Replacing 1893 Magazine Tube

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thomasrodco
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Replacing 1893 Magazine Tube

Post by thomasrodco »

I just ordered a full length magazine tube and spring from Numrich to replace the original shortened tube on my model 1893, 38-55.
The dovetail stud that I assume is original, is currently in a dovetail that was cut at a later point to accommodate the short tube.
I've never removed one before, and just wanted to ask the question in case there is anything special I need to know?
I assume I need to drift the stud out with a brass punch, from left to right?
Also, I the replacement spring I ordered from Numrich did not indicate the length on it. Will that need to be cut for a full length 26" tube?
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marlinman93
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Re: Replacing 1893 Magazine Tube

Post by marlinman93 »

The drill goes this way.
1-Remove forearm cap screws, and slide the cap forward.
2-Remove single screw holding mag tube to dovetailed stud.
3-With a finger over the end plug, lower tube and forearm as an assembly down off the stud until it clears. Then pull the assembly forward until it's free.
4-Reassemble reverse of this

Have no idea what length spring Numrich will sell, or if it will be correct or not. They're hit and miss on getting things right. The spring should be much longer than the tube, by probably 4" or so to preload the magazine.
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
thomasrodco
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Re: Replacing 1893 Magazine Tube

Post by thomasrodco »

Thanks, but I already know how to remove the magazine tube. What I need to know how to do is move the dovetail stud from its current position to the original position at the end of the barrel. I do appreciate you responding though!
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marlinman93
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Re: Replacing 1893 Magazine Tube

Post by marlinman93 »

Simply tap the stud out of the dovetail from left to right.
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
thomasrodco
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Re: Replacing 1893 Magazine Tube

Post by thomasrodco »

Great, I was hoping that was the case.
And, left to right is with the barrel face up, standing behind it, correct?
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marlinman93
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Re: Replacing 1893 Magazine Tube

Post by marlinman93 »

Lay on your side, with the gun behind your head, and barrel pointing down. ;)
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
thomasrodco
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Re: Replacing 1893 Magazine Tube

Post by thomasrodco »

Well, the mag tube and spring came, and unfortunately they are both not the same as the original.
The tube is supposed to be a replacement for a 1893, and the spring for .38-55 but the holes that are pre-drilled in the tube for the dovetail stud are not the correct size, and the spring is noticeably smaller in diameter than my original spring, so both are going back to Numrich.
Does anyone know of another source for a 26" tube and spring for a .38-55?
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marlinman93
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Re: Replacing 1893 Magazine Tube

Post by marlinman93 »

Try Randy Redman for tubes. He owns Redmans Liners, and he might also be able to tell you where to buy a correct spring. Any spring listed for a 26" tube Marlin or Winchester in .30-30,.32-40, .32 Win., or .38-55 will be correct. You might need to buy blank tube and drill the proper size hole at the correct spot though.
If he doesn't have what you need, then contact Larry Osborn at marlingunscrews@gmail.com 208-651-6300
Larry might have a nice used tube and spring, or know where to send you for one. Tell him Vall sent you.
Marlin lever actions 1870's-WWI, Ballards, and single shot rifles!
thomasrodco
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Re: Replacing 1893 Magazine Tube

Post by thomasrodco »

Thank you very much Vall. The spring was indeed listed by Numrich as a replacement for 38-55, 30-30, etc.. and it may work, but it just isn't as large a diameter as the original is.
I was really hoping the pre-drilled post holes on the tube would work so I wouldn't have to drill myself..
I'll start with Redman and hopefully he will have stuff that will work.
Much appreciated,
Steve
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