b) the (925M-weak) Firing pin does ride-up in the rear,
enough that I can move it fwd with my thumb-nail,
the 980v (new) Firing-pin stays flush and I use a toothpick...
BUT, both freely go forward to be flush with the chamber-face
and easily return with their spring-pressure.
c) it's a Photo-Finish, but I can imagine the 925m-PIN is shaped
ever-so-slightly angled on the edge that pinches the RIM/Primer.
(angled to make a weak-crimp... both are wedged-shaped-linearly)
but it's so close as to be my imagination, since it has something wrong.
d) it's late and tomorrow will be busy... I'll examine more when I get time.
(more to follow... later) --thanks, B-47.

EDIT: a little bit of forensic-info (too many CSI programs),
on the 925M bolt, etched with one of those Vibrating-Scribes,
is the last-four digits of the receiver S/N... BUT not in order !!?
-- but this is a used-gun to me -- THEN
on the 980v (which is NIB to me), is an etching that is script
and almost un-readable, but not S/N, looks like: 2/out.
Does Marlin perform some "Bolt Q/C" to select bolts for specific models?

toyfj40 · Post by **toyfj40** » Tue May 30, 2006 3:12 pm

I called Marlin CustSvc today. I described swapping the bolt from the 980v
and the 925M then fires "OK"...
they are sending me a "Striker Assembly" to be replaced in the bolt.