I test fired a used 22 today that a friend offered to sell me and I noticed that on every fired case there is a black mark that appears to be from burnt powder. Is this from gases escaping the chamber?
The rifle is a Glenfield Marlin mod 25 it is a clip fed bolt action rifle.

I also noticed that about every other time a round is chambered the bolt gouges the next round in the clip, can this be fixed?

Right now I'm thinking of turning down the offer. The barrel has a light coat of rust on it and the stock is bare, but the insides seem to be good. Would $60 for this rifle with a 3-7 x 20mm tasco scope be a fair deal?

Thanks,
Sven

This is very common with .22LR rifles. It has to do with the thin case, and fast powders used. My 10/22 does this, it did when it was factory, it does now with the Green Mountain barrel, and Volquartsen receiver/hammer/trigger.

I have one I bought in the 70s for less than 50 bucks new. I used it for a lot of years. I think they still make the thing. Check to see what one new would cost or check your local gun shop. You should find one in better shape.

You should see my .308's.
I never had a problem using military surpluss in my CETME, but I switched to Lake City, and there are several black streaks running down the sides of the casings.
any ideas folks?

I think I would pass on it for that price. For the dollars involved, it would not be worthwhile to spend any money on it if there is something wrong with it. Check your local pawn shops. I think you will find a comparable rifle in better shape for about the same money, mabey a few bucks more.

well thanks for the quick replies, I'll keep looking. I saw a savage MK II (if I remember right) in a local pawn shop a couple weeks ago for $85 I might check and see if it's still there.

The black marks mean the cases are not forming to the chamber, could be the brass or not enough power to expand the cases to seal the chamber. I see it on low powered .22 lr cases quite often but not on high or hyper velocity ammo.