I'm speaking from experience when I recommend putting Loctite on the loading gate screw.

A half turn loosening of the screw was all it took for my Marlin 336 to lock up super tight on second chicken. I had to remove the butt stock and drive the finger lever screw out with a punch to clear the jam.

Be sure to use blue or purple strength!

Experience is a hard school.

Thanks for sharing.

Check them screws before/after a match. Loctite also helps.

Its funny how karma works

I spotted for a competitor 2 relays before my turn to shoot. His Winchester 94's loading gate popped out. He couldn't load. I commented that "I always Loctite my loading gate screw!?"

Those chickens were a curse