Dovetails on the newer rifles?

[Remmy4477]

Is it me or is the fit of dovetails in the newer leverguns getting sloppy?

Had 3 problems this past week with two different rifles.

Marlin 1895CB JM 45-70, (2003mfg) Working up a load for cb silhouette shoots.
After about 50 rounds it developed a problem feeding out of the mag tube. Looking at it the front tube holder came loose in the dovetail sliding from side too side about 1/4 of an inch just enough to cause it feeding problems.
Went home to fix it and in the process found the rear sight loose in its dovetail also.
Repaired both dovetails now everythings rock solid.

Navy Arms 1873 in 45 colt, early 2000 mfg, working up loads for this one also.
Was shooting it and after a few rounds I started hearing a ring? at each shot, kind of sounded like a sick tuning fork.
Figured I better look at it close, maybe a cracked action or???
Nope, the rear sight was aweful loose in the dovetail, you could slide it almost out of the dovetail from side to side by hand. Argh!
Repaired that dovetail and checked the rest, problem solved!

I should note both rifles were bought from the original owners, low mileage and mainly safe queens most of there lifes.

I've had to repair dovetails throughout the years but mainly on abused very old .22 rifles and a few truck guns.

What gives with this newer stuff??? Both these rifles look new, nothing bubba!

Just wondering and complaining!

[Jack Stanley]

I think part of the problem is many people want the "cheapest deal" they can find . Gun makers taking this into account cut corners in many places and quality is the first casualty .

Just my opinion .

Jack

[upnorthwis]

I have the .45-70 Marlin with the Ballard rifling. While the dovetails have not come loose, they do have another peculiarity. It's .470 between the dovetails and the rifling is .458. That leaves only .006 on material from the rifling to the bottom of the dovetail.