Removing a Marlin Model 90 O/U Stock

[BarkeyVA]

I tried to remove the stock to clean the sear box on a recently acquired 16 ga. Marlin Model 90. The slot-head screw in the butt stock would not budge with moderate force. I was afraid to put too much effort into it because the screw slot was already scarred from someone's previous attempts.

Any suggestions on how to break loose the screw before I take it to a gunsmith?

[Dan Printz]

Using the correct size screw driver, (I prefer Brownells) insert the screw driver into the slot with one hand, while at the same time gently tapping with a pall pen hammer with the other. Apply a twisting force with the screw driver making sure that it stays inside of the slot. This does two things: One, it produces a hammering force to the screw so that hopefully it will come out, and two, if there is any corrosion on the screw or slot it will loosen it up. I hope this helps.

[BarkeyVA]

Dan,

I gave up and took it to a local gunsmith a few days ago. He could not budge it with a flathead screw driver. He put a screw driver adapter on the end of an impact wrench. It took two taps with a hammer on the end of the impact wrench to breal it loose. He did warn me before he did it that it might shear off the head of the bolt and he asked me if I wanted him to do it.

[Dan Printz]

Did you get the screw out?

[BarkeyVA]

Dan,

Yes, the screw came out intact. I bought the gun, a Marlin Model 90 Skeetking DT, made in 1939 or '40 and converted to ST, at an estate sale. It dry-fired fine (using snap caps). The first time I shot it, the bottom barrel fired OK but the trigger locked up (as if the safety were on). I thought it might just need a good cleaning. However, when we pulled the stock off, a broken pin 3/4" long x .095" diameter, bent at one end, fell out. I sent the gun to Gunter Pfrommer at Pfrommer Gun Works in Rocky Mount, VA to see if he can repair it.

[BarkeyVA]

I got the gun back from Gunter Pfrommer last month. He said that a piece of the broken top lever spring had jammed the trigger. He was able to order a replacement spring and install it after giving the gun a good cleaning. The gun works fine now.

I may have been mistaken about it being a DT that was converted to ST. An individual who has an extensive collection of model 90's, including several Skeetkings, looked at the gun. He does not think it is an ST conversion.

[Dan Printz]

I love it when a plan comes together!