[Kentucky Rifle]

I picked up some fired empties from my new 1894C and they had light horizontal scratches on them. I reckon this is normal~~right?

KR

[Mike Irwin]

Light scrapes are normal.

Anything that displaces metal to the point where you can sink your fingernail into the furrow is too much.

[Kentucky Rifle]

Just little scratches. I've gotta hold them up to the light to even see them. However, I can put my thumbnail in the rim where the extractor grabbed the empty. I expect this to go away as the rifle gets older and more used. Man, I like Marlins! I've been out to my gun shop looking at those .410 lever action shotguns. What can I say? I'm a weak man where fine firearms are concerned. (I've also peeked at those 30/30's.)

KR

[Mike Irwin]

"I can put my thumbnail in the rim where the extractor grabbed the empty."

Yeah, that's the extractor groove. That's normal. Take a look at a factory-fresh case and you'll see what I mean.

[Kentucky Rifle]

Naw Mike,
I'm talking about something else. The Rim on the botton of the case in getting grabbed pretty hard by the extractor. Just imagine where the extractor "grabs" and you'll have it. I know from experience that as the extractor wears in a little, it gets "not as sharp" and the place where it grabs the empty will remain smooth.

KR

[Mike Irwin]

Ah, OK, got you, KR. That's usually not a problem, as that section of the case doesn't take any pressure from the powder combustion.

[Kentucky Rifle]

I absolutely LOVE this .357 mag carbine!
No recoil to speak of and just a "hoot to shoot". This is a rifle that will last a LOOOoooooonnnnngggg time. :) I could boast about the walnut stock and the deep blue metal all day long. Plus, I can clean the rifle in five minutes. I bet I could do it blind-folded. And it's a real pleasure to be able to see the front sight WITHOUT my glasses.

KR