Marlin 60 magazine question

Question

hi i'm looking into getting a marlin 60 22lr for hunting but the magazine holds 14 rounds and the law in NH I believe is 5 rounds i can't find any marlin 60 less then 14 rounds so is there anywhere to limit the number of bullets that can be put into the magazine? also don't say just put 5 bullets in because fish and game would still see it as 14 rounds. also i've heard of somthing called spacers i'm not sure what they are but could someone give me a link to one if they find it thanks

Answer 1

The first thing you need to do is check fish and game laws.  As a general rule, fixed tubular magazines and rimfire rifles are generally exempted from  magazine limits.  See what your state says before you worry any more.

As for the spacer, I believe you can make your own without much trouble.

Cut a metal rod, small enough to fit within the magazine follower tube's spring, just a little bit shorter than nine times the length of a loaded .22 LR cartridge, , you can probably use the wire from a wire coathanger. Disassemble the magazine follower tube.  Insert the metal rod inside the spring, reassemble and you have a five shot Marlin M-60

Answer 2

If you reread that law you will probably see that it is worded for semi automatic centerfire rifles

Answer 3

Yes, a magazine "plug" could be made but it would take alittle knowledge and some care. If you are not experienced with any type of gunsmithing, I wouldnt attempt it. I am pretty certain a smith would do this.

It involves removing the knurled k**b from the magazine tube via the small cross pin. This takes some care. Then you could take the spring out and start with a small wooden dowel( say a quarter inch or less in diameter) but overly long.Put 5 .22 shells into the magazine, then replace tube with the follower and spring. You will have to keep cutting down the wooden rod to make it fit inside the magazine when it is re-assembled and only allows 5 shells into the magazine.

It could be measured first to get you into the ballpark and doesnt matter that it is exactly big enough for 5 shells. It could be a little over the length of 5 shells as long as no more can fit into the magazine. I dont know what a smith would charge or possibly you have a very competant friend that would do it . About the worst you cnan do is mess up the magazine tube and have to buy another. Many times, you can find used ones available as parts supply.

These guns are very common and they used to make a box magazine model but I dont recall how many shells fit that magazine.

It's too bad your state is so strict on something like this. Many shotguns will have the magazine plug in from the factory. It would be more unusual to get one without a plug.

Good luck on you project.

Answer 4

It's exempt.