Marlin 781 tube magazine

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  • Knuckleduster

    Plinker
    Rating - 100%
    5   0   0
    Feb 25, 2017
    96
    8
    Monroeville
    I picked up a really nice pre 1975 Marlin 781 bolt action .22 the other day at a swap meet. The walnut stock needed some finish attention and the magazine tube had surface rust but other than that it is a very nice little rifle. I removed the stock and within an hour I was waiting for the oil finish to dry, I removed the magazine tube to ready it for a cold bluing, I stripped the factory blue and put it in the lathe for a "quick" spin to polish it before birchwood casey went to work.. (this is where it hit the fan).. The dowel rod that I chucked up on and centered in the tailstock to support the mag tube decided that it would be happier if it were in 2 pieces which essentially ruined the outer tube by twisting and bending the action end. So after watching it all go south I tried (and failed) to straighten it. My question is: What other marlin .22 uses a 21 & 5/8-11/16" magazine tube? I don't know if the older model 81's would swap or not. I am having a BEAR of a time finding one to replace it.
     

    lrdudley

    Sharpshooter
    Rating - 100%
    1   0   0
    Oct 30, 2016
    484
    63
    Indianapolis
    The outer mag tube on my early 60's Model 81 measures 21 1/2" and the inner tube measures 21 1/4+'' not including the plunger. I'm on the southside of Indy if you would like to take a look at it to see if it is the same. And no, I am not going to part this gun out. I am the original owner.
     

    billybob44

    Master
    Site Supporter
    Rating - 100%
    383   0   0
    Sep 22, 2010
    3,426
    27
    In the Man Cave
    Been there-Done that...

    I KNOW the feeling of doing a MINOR clean/repair, and have it turn into a LARGE problem..HA. HA. HA...

    Sometimes I have to keep telling myself to KISS....Keep it SIMPLE Stupid...

    In your case (after the fact) kind of makes some 0000 Steel wool, and oil look pretty good???

    Now that I have made you feel better?? HA.., I have the same rifle in a .22 Magnum-The Marlin 783..You may? go that route for an outer mag tube, if you do not mind the slightly longer loading window on the tube..Bill.
     

    Knuckleduster

    Plinker
    Rating - 100%
    5   0   0
    Feb 25, 2017
    96
    8
    Monroeville
    I wondered about the 783 magnum tube too. If the mounting rings are in the same location, the larger opening wouldn't be a huge issue. I will look to see what I can find.
     

    Knuckleduster

    Plinker
    Rating - 100%
    5   0   0
    Feb 25, 2017
    96
    8
    Monroeville
    I don't know if that is a generic file pic that Numrich used or that is the actual photo. The one in the picture does not swedge down on the receiver end so it would not fit.
     
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