Marlin bore size

Mike Faires · Post by **Mike Faires** » Mon May 16, 2005 12:48 pm

There is an on going rumor that the bores on some of the older Marlins (1889/1894) are oversized. The rumors appear to be primarily about the 1889 38-40's and 44-40's. Is there any validity to this? If so what is the prevelance of this overbore? What is the fix?

Sure-Shot · Post by **Sure-Shot** » Mon May 16, 2005 1:11 pm

There is no fix needed other than using a lead content high enough to bump up to the bore size when you shoot or make your own at 001-003 over size bullet. Since these rifles go back to black powder days this was very common. I have 9 or 10 1893's and never had any problem with the factory loads or my reloads. If you shoot softer lead and don't gas check them expect to do some extra cleaning or have resulting poor results from the leading.