Why are rimfire lever actions always front loading?

[Orient Express]

I'm wondering there are no rimfire lever actions with a side loading gate like their centrefire cousins? Does it have to do with the rimfire cartridge or is it traditional?

[JP Remington]

Maybe because it's a heeled projectile and any sideways pressure will push it out of alignment, it's better to drop in a tube, or push against the rim for magazine feed.

Could also be due to size, not sure how easy it would be trying to feed those slippery little suckers into a side loading gate.

 Reddit has a few threads.

Good question 

Edited December 8, 2024 by JP Remington
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[Rye Miles #13621]

1 hour ago, Orient Express said:

I'm wondering there are no rimfire lever actions with a side loading gate like their centrefire cousins? Does it have to do with the rimfire cartridge or is it traditional?

Always wondered that myself! 🧐

[Chickasaw Bill SASS #70001]

I have to agree with JP Remington , feeding through a side gate , would be a real pain 

 

 I would also add , I think the heeled bullet would be prone to deformation when loading 

 

  CB 

[Widder, SASS #59054]

IMHO:

"Simplicity of Design".    Much, much easier to tube feed.

 

Another question that might answer the original question:   'Why do you think HENRY originally made their centerfire pistol caliber

rifles with NO loading gate?

Answer: simplicity of design.     Everybody complained about the NO GATE function and Henry complied with a gate.

 

Why do you suppose MARLIN made their .32 H&R magnum 1894 model with NO GATE?

 

If I were to design a good, reliable lever rifle today, I would seriously consider the NO GATE design.

 

..........Widder

 

 

 

[Rye Miles #13621]

25 minutes ago, Widder, SASS #59054 said:

IMHO:

"Simplicity of Design".    Much, much easier to tube feed.

 

Another question that might answer the original question:   'Why do you think HENRY originally made their centerfire pistol caliber

rifles with NO loading gate?

Answer: simplicity of design.     Everybody complained about the NO GATE function and Henry complied with a gate.

 

Why do you suppose MARLIN made their .32 H&R magnum 1894 model with NO GATE?

 

If I were to design a good, reliable lever rifle today, I would seriously consider the NO GATE design.

 

..........Widder

 

 

 

Henry’s lever action was a .44 Rimfire as was the 1866. The 73 was the first with a centerfire round. The .44 Rimfire is kind like a big fat .22 😂😂😂

[Warden Callaway]

I seem to recall very early Marlin rimfire lever actions had a side loading port. I'm too lazy to look it up. I visited with an old gunsmith that had a Marlin 39 that someone had tried to convert to gate loading.  It had a rectangular hole milled into the side. He just planted to glue a medallion over the hole. 

[Widder, SASS #59054]

Your correct RYE.

I should have clarified my usage of 'HENRY' was in reference to the Henry gun maker of our Henry rifles today.

 

..........Widder

[bgavin]

I appreciate the newer Henry models that have both front and side loading.
Makes 'em easier to unload.

[Rye Miles #13621]

1 hour ago, Widder, SASS #59054 said:

Your correct RYE.

I should have clarified my usage of 'HENRY' was in reference to the Henry gun maker of our Henry rifles today.

 

..........Widder

No problem.

[Capt. James H. Callahan]

6 hours ago, Widder, SASS #59054 said:

IMHO:

"Simplicity of Design".    Much, much easier to tube feed.

 

Another question that might answer the original question:   'Why do you think HENRY originally made their centerfire pistol caliber

rifles with NO loading gate?

Answer: simplicity of design.     Everybody complained about the NO GATE function and Henry complied with a gate.

 

Why do you suppose MARLIN made their .32 H&R magnum 1894 model with NO GATE?

 

If I were to design a good, reliable lever rifle today, I would seriously consider the NO GATE design.

 

..........Widder

 

 

 

That would be my guess. Sticking .22 shells through a side feed sounds like a royal PITA,

JHC

[Blackwater 53393]

It’s hard enough shoving them little .38s and .32s in through a loading gate that’s usually sprung pretty stiff, ‘specially with big ol’ arthritic fingers!!

 

Now you want ta’ have us old coots trying to fiddle with them tiny little .22LRs??

 

Yer a sick individual, you are!! 🙄🥴

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

Ever heard of KISS ? 

[Burt Blade, #25657]

2 hours ago, The Original Lumpy Gritz said:

Ever heard of KISS ? 

 

I prefer Metallica.

 

[Injun Ryder, SASS #36201L]

This one loads from the rear!

 

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

1 hour ago, Burt Blade, #25657 said:

 

I prefer Metallica.

 

I get a real charge out of AC/DC