Request for help on an 1895 Marlin

[wolverine_1]

Took my new (to me) 1895 Marlin, .45-70, out to the range for the second time today.  What I find is that when I push the cartridges into the loading gate, it seems to snag my thumb.  I tried useing the next cartridge to push with, but then the rim of the previous one hung on the frame.  What I'm wondering is am I doing something wrong or is the spring to strong or is it just that it is such a large diam. cartridge?  Your thoughts please.  Oh, it is one of the newer ones with the cross bolt safety if that makes any difference.

[Lloyd Smale]

i guess after having pushed 1000s into them i just got used to it but its one reason some guys prefer the 450 marlin. there much easier to load.

[mannyrock]

 
 
   In my experience, most Marlins that have not been used much will nip off the tip of your thumb when you shove the rounds in, even the .30-30.
 
   One thing that helps is to shove the round in by straightening your thumb somewhat, and puttin the very top point of your thumb on the back of the cartridge  (instead of putting the flat part of your thumb on the back of the cartridge).  By doing this, the flat side of your thumbnail slides straight along the side of the receiver, and there is nothing to get pinched in the loading gate door.   Takes a little practice, but pretty easy to get used to.
 
    Hope this helps.
 
Mannyrock

[wolverine_1]

I'll try that.  I have been studying the parts layout and wondered if you could lighten the flat spring part of the gate to lower the tension and thus make it easier on the thumb?