Help: My Dad's Marlin 39A lever is stucked open

[Camba]

My Father in South America was unloading his Marlin 30A rifle by taking the tube magazine out and then opening the lever to make sure is completely empty.  After that, the lever does not want to close.  He said this happened to him twice.  The first time happened when he got the rifle new, several year ago.  He cannot remember how he fixed then.
 
Anyone have any ideas what to do?  I was thinking that perhaps he can resolve it by taking the "takedown screw" off and then reassemble it.  Can that be done when the rifle's lever is fully opened?  Is there another way?  Thank you for any help.
 
Camba

[Richard P]

Since no one has posited a solution and it has been six weeks since your question, I suggest you visit www.marlinowners.com and ask there. Look for the Rimfire section.

[Camba]

My brother did what I suggested.  Took the take down screw off and then reassemble the rifle back to normal.  That rifle was not cleaned probably in years!
Thank you Richard P. for answering to my post.
Camba