[Roundsworth]

Thanks, Jeff. There are few moving parts on this particular model. The 1898 added a few more in the way of safety devices. The 'Standard' has a secondary sear that holds the hammer until the tilting breech block/wedge is in place. If this piece is missing or stuck, the gun will fire with the breech unlocked. In order to unlock the action, the firing pin must be pushed all the way in. Marlin repeaters have a bad reputation as being unsafe to fire. If they are not maintained properly, the safety devices will not function and allow the gun to fire out of battery. The quality is superb 19th century Marlin all the way. I prefer this model due to the lack of extra parts. I kept my others scrupulously cleaned and the incorporated safety features worked flawlessly. Unlike my first two 'Standards' this gun is all original, right down to the buttplate. I had a 'C' grade that was engraved and had gorgeous wood. Shoulda kept it!