Marlin model 60- tube capacity?

[Panzerschwein]

Hello all! I just bought me a Marline model 60 from the Wally World here in town. From what I've read in the manual and online in catalogs and other places, this gun is supposed to take 14+1 round of .22 LR. Problem is, my gun will comfortably accept 15+1 rounds of standard-length plain jane Remington lead round nose .22 LR cartridges, accepting 15 round in the tube at once. The only problem with this is the tip of the last loaded cartridge is visible in the loading slot, and when putting the follower tube back into the magazine may tip out of the slot and cause the tube to jam. This is simply remedied by placing a finger in front of the tube to keep that round from tipping out, but otherwise the tube will close and lock into place just fine, and a round can be racked into the chamber equally well.

So I'm just wondering if I should not load 15 rounds into the tube, even though it seems to work just fine. Will this damage my new gun? Thanks!

PS: I really like this new Marlin. I bought it a few days ago for $167 before tax. It's fed everything very well and is accurate. I wouldn't pass this "Wal-Mart special" up if you are interested in one.

 

[peacemaker45]

I'm pretty sure they'll hold even more than that, if you drop them in from the top, instead of the slot. I forget how many, but 16-18 sounds right, before the tube won't lock. You might accelerate the spring wear a bit, but I doubt you'll get damage. I never have.

Note, this pertains to one built circa the mid nineties, not yesterday. specs may have changed.

 

[ewrski]

Older Model 60's held 18. Newer ones only 14. Mine, luckily is an older one.. I sure do love that gun.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Apparently not necessarily! My brand new one I bought from the Wal-Mart the other day sure will hold 15 just fine in the tube.

 

[hentown]

Is this a trick thread? First question on Otis Quick-Scoring I.Q. Test, or what?

 

[handyman163]

It will depend whether the bolt is locked back or not. Dropping the bolt before loading the tube (on an empty chamber of course) will let you put 15 in the tube no trouble or need to hold it from popping out. I've never tried to max mine out beyond that though. 14 in the tube with the bolt back and just the bullet showing, 15 with the bolt closed and a little more showing.

 

[Furncliff]

Try one of these, very handy...http://www.cabelas.com/product/Spee-D-Loader/740381.uts

 

[Elkins45]

Mine held 17. I guess it still does, but since some ba*&^% stole it 20 years ago I don't really know for sure.