Mag fed vs tube fed?

[johNTO]

The model 60 tube feed is LR only. I think because it's a semi.
The model 795 mag feed is LR only as well.
The XT-22 TR and TSR are tube feed bolt action, and will shoot 22 L/S/LR - I think you need the combination bolt action with tube feed to shoot all three. (some lever actions do I think as well)

I like both mag and tube fed rifles but in bolt-action. No issues cycling low power .22lr in either and my Marlin 981T (tube) will also cycle shorts.

 

[GLS_1956]

I'm going to side on with the Marlin group. My Model 60, blued with synthetic stock, hold 14 rounds in its tubular magazine. I've had it 7ish years and it took a few hundred rounds to get it broken in, that was about 2 to 3 hours at the range, after which feed, firing, and trigger pull all improved. Here is a hint, take a can of aerosol gun cleaner, or spray brake cleaner, and some gun oil with you when to go to the range. Spray the action follow that with just a bit of lube, fire a tube of shots, or two, and repeat the clean and lube. Keep doing this for 100 to 150 rounds, after which try going through several magazines worth of ammo. If the gun still has the hick-ups go back to clean and lube routine.

I will admit I wish that the rifle had not needed the breaking-in to the degree that it did, but hey it ran me less than $150US and for that I can spend $20US shooting and enjoying myself.

 

[Greg_S]

Depending on what you want to do with it. Where I used to live, most grouse hunting was done driving roads. When you saw a chicken, you got out, loaded and shot. A box mag is light-years ahead. Even a single shot is better. Also, if you shoot at a "formal" range, if and when you have to make the line safe. it is much easier with a mag or single shot. Just food for thought

I'm not saying the detachable mag is not handier, but with a bolt action tube feed like the XT22TR, you can always use it as a single shot, just load one in the chamber.
It's an option for those with a tube feed bolt.

 

[.22LRGUY]

Marlin 60 is a nice little tube fed semi-auto! Im just not a fan of anything made by Mossberg other then a 500 pump shotgun.

^this, both points.

However, after owning a handful of them, I'm pretty sure no new tube-fed guns will ever be added to my collection. I have a beautiful Taurus pump in the EE I'd been wanting for a very long time and finally bought when I found one..only to have it reaffirm how I feel about tube-fed guns. I think they're actually prettier than other kind and I've been SO close to getting a Marlin 60 on a number of occasions. Instead, I chose a 795 (actually, 2 of them) and that was that. I'm back down to 1 Marlin 795 and it will stay...but otherwise, it's bolt guns only for me.

I don't consider 10/22s to be a good option as long as Marlin 795s are being made. In my experience, better guns/more accurate without any upgrades...and depending where you look and the model, can cost 1/2 as much. Marlin sights are crappy, but these days...I only use scoped guns anyway.

 

[stampede]

You have to move up to something like a Remington Speedmaster 552. As far as I know this is the only semi auto that will feed long rifle, long and short (even mixed).

It is tube fed of course.

My experience has been that tube fed 22s feed more reliably than magazine ones.

 

[paul792]

I had the stainless model 60. It was a tack driver right out of the box and felt like a real rifle. I had a 10\22....yawn... I would have kept the marlin but my Henry lever and pump guns were the ones that always ended up coming out to play. If you want fun, get a lever gun.

 

[Papaclaude]

I'm not saying the detachable mag is not handier, but with a bolt action tube feed like the XT22TR, you can always use it as a single shot, just load one in the chamber.
It's an option for those with a tube feed bolt.

Haven't tried one in over 40 years, but doesn't the follower prevent you from doing that? Seems to me I tried with my Cooey (Mod. 60?) and a couple Marlin's, as well as an Ithaca 72, but I could be wrong. If so, I stand corrected.

 

[Greg_S]

Haven't tried one in over 40 years, but doesn't the follower prevent you from doing that? Seems to me I tried with my Cooey (Mod. 60?) and a couple Marlin's, as well as an Ithaca 72, but I could be wrong. If so, I stand corrected.

That's a Cooey design thing specifically I have read.
My XT22TR can do it. The manual even has a section:

"To Load the Chamber

With an empty magazine or for a single shot, place one cartridge of the correct caliber through the ejection port onto the feed ramp with the bullet pointed toward the muzzle (see pic 11)
Slide the bolt assembly fully forward, pushing the cartridge into the chamber.
Once the cartridge is chambered rotate the bolt handle fully downward locking the cartridge in the chamber"

It's one of the reasons I specifically chose the Marlin .vs. finding a used Cooey when looking for a tube mag bolt .22

 

[memaquay]

I've owned very many .22's including the Marlin 60, which I actually bought off EE a few years back. I've had cooeys, savages, rugers, lakefields and lately CZ's. I have to say, the first two rugers I had, Sporter model 10/22's were most excellent. The last 10/22 I bought is a piece of crap. My old Lakefield semi that I had as a kid was deadly if kept clean. My Ruger American rimfire bolt action is one of the most accurate rifles I have ever owned. The CZ I bought just lately is very good too. The Marlin was as good as the first two Rugers, but I just can't take that tube feed thing. I have several magazines for each of my other rimfires, and that sure is nice when you are shooting a lot of rounds in a day.

 

[mralberta]

You have to move up to something like a Remington Speedmaster 552. As far as I know this is the only semi auto that will feed long rifle, long and short (even mixed).

It is tube fed of course.

My experience has been that tube fed 22s feed more reliably than magazine ones.

I had one when I was a kid. Firing pin issues but a fantastic gun......loved it! Miss it.....