Lever actions with half magazine VS full

[lionking]

Can accuracy be effected after the barrel heating up with a full length magazine as opposed to a half length magazine?JGenerally there is a space between the barrel and magazine tube but was wondering if heat would make a difference and or barrel band?

 

[Gunfighter123]

I own lever guns with both half and full mags ---- I have never got them hot enough to see any difference between the two.

 

[MMCSRET]

I have several and in them are both types of magazine tubes. I've also never heated one up. What I do find is that the shorter magazine rifles balance and handle better and are easier to shoot off hand because the weight is centered instead of out towards the muzzle.

 

[Clint C]

I just have to add that this was a very good question. I never would have thought about that.

 

[jmr40]

In theory at least it is because of the lack of the barrel bands. Some rifles with bands can be pretty accurate, but they can cause problems. Without them it is just one less thing to worry about. You still have the mag tube attached to the barrel with a dovetail

 

[T.R.]

Sama Fadala addresses this concern in his now out-of-print book titled, Winchester 94 - The Rifle America Loves. But please don't assume ALL carbines have barrel band problems.

When hunting, I typically load 3 or 4 cartridges and then chamber one. On my belt is a leather pouch containing 10 rounds. I've never needed more.

When target shooting, I typically shoot two quick shots and let it cool. This is because it's very rare to shoot more than twice at a big mulie. They either topple or bound away un-scathed.

This young forky was taken at approx 125 yards or so. Youngster bucks and does are much better on the dinner plate than stinky trophy bucks.

Good shooting to you.

TR

 

[MMCSRET]

In looking at my lever guns, I only have one with a half magazine, a Marlin 336A from 1949 in 32 W.S. I have a Winchester 94 and 2 Marlin 1894s that have button magazines. All three of the latter guns were modified to my specs.