chicharrones
needs more ammo
But remember the magazine tube in an 1891/1892/39A comes back through the receiver to a point just behind the front of the ejection port that would be right at were the front edge of the side-gate is on an 1891.
View attachment 961829
You can see the end of the magazine plunger in this disassembled 39A. That would just about meet up with the front edge of the side gate in an 1891. I think even a 22 Short would have good support entering the tube. I believe the 1891 was rated for 22 Short, Long and Long Rifle though I can't confirm that.
Good point. I hadn't taken my 39 apart to look into that.
I want to say that I read something years ago that a heal crimped lead .22 bullet would deform or loosen in its case by going through a side gate. Not sure where that was, but I believe it was about the Marlin 1891 and 39.
Makes me think a .22 WMR cartridge with a jacketed bullet would transition through a side gate better.