JM Marlin lever gun help

[11B CIB]

I’ve got a Marlin .30-30 model 336 that’s somewhere around 50-60 years old (late 60s early 70s if I recall). Everything is fine on the rifle but recently noticed after having sat for a while, the lever is very hard to manipulate whether or not the hammer is already cocked back. It’s like the catch that’s inside the grip portion of the stock won’t release it rather than the hinge itself. No signs of rust anywhere I can see

Is there anything I can do perhaps just putting some oil up in there or is this a common problem that has a known solution? Since it’s a “classic” and a family heirloom I would like to be careful with whatever gunsmithing I either have to do or have to outsource. My dad bought it while he was in the army, I hunted with it as a kid and I’d like to give it to my son one day

Thanks

 

[ronn47]

It's easy to pull the lever off and check.

 

[Freedom777]

There's nothing to a lever gun. Take it apart and clean and oil it.

 

[11B CIB]

There's nothing to a lever gun. Take it apart and clean and oil it.

Well yes I do maintain it, since it just started happening out of the blue I was just wondering if it was something anyone else has experienced or heard of happening. I have a much more comprehensive knowledge of other types of rifles, this is my one and only lever gun and have kept it “as is”. I wanted to approach it with caution and do right by the rifle that was entrusted to me and my care

 

[GymB]

Is it drilled and tapped? I had one of the grub screws work it’s way down to the bolt one time.

 

[NCMedic]

Is it drilled and tapped? I had one of the grub screws work it’s way down to the bolt one time.

This or check that the ejector isn't out of position/bent

 

[11B CIB]

Is it drilled and tapped? I had one of the grub screws work it’s way down to the bolt one time.

Bolt slides smooth, no drag at all. Feels like the rear of the lever itself just won’t turn loose without abnormal force

 

[GymB]

Bolt slides smooth, no drag at all. Feels like the rear of the lever itself just won’t turn loose without abnormal force

There is a detent in the lever that serves to keep the lever from drooping when closed. Can’t imagine hurting the detent, but check to see if the spring behind it seems to be functioning correctly.