I have the 16" 44mag Marlin 1894P lever rifle, and I like everything about it but the ports.

I designed a steel sleeve (with a tapered bore and a 1/16" wall thickness) that would fit over the barrel to cover the ports. It would be held in place by the two screws that now hold the front sight. It would be cut away for the magazine tube. I still have to figure out a new front sight.

But I have not done any of this work yet because it's getting too complicated.

Does anyone see an easier way to cover these ports? Thanks. adk
---------------------------------------

How about just tapping the ports and using plug screws? My model 41 short is done that way for rapid fire. Just make sure nothing protrudes inside the bore.

Lee L.

Sounds like a good idea if you can secure it sufficiently - 2 screws don't sound like enough to me. You're gonna be blocking off some pressure, so maybe 4 screws installed as M1984 suggests?

Again, be sure nothing protrudes into the bore.

I thought about tapping the holes to plug them with screws, but couldn't figure out how I'd remove the burrs the tap would raise inside the barrel.

As for the sleeve, after its ID is bored or reamed to the barrel taper and you mill 1/3 of it away for the magazine tube, it would be a springy part that you could even close down a bit so it will grip the barrel when you drive it on to its right position. The screws in the sight holes would just keep it from sliding back off, or from sliding aft.

But this sleeve will not make the barrel equal to one that has no ports at all, since some ports will probably be covered tighter than others, and there are still the holes that the bullet has to pass by.

So, is accuracy affected when even a little gas can be pushed out a few holes on the right side, but none on the left - for example?

(I think back to when a guy told me that no matter what I do to these ports, it will be wrong.)

I even bought a Trapper to replace the Marlin, but found that I can't work the Trapper's action as well, especially prone, or in awkward positions. Maybe it will loosen up?

Any ideas will be much appreciated. Thanks. adk

-------------------------------

I think I would go with M1894 on this one. I would use a bottom tap and be absolutely sure I did not go through into the bore. I would use some red Loctite to hold the screws in place.
If the screws are too long, I would take them back out and grind lthe excess off the bottom.
Just put the Loctite on, run them in flush, and let them set for 24 hours....

I once tried to NO AVAIL, blocking the ports on a Mag Na Ported 7mm magnum rifle. The pressure just blew away the material we used at the time. We tried this several times but it just can't be done without screwing up the looks of the barrel on the rifle. Your much better off to just rebarrel the rifle without the ports.

Thanks for the input. I appreciate it. I think I'll give up on blocking these ports and research a new gun. I keep hearing about the excellent action in the Winchester 92, so I'm going to take a look at it. adk

Thanks for the input. I appreciate it. I think I'll give up on blocking these ports and research a new gun. I keep hearing about the excellent action in the Winchester 92, so I'm going to take a look at it. adk

You can always rebarrel the rifle at a much cheaper cost perhaps than trying to trade the gun. Now of course if there is something you would rather have the looks better in your eyes, so be it and good luck to you.