Marlin Barrel Swap

[jimkim]

I have a friend that wants me to swap barrels on his 30A. He wants to convert it from 30-30 to 44mag. Will an 1894 Marlin barrel fit a 30A action? Are there any problems that will need to be addressed if we try this? I have built several Mausers, reconditioned both M1 Garands and carbines(in the late Eighties and early Nineties), so I do have some experience, but this will be my first Marlin. Thanks in advance.

[Uncle R.]

I've never tried it but I suspect you're gonna find it's a PITA job.
It's gonna take some doing to make that thing feed .44s from the mag.
Even the factory had troubles for the short time they chambered the 336s for .44 magnum.
Take a hard look at the bolt face & extractor too before you begin.

[bcp]

The 336 or 30 cartridge carrier/lifter is very different for the 44. It has several moving pieces added to lift and align the case. The 44 Mag. case has to be lifted into straight alignment with the chamber, unlike a tapered cartridge.

Here is a thread with pictures showing what Marlin had to do for the 44 conversion of the 336 action.

http://www.marlinowners.com/forums/index.php/topic,35048.0.html

Bruce