I read that lever action rifles with barrel bands are inherently less accurate than those that don't have them. Supposedly the barrel bands put pressure on the barrel and causes a change in point of impact. Has anyone experienced this? Wouldn't attaching the magazine tube with dovetails produce similar pressure?

Seems to me that using barrel bands to attach the magazine tube would be more secure. Marlin has sold a boatload of the guide guns though, and I've seen no complaints. There are a lot of the older 336A's and Sporting Carbines (SC) out there too.

Yes, magazine tubes and barrel bands affect accuracy, some more than others. Pull your bands and look to see if your magazine tube rests at a 15 or 20 deg. downward angle some do and are in tension when the bands are installed. You may need to pull your forend to see this clearly. With the forend off push the magazine tube up to see how much pressure is required to raise the tube to the position it is held by the bands.

If you have shot your rifle for accuracy from the bench and have a good load for your rifle, pull the bands and magazine tube. Reinstall your forend and the band - without the screw. Shoot a few groups this way and see how your rifle groups the same load.

If you are using the issue open sights and front sight this is all a waste of time. With good sights you will see a difference.

Anything that hangs or applies pressure on a barrel has an effect on accuracy. Best we can do is to make that pressure as little as possible and still have the parts perform their function and to have that pressure applied as evenly as possible. Those barrel bands, cross pins, and dovetail hangers have the most effect when the barrel heats but finds itself unable to expand evenly.

To be of any use, the band has to apply some pressure (if not, recoil would move it)....just part of the design, heating isn't such a big deal in hunting...usually just bugs you during long practice sessions.

I wouldn't say you could draw firm conclusions one way or the other. My 336 shoots from 1/2 to 2 MOA depending on ammo & has barrel bands; my 1894 / .45 Colt is about 2 MOA at best, without barrel bands.

I have always wondered about this topic. I read some posts of fellows that loosen their barrel bands or make them real tight.

Seems it would be like taking a bolt rifle out of the stock. You might have to adjust your scope or sights afterward. My lever rifles are bad about screws working loose but I've never run into that with the barrel band.

Bill