Just got this gun in the mail from Gunbroker.com.
It is a 1979 built rifle and in beautiful exterior condition. But when I tried to load a single round from the tube, it jams about halfway up with the lever full open. This happens with me trying only one round and after doing a search I came across everyone talking about a "letting in 2" jam.
I guess this is the same thing, for I have not tried 2 rounds?

It is was easy to clear, by removing the lever. I have noticed that it does have the worn mark on the bottom of the carrier. I was about to order a new one from Brownells, but wanted to ask if this was probably the main culprit.

Thanks

no one knows?

I need a little more info. Is it coming out of the mag. tube when the lever is opened, then just sticks, or is it getting stuck when you try to close the lever?

It gets stuck halfway out of the mag tube. It is wedged between the mag tube and the carrier.
The lever is then stuck in the open postion, with the bullet still wedged.

Is that what you needed to know?

Ok, have patients with me here. When you say it is wedged between the mag. tube and the carrier, are you meaning that the rim of the case is on top of the carrier or underneath? If it is on top and is not sliding out all the way, I would polish the carrier, or get a new one like you have already suspected. Sounds like it is hanging up on the carrier and not sliding all the way out so the carrier can then lift it. Am I thinking right now? If so, try polishing the carrier, or if is seems too worn and with a gouge worn in it, try a replacement carrier.

I forgot to ask. What ammo are you using? Just be sure its not .357 Rem. Maximums. They are a little longer than standard .357 magnums.

Thanks for the reply.

Looking at it from the top, it looks like the bottom of the rim has not completely cleared the carrier. All I can see is the top 3/4 of the rim and the cartridge is being pushed up and jamming half way out the tube at an angle.

This happens with 3 different brands of 38 special ammo. I was out of the mag ammo.

I have already ordered a carrier ($43 delivered) and contacted the seller. He refunded me $25 to help cover the cost. (which I thought was reasonable)
I am also going to take apart clean the cartridge tube and inserts.
Do you think this will probably cover it?

I am anxious to shoot this for the first time, but want it working properly before I take it to the range.

Go over to the Marlin Owner's Forum and do a search for "Marlin Jam". You'll get more info than you can shake a stick at.

Just a follow up....

Cleaned the gun real well and installed the new carrier assembly. Now it loads all three types of my 38 special shells. :D

The Brownell's carrier is a little different in shape and manufacturing. Wonder if it lasts longer?