I went to my shop this morning to drill and tap the 10-32 hole in the tang of a Marlin 39a. When the stem is installed there is considerable sloppy stem movement when the pointed set screw is tight. The movement is in the ball bearing assembly inside the thimble. The thimble set screw is tight. The set screw is making good seat in the stem base hole, but the thimble is barely touching the spring loaded ball or the detent holes in the bottom of it. In other words no click..click..click when turning the thimble. There seems to be an excessive gap between the thimble and base but the stem wont seat any deeper. Has anyone else experienced this issue? Should it be sent back for replacement?

Hey Bob, call Marbles at 1-906-428-3710, ask for Troy, I think it's extension 17. He is the tech there and a good guy althought he always sounds like he is in a hurry (he may be). Anyway, tell him your story, he will fix you up, either exchange your sight at no charge or fix the one you have or tell you how to fix it. I have had several dealings with this outfit and always was treated well.

Thanks for the tip, Jerry. A complete replacement assembled and checked for function is on the way.

Bob Mc Alice wrote:Thanks for the tip, Jerry. A complete replacement assembled and checked for function is on the way.

Good deal.