Does the Marlin Model 60 Take a Magazine?
If you own a Marlin Model 60 and you're shopping for a magazine, here's the short version: your rifle doesn't take one. The Model 60 is tube-fed — it loads through a tube under the barrel, not a detachable box magazine. This guide explains why, what to do if it isn't feeding, and which Marlins do take a magazine (in case yours isn't actually a 60).
Quick answer
The Marlin Model 60 is tube-fed — there is no detachable box magazine to buy. It holds around 14 rounds in a tube under the barrel (older models hold more). If your Marlin uses a removable magazine, it's most likely a 795 or a Model 70-series, which take the 71900 / 71901 magazine.
Why the Model 60 doesn't use a magazine
The Marlin Model 60 is one of the best-selling .22 rifles ever made, and it was designed around a tubular magazine — a long tube that runs under the barrel. You load rounds in through the front of the tube, and a spring-loaded follower pushes them back toward the action. Because the "magazine" is built into the rifle, there's nothing to detach, replace, or buy separately. Modern Model 60s hold about 14 rounds this way; earlier versions held more.
"But my Marlin takes a magazine…"
This is where the confusion usually comes from — Marlin built several .22 rifles that look similar to the Model 60 but do feed from a detachable box magazine. If your rifle drops a magazine out of the bottom, it isn't a Model 60. The most common ones are:
- Marlin 795 — the semi-auto that looks a lot like a Model 60 but takes a 7-round box magazine. See what magazine fits a Marlin 795.
- Model 70-series (70, 70P Papoose, 70HC) and later bolt-actions like the 880 and 925 — all take the 71900 / 71901 magazine.
Check the model number stamped on the barrel. If it reads 795, 70, 880, 925, or similar, our Marlin Magazine Guide will point you to the right one.
If your Model 60 won't feed
Since there's no box magazine to swap, a Model 60 that isn't feeding is almost never a "magazine" problem in the parts sense. Feeding trouble on a 60 usually traces to the tube, the follower, or the feed throat — not something you fix by buying a detachable magazine. Clean the tube, check the follower moves freely, and inspect the feed throat before looking further.
Key takeaways
- The Marlin Model 60 is tube-fed — no detachable magazine exists for it.
- It holds ~14 rounds in the tube (older models more).
- If your Marlin takes a box magazine, it's likely a 795 or 70-series — those use the 71900 / 71901.
- Feeding issues on a 60 come from the tube/follower, not a replaceable mag.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Marlin Model 60 use a detachable magazine?
No. The Model 60 is tube-fed and has no removable box magazine. You load it through the tube under the barrel.
How many rounds does a Marlin Model 60 hold?
Modern Model 60s hold about 14 rounds in the tube. Older versions held more, up to around 17 or 18.
My Marlin takes a magazine — is it a Model 60?
No. If your rifle feeds from a detachable box magazine, it's most likely a Marlin 795 or a 70-series rifle, which use the 71900 or 71901 magazine — not a Model 60.
My Model 60 won't feed — do I need a new magazine?
There's no box magazine to replace on a Model 60. Feeding problems usually come from the tube, follower, or feed throat, so start by cleaning and inspecting those.
Own a Marlin that does take a magazine?
If your rifle uses a detachable magazine, find the right one in our Marlin Magazine Guide, or browse every Marlin magazine we make.
About the author. Rob Haversat is the founder of American Rifle Magazines in Naugatuck, Connecticut, which manufactures OEM-pattern replacement magazines for Marlin and Remington rifles in the USA.