maintenance in the field

[CharlesHarris]

The problem is in adapting the AE series, which was designed for .30-30 length cartridges, so shorter overall length revolver cartridges, such as .45 Colt and .357, because the modifications necessary to the lifter for feeding of the short rounds, results in a thin section with sharp corner, causing a stress riser, so that the part if more prone to breakage. The 94, in its original calibers, and the short-action 92, in its original calibers, are totally reliable.

The so-called "Marlin jam" is caused entirely by use of handloaded ammunition which is either too short, so that more than onbe catridge can exit the magazine tube onto the lifter at once, or too long, such that the bullet nose jams against the barrel hood, so that the lift cannot rise to align the cartridge with the chamber. Clearing the jam requires careful insertion of a narrow punch or screwdriver blade to push the second too-short cartridge, back under the cartridge stop; or in the case of a too-long cartridge, removing the lever pivot screw and withdrawing the lever, bolt and extractor, so that the offending cartridge may be manipulated free.

Effective mitigation action is to avoid (in .38/.357) cartridges shorter than 1.4" overall, or longer than 1.6" overall, keeping within the length parameters of factory ammunition, and for handloads, to also secure crimp bullets to prevent their being telescoped more deeply into the magazine tube under compression of the magazine spring.

The Winchester type design is not immune from these types of jams either, but its open-top design makes it easier to diagnose the problem and to remove the offending cartridge.