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Tactical Reviews
SOG DonationsOriginally published at: How To Maintain Your Marlin 1895 SBL - Full30 Blog
It’s no surprise why you can buy an old used Marlin 1895 SBL and shoot it better than a new
gun. The rifle is extremely reliable and built with high quality standards in mind. However, that
doesn’t mean you can overlook its maintenance.
Taking care of it by the book is the optimal way to ensure it stays accurate and highly functional
for many years, not to mention safety standards. As a general rule of thumb, a firearm must be
cleaned after each use.
At the end of the day, leaving it dirty may lead to backfire issues and severe injuries. With these
thoughts in mind, here is a Marlin Model 1895 SBL cleaning tip or two for general maintenance.
Top Cleaning Tips for Marlin 1895 SBL
Disassemble your Marlin 1895 SBL first
Before even starting the process, make sure the firearm is unloaded. Double check, as trying to
disassemble it while loaded can lead to serious injuries. First, check the chamber, magazine,
and loading tube. Do it visually, then physically.
Also, double check the safety and make sure the gun is safe. For this step, you’ll need a matching screwdriver to work on the lever screw, as well as a small
set of needle nose pliers. It sounds weird, but the ejector goes down into the receiver. Pliers
will help you take it out.
In terms of safety, make sure you keep your safety glasses on throughout the entire process.
Moving on to the disassembly process, close the action on your Marlin 1895 SBL , but don’t do it
completely. Leave about an inch or so. This way, you’ll find it much easier to take the lever out.
Grab the screwdriver and unscrew the associated screw. Take it out completely. Once out,
you’ll find the lever sliding out very smoothly.
The next step implies removing the bolt on the receiver. You’ll have to compress the hammer in
order to reach the bolt. Once you can reach it, remove it completely.
This is when you’ll need the pliers. Take the ejector from down there and remove it completely. You can now proceed with the cleaning.
Clean the parts
Get a cleaning tool, whether you go for cleaning swabs or perhaps a clean utility brush. Look for
small particles around the frame, bolt, chamber, receiver, or action. Wipe them away. If you see
heavy debris, apply some cleaner made for firearms.
You’ll usually have to leave the cleaner for a few minutes before brushing. Clean the debris with
a clean cloth.
The barrel will most likely need a bore cleaner. Use a cleaning rod with a brush or jag attached
to it in order to clean the barrel all the way through. As you swipe through it, pay attention to
the debris coming out. Shake the rod and do it again and again until nothing comes out.
Soak a patch into the bore cleaner and perform some deep cleaning. Use dry patches after that
until it’s completely dry and clean. Swabs could be a good idea because they’ll offer access to
difficult areas. If you haven’t maintained your Marlin 1895 SBL in a long time, you may need a
heavy duty cleaner.
Once the barrel, bolt, receiver, and action are clean, you’ll need a bit of lubrication. The best
Marlin Model 1895 SBL cleaning tip here is to check the owner’s manual for recommendations. You’ll normally have to lubricate bearing areas.
Make sure you never apply lubricant inside the chamber or barrel, unless you plan to store the
firearm for a long time. Otherwise, high pressure will build up when shooting, causing severe
injuries and failure. Lubricant on ammunition is just as harmful.
Some say more is better when using lubricant, but here’s a good Marlin Model 1895 SBL
cleaning tip. Apply lubricant where needed only. Otherwise, excessive residue will cause
malfunctions. Besides, handling will also be an issue.
It’s highly recommended to go for lubricating clothes because they offer a bit of control over how much lubricant goes in.
Inspect bearing surfaces and metallic areas. If the firearm has been used regularly, you may
spot bare metal through the finishing. It’s not necessarily a problem though. But if the area is
worn, very light lubrication may be needed.
Once everything’s done, grab a dry clean cloth and wipe everything down. You’ll get rid of extra
dust and residue, as well as excessive oil or moisture from your hands. Grab a few wax cloths
for guns too. You’ll be able to polish and restore the shine, but also protect the rifle.
Polishing wooden parts on your Marlin 1895 SBL is also a good idea to preserve it.
Put everything back together
Once every part is cleaned and dried out, wiped, and clear of debris, it’s time to reassemble
your Marlin 1895 SBL.
Putting everything back together is not everything. As pieces go back into a puzzle, you’ll need
to inspect each of them one more time. Make sure there is no damage, not to mention
irregularities. Wear or play should also be considered.
Scratches and dents may also occur. Such small damage won’t affect the firearm though. If
anything looks questionable, better take the firearm to a professional for a proper inspection.
All in all, putting everything back together implies following the same steps you took when you
disassembled the rifle, but in reverse.
If you’re cleaning your Marlin 1895 SBL before putting it away, you may have to apply some
preservative oils as well.
Once you’re done, wipe your hands and work surfaces. There should be no oils or lubricants on
certain parts that could affect handling of the firearm.
Bottom line, much like caring for a valuable tool such as a gun holster, cleaning and maintaining your Marlin 1895 SBL should be a regular procedure. For optimal performance and longevity, it’s advisable to perform these maintenance steps after each use. The entire process shouldn’t demand more than thirty minutes to an hour of your time, particularly if you approach it with care and precision.
Owen Grady with his clean Marlin 1895 SBL.
Photo Credits Legendary Picture and Universal Picture, Jurassic World 2015
is starting to worry me somewhat…
