I don't mean to keep on about this new arm of mine, but is it possible to reassmble it incorrectly and have it appear to function--not fire--properly? I haven't yet fired it. I was going out today but woke up to -20C and six in. fresh snow with about a 25Km/h wind from the north.

Hi, Daryl:
I don't think so, assuming you just pulled the bolt to clean the barrel. Some have lost the ejector (that little wishbone that fits in the slot in the left rear side of the boltway) when they pulled the bolt, and apparently there's a few ejectors that have a loose spring that can fall off. Of course, if you've got parts left over

Bye
Jack

Hi Jack, actually I had it apart down to the big bits to polish everything. Everything seems to work; it feeds and eject rounds. The hammer falls when I pull the trigger. The most reassuring thing is like you said, no parts left over! I appreciate the input!

Hi. Daryl:
Here's semi-complete instructions for complete disassembly. I wrote it off the top of my head and probably should revise it, but I haven't had the Marlin apart since then, so I'm not sure what I missed.
http://beartoothbullets.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard/topic.cgi?forum=7&topic=63

Binding of the magazine tube or forearm wood is a common cause of Marlin inaccuracy and is easily fixed. Check out these posts.

http://beartoothbullets.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard/topic.cgi?forum=7&topic=277
http://beartoothbullets.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard/topic.cgi?forum=7&topic=286

I suspect you could leave out the locking bolt and give yourself a real headache.

Bye
Jack

Hey Jack, thanks for the info/sites. With everthing in, is it possible for the gun to function properly with anything in basakwards?

Hi, Daryl:
Don't think so, except for the magazine follower, and that's obvious. It might be possible to get the hammer in with the strut upside down. Think of a hockey stick laying on the ice with the blade pointing up. That's tha correct way.

Bye
Jack