Model 1888 Marlin parts

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jkirk49
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Model 1888 Marlin parts

Post by jkirk49 »

Are there any common parts between a model 1888 and model 1889? Finding parts for an 1889 are possible but 1888 parts are like hen's teeth. I'd like to get my 1888 up and running have come to a stand still on finding parts.
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marlinman93
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Re: Model 1888 Marlin parts

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Very little, and those few that could be used can't be used without modification. I purchased an 1888 .38-40 years ago, and it was missing some parts. I was able to reshape an 1889/1894 loading gate to make it fit. I used a later mag tube with very minor fitting. The rest the parts I had to make from scratch.
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
jkirk49
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Re: Model 1888 Marlin parts

Post by jkirk49 »

Thanks for that info. It looked to me like the locking bolt might be similar but I'm not sure about the lever or hammer. I do know that the spring is a little longer on the loading gate and it appears that it didn't have a lever catch like the 1889.
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marlinman93
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Re: Model 1888 Marlin parts

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The loading gate is different, and if I recall I removed metal off the rear edge of the gate to make it fit the opening of the 1888 perfectly. But OAL from mounting hole to forward edge of the gate is the same, so it worked fine after modification. No idea on lever as mine was fine.
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
jkirk49
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Re: Model 1888 Marlin parts

Post by jkirk49 »

Well that's odd. I just measured the gate on a 1889 model in 32W and it's 1.15 from the center of the screw hole the the back of the gate opening, The 1888 I have in 32W measures 1.56
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marlinman93
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Re: Model 1888 Marlin parts

Post by marlinman93 »

Sorry. I believe I modified a 1893 or 336 gate to use on my 1888.
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
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