Model 1888 Marlin parts

[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.

[marlinman93]

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.

[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.

[marlinman93]

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.

[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

[marlinman93]

Sorry. I believe I modified a 1893 or 336 gate to use on my 1888.

[Tgraham]

Can anyone help me find a firing pin for a marlin 1888? Or where I could go to get one made?

[marlinman93]

Can anyone help me find a firing pin for a marlin 1888? Or where I could go to get one made?

Do you still have the broken one? If you do a good gunsmith or machinist can copy it, or repair it. I've used my lathe to face off the broken tip on firing pin body, and then drill a hole in it and use piano wire pressed in with Loctite to make a new tip.

Where you're located might help direct you to someone who can fix or or make a new firing pin for your 1888.

[Road King]

Can anyone help me find a firing pin for a marlin 1888? Or where I could go to get one made?

I have made a set of drawings for the model 1888 firing. I can send you your email address. Other members gave used them successfully.