How to Fix Extraction Problems on a Marlin 39A Lever Action .22

In this episode of Over the Gunsmith’s Shoulder, Master Gunsmith Ken Brooks diagnoses and repairs a Marlin 39A lever-action .22 rifle that is failing to extract fired cases.

Ken begins by explaining why extraction problems on .22 rimfire rifles are almost always caused by extractor fit, extractor tension, chamber condition, or a combination of all three. After a quick inspection, he confirms the rifle has a stamped sheet-metal extractor whose hook is positioned too close to the breech face, preventing it from snapping over the cartridge rim.

From there, Ken walks through the full diagnostic and repair process in real shop conditions:

He inspects the chamber for corrosion and burrs, tests cartridge fit using unfired and lightly struck cases, and explains why even small imperfections in a .22 chamber can cause fired cases to stick. He then breaks down the Marlin 39A extractor design, explains how extractor tension and hook geometry work together, and shows why bending stamped extractors is risky due to metal fatigue and breakage.

Ken demonstrates the correct way to correct the problem by carefully filing and undercutting the extractor hook to move it away from the breech face, allowing proper rim engagement. He also cleans built-up carbon and debris from the extractor and bolt, examines wear marks that indicate drag against the receiver, and explains how replacement extractors often require fitting rather than drop-in installation.

To finish the repair, Ken polishes the chamber to remove corrosion and reduce friction, improving extraction reliability without removing excessive material. Throughout the process, he explains why simple fixes often solve extraction failures and why replacing parts without understanding geometry usually makes the problem worse.

This episode is a practical, real-world demonstration of Marlin 39A extractor fitting and chamber polishing, showing exactly how an experienced gunsmith diagnoses rimfire extraction problems and corrects them properly.

Want to learn how to diagnose and fix firearms the right way instead of guessing and swapping parts? Visit the American Gunsmithing Institute (https://americangunsmithinginstitute....) to explore professional gunsmithing training taught by working gunsmiths.

Subscribe for more full-length Over the Gunsmith’s Shoulder repairs and real shop instruction.

00:00 – Initial Inspection and Extractor Position Problem
Ken identifies that the extractor hook is too close to the breech face and explains why it will not snap over the rim.

02:00 – Marlin 39A Overview and Common .22 Extraction Failures
Why rimfire rifles fail to extract and why extractors and chambers are almost always the cause.

04:00 – Chamber Inspection and Cartridge Fit Test
Testing unfired and lightly struck cases to evaluate chamber corrosion and case drag.

06:00 – Marlin 39A Extractor Design and Tension Explanation
Breakdown of the stamped sheet metal extractor, tension leg, hook geometry, and breech face relationship.

08:00 – Deciding Between Bending or Filing the Extractor
Why bending stamped extractors is risky and why controlled filing is the safer correction.

10:00 – Cleaning the Extractor and Evaluating Wear Marks
Removing carbon and debris and identifying drag marks caused by extractor to receiver contact.

12:00 – Filing and Undercutting the Extractor Hook
Carefully moving the hook away from the breech face so it can snap over the rim correctly.

14:00 – Chamber Polishing to Improve Extraction Reliability
Polishing the .22 chamber to remove corrosion and reduce friction without removing excess material.

16:00 – Final Assembly and Extraction Function Check
Reinstalling the extractor, verifying rim engagement, and confirming proper extraction behavior.