I don't know about separating the barrel from the action, but I have pulled the bolt and moving parts from mine for a good cleaning. All I did was pull the main big screw out of stock to barrel, and the trigger guard screws to get that apart and then you can get the bolt out. I do remember it being a bit tricky getting things back together though. I usually keep a can of Remoil in the spray can and give it the bolt a shot every once and awhile too and that keeps it firing well in between cleanings. Cheap shells seem to really gunk these Marlins up in a hurry.