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Un****ing a lever action gun

10K views 36 replies 14 participants last post by  golfnut1969  
#1 ·
Is there any way to un**** a lever action gun without dryfiring it? I don't know much about how they work yet, but I have finally been passed my grandfathers Marlin 336 which is a 35 Remington. There is not a round chambered or anything. Is it safe to dryfire? What are my options, and what are some good sites that show how to assemble and disassemble your firearms?
 
#8 ·
Originally posted by Ryan
Alright, thanks. As I said, I've never fired a gun even so I'm pretty ignorant.
Wrong.....You asked the question didn't you? If you hadn't ask the question now that would be when you'd be ignorant.

The only dumb question is the one that isn't asked.
 
#12 ·
Don't dryfire a shotgun, period. Just let it be, you can break the firing pin on shotguns by dryfiring them.

I've owned about a half dozen Remington 870s over the years, the only part or problem I've ever had, with any of them, was when I dryfired one, and broke the pin. Remingtons are no different, in this regard, than a M12.
 
#13 ·
Originally posted by Ryan
Ok next question, how about for a shotgun? Pump action 12 gauge Winchester Model 12. Is there anything to do or will dryfiring mess it up?
Winchester Model 12 is one of best pumps out there IMO.

And like glennasher said, don't dry fire a shotgun.
 
#14 ·
Thats what snapcaps are for if you are adjusting trigger pull without worrying
about dry-fireing but that shouldnt be a concern with shotguns anyway unless you are dealing
with a high-dollar trapgun, IMHO.
 
#15 ·
Man, in reading that manual im realizing this Marlin is fairly old as there is no safety on the receiver. Ok so about the shotgun then, is there anyway to un****? It has already been ****ed so I don't know how to do anything except pull the trigger.
 
#16 ·
The Marlin probably has a half **** on it.

For the shotgun, just open the action and remove the shell. Model 12's have a slide release at the front of the trigger guard. Then you're good to go.
 
#17 ·
Originally posted by rat
Thats what snapcaps are for if you are adjusting trigger pull without worrying
about dry-fireing but that shouldnt be a concern with shotguns anyway unless you are dealing
with a high-dollar trapgun, IMHO.
Incidentally, and not necessarily on-topic, but has anyone ever had the displeasure of shooting trap with a shotgun
equipped with a set trigger??

I had the opportunity to shoot a Ljutic trap-grade single with all the bells and whistles... adjustable comb, 34", and a set trigger.
Its very unsettling, especially when you call broke birds and have to wait with the trigger pulled. :eek:
Not only that, this was a $4500.00 gun which didnt none to much make me feel very comfortable in the first place. :D
 
#19 ·
Originally posted by rat
Originally posted by rat
Thats what snapcaps are for if you are adjusting trigger pull without worrying
about dry-fireing but that shouldnt be a concern with shotguns anyway unless you are dealing
with a high-dollar trapgun, IMHO.
Incidentally, and not necessarily on-topic, but has anyone ever had the displeasure of shooting trap with a shotgun
equipped with a set trigger??

I had the opportunity to shoot a Ljutic trap-grade single with all the bells and whistles... adjustable comb, 34", and a set trigger.
Its very unsettling, especially when you call broke birds and have to wait with the trigger pulled. :eek:
Not only that, this was a $4500.00 gun which didnt none to much make me feel very comfortable in the first place. :D
I did once, once. Did not like it a bit. They say that once you get used to it, you'll never go back to the old trigger.
 
#20 ·
Its unnerving.. its counter to what you would expect and I HAVE seen accidental
discharge on the line from folks not used to it.
Gotta concentrate, but then again you have to concentrate shooting trap anyway.
 
#22 ·
Trap shooters refer to it as a "Release" trigger. The gun will fire when you release the trigger. It is supposed to be smoother and a help to shooters that have a flinch.
Some high dollar trap guns, like the Alfermanns built here in Missouri, come with parts kits to convert a standard trigger to a release. To my knowledge, trap shooting is the only place you will find a release trigger.

I have a "set trigger" on a sidelock muzzleloader. Two triggers, one lock. Rotate the hammer to firing position (the program won't let me type "male poultry the hammer") and pull the first trigger until you hear/feel it set. Line up your sights and reach for the second trigger. It is now a hair trigger. A whisper will set it off. This is a better target trigger than a hunting trigger.

I have never shot a release, but I would like to spend an afternoon with one.
 
#23 ·
My bad... yes, release trigger. You basically pull the trigger when you are ready to call the bird
and the gun goes off when you "release" it. Wierd for me but works for lotsa folks.
Have you shot an Alfermanns mule?
They are PRICEY.
 
#24 ·
Originally posted by Ryan Ok so about the shotgun then, is there anyway to un****? It has already been ****ed so I don't know how to do anything except pull the trigger.
If you can find a shell that has been fired you can put a piece of masking tape over the indentation on the primer and re insert the empty into the gun and safely pull the trigger. That way the firing pin will have something to strike. I have a set of snap caps for my shotguns. It is not good to leave shotguns ****ed for an extended period of time. The spring looses its strength and may not have enough force to ignite the primer when fired.
 
#25 ·
Nope, never shot an Alfermann. I have seen them in pieces during production. Two years ago at the Show Me Games, Bob Graf had one of the "Twins". I carressed it for afew seconds and had to give it back.

Ryan
Use the slide release to open the action on your Mod 12 and leave it open. That is the safe way to store it. In an instant you can see that it is not loaded. Check out the MDC, Missouri Department of Conservation website for firearm safety classes. Usually at low cost or free. If you visit one of the manned ranges and ask for help, there often will be someone available to help you learn about and safely shoot your inheritance.

I also recommend taking a Hunter Education Class. You don't need to be a hunter. We frequently see Mothers and their children in class. Their Husbands, Boyfriends, Sons, ect are outdoorsmen and have brought firearms into the home. Mom wants to get comfortable around guns and takes the class just for the safety training.

Why is it that Ryan can type: UN****ING

Why can't we type: ****, HALF-**** or FULL-**** ????
All common firearms terms.
:mad2:
 
#26 ·
Ryan,
Do you have someone to shoot with, or a place to shoot? If not, you can gather up your goodies and come here to shoot. I'm just off the Union/50 exit from I-44, so it's not too far from South County. Just let me know.

BTW - Get a Snap-Cap for that shotgun before you head down and you'll be all set when you leave.

EDIT - I thought your location was South County but I just saw it's St. Louis County, so you may be up north. You're still welcome, but it might be more of a drive for you.