A buddy of mine has an older Marlin 444S (made in 1977) that the little latch on the lever is stuck. This causes the lever to not close properly. I have 3 other Marlins and this little latch is easily depressed my hand pressure.

I have tried liquid wrench and breakfree to see if it would free up, and nope - nothing. Is there a trick to getting the lever latch "button" on a Marlin to come free (or out)?

Buzz,
I've got one of these rifles and I can't imagine what the problem is, they are usually pretty reliable. I'd first take it apart to look for a broken or missing part.

If no one helps you on this forum, post the same question on the Marlintalk Big Bore Forum and you'll get all the help you want.

Good luck.

Anybody else have any suggestions?