1894 Marlin Magazine Tube Problem

[Kanza Kurt]

Hi All,

I recently purchased an 1894 Marlin in 32-20.  The gun and wood are in great shape and the action is solid.  When I went to load this rifle, I could only get four cartridges in the magazine tube.  I am thinking there is a plug in the gun or the spring itself is broken.  I can't seem to get the end cap off.  I did take the screw out but the cap has been "beat" on over the years.  Am I missing some hidden trick though.  I think I can get a new spring and cap from someplace like Brownells.

Any advice would be appreciated.

KK

[John Taylor]

Most likely the tube has a dent in it not allowing the follower to move past it. If this is an old rifle the tube is mounted to the end of the barrel with a stud and screw. The stud will keep the plug in the tube until the tube is taken off the barrel. The forearm nose cap will need to move forward first, take the 2 screws out and slide it forward ( may need to tap on it a little). With the screw out at the mag plug you should be able to pull it away from the barrel and off the gun. Watch for the follower, the spring will put it someplace hard to find. If the plug is still stuck to the tube you can slide a rod down the tube and knock it out ( after you remove the spring and follower). Small dents can sometimes be tapped out using a metal rod that is close fitting and a light hammer on the outside. I have replace Marlin 94 tubes with 92 Winchester tubes, takes a little machine work. Winchester tubes are available from http://www.wisnersinc.com/

[Kanza Kurt]

John Taylor

Thanks for the reply.  I did get it apart last night.  My first thoughts was that the spring was broken or something in the tube behind the follower.  No luck though the spring did seem weak.  It also wasn't as dirty as I thought either.  I cleaned it out, a little oil and put back together.  Still could only get 5 cartridges in.  The tube itself is starting to come apart at the top where it is screwed in but not enough, I don't think to prohibit cartridges from being loaded.  Thanks for the website link. I will check it out.