First, about this rifle, and what I already know (or think I know
![Wink ;)](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
I've read that about 20,000 were produced 1922-1930, and had 24" octagon barrels.
I know they take down similarly to a break-open single-barrel shotgun.
I know they should only be used with standard-velocity ammo, lest the bolt break.
The rifle I have has a 24" round barrel, marked "The Marlin Firearms Corporation" on top with the rest of the barrel addy info & patent dates; and a cartridge marking on the left side with an arrow stamped both ahead and after the marking, as: "< 22 S - L & LR >".
The receiver bottom is stamped with "Marlin" and "MOD 38", and a high-end, four-digit serial number with an "A" prefix, as in "A8xxx" or A9xxx".
My questions:
Since I'm ignorant as to what the length & frequency that the Model 38 production runs were, what should I figure as the DOM ? 1925 ? 1927? Earlier/later ?
How is the bolt/slide removed for cleaning, after the rifle is taken down ?
When was the switch, if any, made from octagon to round barrels - or was either barrel config always an option ?
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