Short Tube Magazines

[MI2600]

I recently acquired a 38-40 '92 Winchester with a button magazine. Other than owner desire, is there any real rationale for a short tube?

 

[Ethan Verity]

My guess is reducing weight. 3+1 is fine for a deer rifle, so no need for the added mag tube weight and rounds out front.

 

[jar]

There can also be physical limitations, for example my Remington 241 and my Mossberg 251C have the magazines in the stock rather than under the barrel. The length of the usable tube is limited by the length of the stock.

 

[BigBlue 94]

I recently acquired a 38-40 '92 Winchester with a button magazine. Other than owner desire, is there any real rationale for a short tube?

Pick up a 30" barreled 1873 with a full length mag tube with 17+1 rounds of 32-20. Then you will know why lol! Sucker gets heavy quick.

A short mag tube also slides into a scabbard easier and the tube has less chance of getting damaged.

 

[jmr40]

Reduced weight and better balance.