1926 Marlin 39 latch type magazine conversion

[1Merlin]

I have an old (very poor) 1926-ish Marlin 39 24" octagonal barrel with a latch type magazine. Mag was twisted into 2 pieces when I bought it and stuffed into the outer tube - love those "honest internet sellers...
Sent the gun to a recommended smith 3 years ago with the understanding that he would find a replacement and repair, refinish and re-blue the gun when he found a part. Looks like it is just not going to happen so... I am exploring the possibility of installing a later 39 pin type magazine on the gun. My question is: Has anyone done this modification and what was the outcome?

 

[troy fairweather]

looks easy to do, i would just cut out the original tube thats bad and weld in new.

 

[BBBBill]

Are you talking about the inner tube portion being twisted? Find a piece of tuning the same diameter/wall thickness and have someone attach the end from your old tube on it. Micro TIG or laser weld could be an option.

 

[1Merlin]

The tube appears to have a portion of the inner tube missing. Also I think there is a spring in it which is toasted/wasted. I would really rather find a replacement for originality sake but the gun will be a shooter and it will be OK by me if it is not completely original.... I think I will have the gun shop just send it back and attempt the modification with a modern tube. They appear a lot simpler anyway....

 

[1Merlin]

Troy I like your confidence and I think I will borrow some of it and see if I can make it happen.

 

[BBBBill]

Welding the tube will require a very skilled welder with the right equipment. Pullman Arms is one verified source - https://pullmanarms.com/contact/
Dan Harvey – Lead Gunsmith
Monday - Friday • 8:30am - 5:00pm
Call Dan @ 508.926.8730 OR EMAIL @ [email protected]

 

[1Merlin]

Thanks for the info. I will call and chat.

 

[dfariswheel]

Wisner's sell a modern replica of the 39 magazine tube and inner magazine.....

http://www.wisnersinc.com/model/marlin-lever-action-rimfire/

Poppert's sell pre-1975 inner and outer magazine tubes.....

http://www.poppertsgunparts.com/cgi-bin/webdata/webdata_gunparts.cgi

If you want to convert to a new style assembly, Brownell's sell kits to fit most any .22 tube fed rifle and they carry some new 39-A magazines and tubes.....

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-par...ssembly-inner-22-7-16--prod8677.aspx?psize=96

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-par...-inside-magazine-tube-prod73492.aspx?psize=96

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-par...-tube-outside-22-7-16--prod8598.aspx?psize=96

https://www.brownells.com/rifle-par...agazine-tube-kit-no-2-prod25062.aspx?psize=96

If I recall correctly, about all that you have to do is remove the old outer tube and slide a new replacement tube in, then install the inner brass magazine tube.

 

[1Merlin]

dfaris...... Thank you for the part references. I appreciate the time required to put together something like this. Good info!