I'm an idiot apparently.  While disassembling my mid-80's Marlin 1894 to install the new MI rail I screwed up badly.

The handguard would not come off after removing the side screws.  So a block of wood and hammer were used.  Split the wooden handguard.

Then remembered I had a firearms manual that covered the Marlin 336.

The front sight needs removed.  Then the clamp that holds the magazine tube to the barrel comes next.  Then the handguard SLIDES FORWARD AND OFF THE MAGAZINE TUBE.

Repaired the split handguard and the glue line is barely noticeable.  The original buttstock might get some sanding and a coat of flat black paint anyway.

Then the kicker, not caused by me...the MI supplied screws are a finer thread than the screws holding my handguard cap on.  Done till Monday when my local bolt/screw company is open.

The MI rail is very nice, and my spare TLR-1 HL is mounted at 9 o'clock.  This rifle has been used for hunting a lot back when I was involved in slaying four footed creatures, so it already has enough character dings/scratches to make the split handguard less of an aggravation.

Paladin

Pics?

https://www.midwestindustriesinc.com/product-p/mi-marmr.htm

Paladin

Rethreaded the holes in oem "forearm tenon" thingy and proceeded with installing the MI lever action rail on my 1894.  Install was ok, used super glue to hold the "washers" in place and installed the supplied screws.  The end result is what Col. Cooper called an Urban Assault Rifle decades ago.  TLR-1 HL switch is ergonomically very satisfactory.  Might get some range time in the next few days.

The MI rail looks great!

Paladin

Experience is what you get after you need it.

Happens to me a couple of times a month.

After the fact I found a milled forearm tip tenon at Numrich that looks much more robust than the stamped steel original.

Paladin

Photos?