Hi, all -
After finally convincing the missus that civilization itself would collapse if I didn't finally buy a Model 94, I have one at last, in the .357 caliber.

Here's my question - the manual states to place each cartridge into the loading gate up to the rim, then push it in with the tip of the next cartridge.

Well, fine. But my first cartridges didn't want to stop at the rim - they snuggled right into the magazine. I figured out a routine for holding them against the gate with one finger while I pushed the cartridge behind them with the other, but I reckon that wasn't an optimum methodology when the bad guys were shooting at you.

Is there a trick to this? Do things differ once the loading gate gets to know you and is comfortable in your presence? Or am I just an all-out klutz?

Thanks.

Hi, all -
After finally convincing the missus that civilization itself would collapse if I didn't finally buy a Model 94, I have one at last, in the .357 caliber.

Here's my question - the manual states to place each cartridge into the loading gate up to the rim, then push it in with the tip of the next cartridge.

Well, fine. But my first cartridges didn't want to stop at the rim - they snuggled right into the magazine. I figured out a routine for holding them against the gate with one finger while I pushed the cartridge behind them with the other, but I reckon that wasn't an optimum methodology when the bad guys were shooting at you.

Is there a trick to this? Do things differ once the loading gate gets to know you and is comfortable in your presence? Or am I just an all-out klutz?

Thanks.

Are you able to continue loading until full after the first round goes all the way in? If so, don't complain! :D Often once one cartridge is all the way in you will not be able to force the loading gate open for another. Many folks find this irritating, and will stone the back edge of the gate just a hair to ease loading. If your's loads OK in the manner you describe, it's nothing to fret over.

Are you able to continue loading until full after the first round goes all the way in? If so, don't complain! :D Often once one cartridge is all the way in you will not be able to force the loading gate open for another. Many folks find this irritating, and will stone the back edge of the gate just a hair to ease loading. If your's loads OK in the manner you describe, it's nothing to fret over.
That's exactly what happens. Once the gate is closed, it puts up a "Do Not Enter" sign on the loading gate, folds its arms, and says "You loaded one? Well, dammit, shoot one."

If I was John Wayne it wouldn't talk to me like that.

--VF

Ah, well... you're just a klutz, then. ;) Seriously, not wanting to alter my 94 in any way, it took me a while to develop the "technique" needed to load as instructed in the manual. The hang of it will come to you sooner or later (later, in my case!).

I usually just push them half way in and let the next cartridge push the second half. Some day I'll do the mod so it isn't necessary. . . I've got a really long list of "some-day" items.

I usually just push them half way in and let the next cartridge push the second half. Some day I'll do the mod so it isn't necessary. . . I've got a really long list of "some-day" items.
Interesting - now that I've put about 200 rounds though it, it loads as advertised. Another lesson in the Virtues of Patience.

After about 500 rounds my Win Trapper .45 Colt started accepting rounds when the magasine was part loaded and gate had closed.

Action just gets slicker, maybe the trigger is even getting a bit lighter.

Bob

After about 500 rounds my Win Trapper .45 Colt started accepting rounds when the magasine was part loaded and gate had closed.

Action just gets slicker, maybe the trigger is even getting a bit lighter.

Bob
Just like the rest of us, Bob. The older we get, the slicker we get....

-- VF