Loading a Marlin 1894

[Drollerindy]

Every time I load my 1894 .44 Mag my thumb gets scraped by the sharp edges around the loading gate.
Is there some special loading technique I need to learn?

Doug

[BBF]

Unless you are paranoid about the blueing there, I suggest a small amount Dremel tool work.

[Dixie Dude]

Load the first cartridge about 3/4 of the way in.  Push the second behind it about 3/4 of the way in until you get how many the tube holds, then push the last one in all the way.  Only one pinch or scape to deal with.  Saw this trick on the Rifleman TV show.  Also, used gloved hands.

[Rangr44]

Use a round stone or fine rat-tail file to smooth off the sharp edges, followed by some cold blue, then oil.

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[Charlie Foxtrot]

Load the first cartridge about 3/4 of the way in.  Push the second behind it about 3/4 of the way in until you get how many the tube holds, then push the last one in all the way.  Only one pinch or scape to deal with.  Saw this trick on the Rifleman TV show.  Also, used gloved hands.

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+1   That's the trick we use when loading the Marlin for CAS - 60 shots a match.  Use your thumb of your left hand to keep the magazine spring from tossing out the shell.  The last one can be poked all the way in with a dowel or the tip of your pinky. 

[Drollerindy]

Would it work to replace the screw at the end of the magazine tube with a knurled screw and remove the spring, shovel the cartridges in, and push the spring in on top of them and replace the spring? Sort of like you load a rimfire lever action.

Doug

[BBF]

Would it work to replace the screw at the end of the magazine tube with a knurled screw and remove the spring, shovel the cartridges in, and push the spring in on top of them and replace the spring? Sort of like you load a rimfire lever action.

Doug

I don't see any reason why it wouldn't be do-able, it is a lot of work though for something a bit of file or grinding wouldn't solve.