one of favorite 22 lever rifles

[hfcable]

recognize this model??

[EG73]

Marlin 1891? Very nice! Very $$$ too!

How do you find loading it through the gate?

[hfcable]

Marlin 1891? Very nice! Very $$$ too!

How do you find loading it through the gate?

yes, marlin model 1891 , made in the first six months of production. they switched to loading tube after that. it loads okay, but not nearly as easy as with a loading tube model.

it is quite accurate [use standard velocity ammo, of course ] and is generally just a fun piece in very nice condition.

[Pat C]

That's a nice one

[Ysabel Kid]

Oh, that is just sweet!!!

[Scott Tschirhart]

I have never seen one. Thanks for sharing!

[marlinman93]

The first year 1891 sideloaders weren't great sellers for Marlin as owners didn't like fumbling with pushing little .22 shells through the loading gate. The gate didn't push in like most loading gates, and instead it had to be pushed down as you tried to then get the cartridge into the tube. It wasn't easy on fingers after loading a full magazine.
Marlin actually came out with a loading tube that you could fill with ammo and insert the end of the tube into the loading gate. Then you pushed a lever on the side of the tube and the lever ran in a slot to allow all the rounds to be loaded with one simple push on the lever. I've only seen one of these loading tubes, and it's probably the rarest Marlin accessory ever made! When I had a couple 1891 sideloaders I thought about making a copy of those tube loaders, but couldn't find a machinist to cut a slot down the side of a mag tube to make one.

[hfcable]

that is interesting. would love to have a loading tube for this one !

[Grizz]

I've seen tube loaders for the magazine. Take the rod all the way out and feed a tube full of ammo in one shot, so to speak. I haven't tried it. Something to shoot for. ;)

[marlinman93]

The Marlin tube loader was a trombone operation sort of, and the rod did not come out of the tube. The slot in the side didn't go to the end of the tube, so the lever sticking out one side stopped the rod at both ends. No springs, or anything special. Just a slotted tube, with a rod that the lever attached to. I'm guessing the lever was inserted into the side of the tube and the rod was threaded into the lever afterwards. A very simple little tool.

[jstanfield103]

What a Beautiful rifle. Any man would dream about that rifle. Thank you for sharing the pictures.

[RIHMFIRE]

THAT IS AWESOME!

[AJMD429]

.
It would be quite the anachronism, but there are companies that make tube-loader type devices for 22 LR. I forget what guns they are set up to fit though - but no doubt modification of the 'tip' could accomodate your firearm.

More likely though, I'm thinking it is not your choice for high-volume plinking anyway. You can buy a Ruger 10/22 (or 96/22) for that.

Pretty awesome piece of history and proof that a good design and build will last over a hundred years.