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Side Gate vs Tube Feed

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BigAl52
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Re: Side Gate vs Tube Feed

Post by BigAl52 » Tue Oct 22, 2019 4:35 pm

My observation wasnt a condemnation of closed tube guns if it was taken that way. Mine was a comment about the convenience of the removable tube. Especially in a situation where you are in an out of a vehicle and a loading and unloading more frequently than you would be in a target shooting situation. Most of the comments I have read from other forums are crititcal of Henry for not offering a loading gate before now.
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Re: Side Gate vs Tube Feed

Post by Mistered » Tue Oct 22, 2019 4:53 pm

My observation wasnt a condemnation of closed tube guns if it was taken that way.
Nope - not at all.
I was responding to GFK as it was.
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Re: Side Gate vs Tube Feed

Post by jstraw » Tue Oct 22, 2019 7:49 pm

I like the tube fed Henrys just fine. I also have 40+ Years of side gate experience with Marlins. I like that fine too for long slender .30-30 rounds. Gets a little tougher with the pistol cartridges to me. I also grew to appreciate the side button safety. Safer unloads is comforting. I will say that if you ever had a Marlin side gate screw work loose they can lock your gun up real quick. I learned to keep them tight. Thankful for my old Marlins quality as well as the quality on my newer Henrys. Guess I am quite partial to lever guns in general.
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Re: Side Gate vs Tube Feed

Post by GFK » Tue Oct 22, 2019 9:59 pm

jstraw wrote:
Tue Oct 22, 2019 7:49 pm
I will say that if you ever had a Marlin side gate screw work loose they can lock your gun up real quick. I learned to keep them tight.
That is what prompt me to get another 30-30. The screw of the load gate on my Marlin broke. So, I went looking for a backup rifle. Wanted a Marlin 336C. But, saw a Henry H009 in a cabinet. The wood finish caught my eye. I quit looking for a 336C and bought the H009 instead. And, I am pleased with my purchase. The finish is nice. Yet, I do like the style of my Marlin (traditional). At any rate, both are keepers.
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Re: Side Gate vs Tube Feed

Post by Mags » Tue Oct 22, 2019 10:41 pm

.
Was the H009B wood and shinny brass that caught my eye when I bought mine!
GFK wrote:
Tue Oct 22, 2019 9:59 pm
... The wood finish caught my eye. I quit looking for a 336C and bought the H009 instead. And, I am pleased with my purchase. The finish is nice. Yet, I do like the style of my Marlin (traditional). At any rate, both are keepers.
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Re: Side Gate vs Tube Feed

Post by kamml » Sun Dec 15, 2019 10:34 am

I bought my first Marlin sometime in the 1980s. It was a used Glenfield 30-30. Its light weight, easy carry and great utility was great. I took 2 or 3 deer with it and sold it to a friend. It was a fine rifle and accurate too. I bought my 2nd Marlin in the early 90's, it was a 336 in Rem35 , a DRT killer, and a great shooter. I followed that one up with a Marlin 444 about 2001. Then the Remlin period began and I lost interest any more Marlins. I recently bought a Long Ranger and I am impressed. With the demise of Marlin and its Remlin quality problems I will buy Henry again over Marlin for sure.
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Re: Side Gate vs Tube Feed

Post by JEBar » Sun Dec 15, 2019 10:50 am

good to hear (but no surprise whatsoever) that your Long Ranger is performing well
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Re: Side Gate vs Tube Feed

Post by Mistered » Sun Dec 15, 2019 11:21 am

No doubt Marlin fell hard but reports are 'some' are performing well with nice fit and finish but it still seems hit and miss.
Recently I looked at a new Marlin, kind of a fancy model with engraving and some gold inlays and I was quite impressed - not interested in it but I just wanted to see one for myself up close.
I'll no doubt own another Marlin - don't know exactly what - but it will be a pre safety JM - unless a Winchester 'legacy' happens to cross my path first!
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Re: Side Gate vs Tube Feed

Post by Pitchman1968 » Wed Feb 12, 2020 11:47 am

Like many who have replied, the tube feed vs. loading gate is a non-issue for me. In my opinion, the more important factors are reliable feeding and consistent accuracy. My Henry's out perform my Marlins on both factors.

However, in my subjective yet humble opinion, really old Savage Model 99 lever guns (circa 1900 -1937) are the best lever action rifles ever produced.
As you know, the 99's load from the top similar to a bolt action rifle, and rounds load easily into its rotary magazine... no pinched fingers, broken nails, etc. Their actions which are the strongest of any lever gun, are smooth as silk, and cycle flawlessly. The 99's only blemish is that after about 1,500 rounds some stocks show hair line cracks in the tang area, although mine which is in the .303 Savage caliber and has been in our family for 118 years and has at least 2,000 rounds through it, has no tang area cracks. Savages, even the old ones, are known for incredible "out of the box" accuracy. With iron sights and 77 year old eyes, the 99 and I shoot 5" groups at 75 yds. from the bench. My 17 year old grandson shoots 2-3' groups with the "Old Girl".
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Re: Side Gate vs Tube Feed

Post by RanchRoper » Wed Feb 12, 2020 10:26 pm

I can get 12 rounds into my 1860 pretty quick if I have to, and get them out even quicker as long as I don't mind a red hot barrel ;) ....but I can also see how having that PEZ dispenser in the side of the receiver would be handy too. Never know when you might need a candy.
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