The Evolution of the Marlin 71903 Series Magazines

The Marlin 71903 series magazines have been a staple in the firearms community since their introduction in the 1940s. For decades, these magazines have served as a reliable companion to countless Marlin rifle owners, proving their durability and functionality through generations of use. Although production ceased in the early 2000s, the legacy of the 71903 series lives on through its influence and the innovations that have followed.

A Timeless Design

One of the most remarkable aspects of the 71903 series is its timeless design. The way the magazine clips into the rifle has remained unchanged since the 1940s. This consistency is a testament to the effectiveness of its original engineering. While the external appearance of the magazine has evolved over the years—transitioning from an all-metal design with a metal follower to the now-iconic black body with an orange follower—its core functionality has stayed true to its roots.

A New Era for Marlin Magazines with American Rifle Magazines

American Rifle Magazines has had the original tooling for these iconic magazines for a long time, which presented an exciting opportunity to innovate while honoring the legacy of the original design. Recognizing the potential to enhance the functionality of these magazines for modern users, we introduced two extended versions:

• Marlin 556-XT15 15-round magazine: A higher-capacity option for those seeking fewer reloads during use.

• Marlin 556-XT10 10-round pinned magazine: Designed to hold exactly 10 rounds, catering to users in regions with magazine capacity restrictions.

These extended versions have expanded the usability of the 7-round magazines, allowing rifle owners to adapt to different shooting scenarios and regulations.

Solving Feeding Issues With the Clip Rite

Many rifles that use the 71903 magazines have undergone significant modifications over the years as they’ve passed through the gun market. From barrels swapped to stocks being replaced, these changes can sometimes lead to feeding problems. Recognizing this challenge, American Rifle Magazines developed the Clip Rite as a solution.

The Clip Rite is a small piece of spring steel with a precise curve that attaches to the bottom of the magazine well. Its purpose is simple but crucial: to eliminate feeding issues that might arise when using extended magazines in modified rifles. This addition ensures that even those modified firearms can enjoy smooth and reliable performance with our Marlin magazines.

A Legacy Reinvented

Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or a new owner of a modified Marlin rifle, our high-capacity magazines—and the advancements introduced by American Rifle Magazines—continue to uphold the reliability and performance that have made Marlin a beloved choice for decades.

Be sure to check out our YouTube video to see our Marlin 556-XT15 and Marlin 556-XT10 for yourself!