Marlin 1894C...

[Kentucky Rifle]

Took the 1894 out again yesterday. I've gotta say it. This is ONE rifle that is just getting better & better.
When I first got it, I thought that it should be a little "smoother". However, after I've had it out a few times, it's smoothed out and is truly smooth as glass. When I got home, I field stripped and cleaned in less than 15 minutes. AND, it wouldn't even have taken 15 minutes if I hadn't stopped to admire this & that. Several years ago, I went shooting with a guy who turned to me and said, "Marlins are the best"! He was right. I've kinda settled on the Gold Dot 170gr "GDSP" as the .357 I like the best. Although to the Marlin, ANY load (that I've tried) is just fine.

KR

 

[NeverAgain26]

K.R.,

I have the 1894SS in 44 Mag. I was wondering, do you notice any difference in accuracy when the barrel heats up?

NA26

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

NA...

Nope.
Maybe SS makes a difference???

KR

 

[NeverAgain26]

KR,
I don't see why. Steel is steel and finish should not make much of a difference, I think. The only reason I am asking is I saw something on this over on the Marlintalk forum and wondered what your experience might be.

I initially had some good groups but then they spread out. Could be my eyes (got a scope and will shoot it next week) or could be this is my first rifle and I am still working on form and shooting skills with long guns.

While I am doing that, I was interested in the effect of the barrel heating up and whether that's something affecting group size in this gun. If it's part of it, I will know and not drive myself crazy thinking it's only my shooting skills (or lack thereof) .

Thanks for your input in any case. I do love the gun.

NA26

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

NA...

I've got a REAL bad back. I get tired fast just because I've got to use up so much "brain power" just to maintain an upright position. If I get just a little tired, my groups open up *dramatically.

KR

 

[farscott]

Steel is steel and finish should not make much of a difference

I disagree with this. Different steels are affected by heat in different manners, and dissipate that heat at different rates. There can be a vast difference in material specifications between steels, especially since stainless steel is such a fuzzy nomenclature (usually deals with the amount of chromium in the alloy). I am aware of at least one stainless versus carbon steel issue in handguns, namely in early S&W stainless steel revolvers. S&W had to redesign since the stainless steel handled heating differently than the carbon steels that they had sucessfully used for many years.

Since Marlin does not have a lot of experience with centerfire rounds and stainless steel, it is possible (not probable) that there is an issue related to barrel temperature. It is also possible there is a machining issue, although I think those issues are long in the past.

 

[OH25shooter]

Kentucky Rifle,

You are right. What a neat rifle. I hope you've got a Ruger Blackhawk 38/357 to match.