1894 CSBL mag loading problems

I picked up a Marlin 1894 CSBL. It's got a problem. Once I manage to get shells in the magazine, it cycles very well, but getting shells into the magazine is a problem. Feels like there's some serious roughness keeping either the plunger or the case rims from feeding farther up into the magazine.

Anyone run into this? Any guesses?

Does the follower stick? Had a Marlin with a defective mag tube. The follower would bind up in one spot and would not advance or push the cartridges back. Marlin sent all parts needed at no cost.

I don't think it is sticking, it feels like it is hitting something immovable that I have to jiggle things around to get past. It's got a 6 shot mag. Sometimes I get 2 in before problems start, sometimes 3. The shell which won't load hangs up such that the front of the loading gate is about mid cartridge. It's like hitting a wall, not something dragging. I've been able to add another shell or two by dropping out that cartridge which won't finish going into the magazine, then pushing my little finger up there and moving the base of the nearest case around a bit but I have not been able to fully load the magazine with 6 shells yet.

What I've found.....things to look for....All screws tight ?

Gate screw tight ? Magazine follower dirty/cruddy ?

Elevator/carrier condition ? Lever will wear a notch on under side

Totally disassembly & cleaning is an option..including mag tube

Link...RPP in TX sells good after market Marlin upgrades

http://marauder.homestead.com/files/TUNING_M_1894.htm

https://www.rangerpointstore.com/categories/marlin-firearms-parts.html

It should not be a problem with fouling or wear ... it's a brand new gun, I haven't fired it yet. The external screws, at least, are tight.

When I have time, I'll tear it apart and see if I can identify a problem. It'll be a few weeks.

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Had that issue on several Marlins. The rim of the case is probably catching on the end of the mag. tube. Taper the inside of the mag tube with a grinder or file, thin it down to about 25 % of original and smooth any sharp edges.

Thanks. That's exactly the sort of thing it feels like and the "timing" and jiggling of stuff to get past it fit pretty well.

Tom