+1 thanks for the analysis!!

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Overkill is Underrated

Oh well, I can only say this, My best friend and I both purchased a Marlin 30-30 lever action rifle back in 1985. Two years ago, he just gave me the rifle, never used it and left it in the closet. He left it cocked on an empty chamber. Funny, this rifle has many FTF issues. Mine on the other hand, works every time same ammo. I'm sure that the spring tension has been weaken by being cocked for many years.. I still haven't upgraded the spring yet, but I will soon. Figure that one out. Keepem in the 10 ring..

New owner. Just found this thread and it answers many of my questions.
Just to be 100 percent sure: once I start using this rifle the firing pin will always be cocked (and the safety operable) unless I dryfire, decock it per ChattanoogaPhil's suggestion, or disassemble it, correct?
Should I decock it before separating the upper and lower? What happens if I don't? Thanks.

Roland, you do not have to decock it before breaking it down. Just make sure you have the bolt forward.

True. Actually having the action cocked makes it easier to open because the hammer is not dragging on the rear of the bolt body.