I have the opportunity to buy a Marlin model 1889 in 32-20 WCF. I'm looking at this rifle as a shooter, not a safe queen collector's item. Good overall condition and seems to function properly. However, there is an unfilled hole on the left side of the action about an inch forward of the hammer. On all the examples I can find online, this hole seems to be filled by a screw tip or pin. Can anyone tell me what this hole is for, and what part might be missing because it is open on this rifle?

It’s most likely missing the ejector and ejector screw.

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Dave
Regulators mount up!

Should be ejector. I have to look but I don’t think there is a screw. The ejector fits that hole and is held captive by bolt.

If it is missing the ejector I would make sure I could find one before buying the rifle. They changed some through the years I believe and some are hard to find. Might try Numrich or even ebay once you know the one that fits the rifle.

Thanks, guys. It was missing the ejector and they are not to be found anymore for that model. It might be possible to modify a newer model to make it work, but I didn't feel like taking the chance on that, so I just passed on the rifle.

Check with Wisners Inc. from Adna Washington they should have them.

Wisner's Inc | Obsolete reproduction firearms manufacturer

I have a nice early 1889 in .32-20. If you need parts measurements, just ask.
I lucked into a new old stock replacement barrel for mine from Numrich about 20 years ago. She shoots great!
It's a great mate to my 3 Colt SAA's and many Smiths in that cartridge.

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Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292

You can also check with Bobs Gun Shop in Arkansas and Jack First in rapid City South Dakota.

I'm not sure as I don't own an 1889 model, but the ejector from a modern rifle might fit or be able to be fitted. If not, they are not a complicated piece and one can be fabricated - push come to shove.

If you can get a hold of him, try calling Doug Turnbull or MGW's to find out costs and availability before purchasing.

The old style ejector is what your rifle is made for. That is the one that uses the screw to hold it in the frame.
Wisners doesn't make those (anymore).
The Marlin 92 .22 and 32 caliber rifles used that style as well.

The New Style ejectors replaced those and didn't use a screw to hold them in place. The bolt simply held the ejector in place.
The ejector was an assembly of the ejector arm and a flat spring staked to tha back side of it.
The rear end of the assembly is round in shape.
That round portion was made to fit into the Old Style ejector frames and be used as a replacement.

So,,if you have a 1889 rifle that takes the Old Style ejector (like the one you are looking at) and has a broken old stle ejector that is a dinosaur to find,,you can replace the ejector with a New Style ejector made for the 1889 Rifle.

The round portion of the New Style assembly will likely need a little fitting so it drops down into what is the old screw head countersink in the frame.
Also the point of the ejector itself may need some trimming back for an 1889 rifle. Simple to do. The steel is easily filed to length. The ejector is made to fit the 1893 as well and for that rifle the point is a little longer,,so the trimming is usually necessary for fitting to an 1889.

Marlin made a New Style ejector for those Model 1892 cal 22 and 32 rifles as well. and in the instructions for fitting told the owners to fill the un-used screw hole by turning in the old screw till the head broke off. That left the threaded portion in the hole and from the outside the end of the threaded stem filled the hole nicely.
You can do the same of just leave the tiny hole empty.

Wisners replacement New Style ejector for the 1889/1893, it is the second one on the list

Marlin Lever-Action CF | Wisner's Inc