I'm looking for some practical comparisons of the two different actions. I have skimmed through several threads on different forums. And those usually led off into rabbit trails (Remlins and whatnots).
I see many saying that the levers are just more fun to shoot. I get that. But for me, I like the bolt actions, and the levers are more of a nostalgia (The Rifleman).
I was looking back in early '12 for the 1894C, the LGS quoted me one for $625. But they couldn't locate one. (I think around that time was when the Marlin production ceased while they worked out the bugs.) And now, with production back up, they seem just as rare on the market.
Then I started giving serious consideration of the Henry Big Boy. Shot my brother-in-laws and it shouted quality. Only about $100 more than the 1894C.
But then I started checking, reading up, on the Ruger M77/357. The Ruger has very little, if any nostalgia value. But it seems to be more of a practical choice for me. From my readings I gather that the M77/357 is of good quality, though early on, there was reports of feed problems linked to the magazine.
I say practical for several different reasons;
*Easier to clear the weapon, drop magazine and disengage bolt.
*Safer and easier to check bore for any obstructions.
*Simpler to break down for deep clean.
*Less concern of the type of bullets loaded in the rotary compared to the tubular.
*Scope mounting integrated on the receiver.
Either way, the use for the rifle would be mainly for 50-150 yd. range on paper targets. And the 357 is because I have acquired much brass and bullets in this caliber. And it would be a companion to my Trooper.
If I have any obvious misconceptions, I'd like to hear them. As I have never handled the Ruger, only read what is on the web (Gotta be true, right ).
TIA, Kevin
I see many saying that the levers are just more fun to shoot. I get that. But for me, I like the bolt actions, and the levers are more of a nostalgia (The Rifleman).
I was looking back in early '12 for the 1894C, the LGS quoted me one for $625. But they couldn't locate one. (I think around that time was when the Marlin production ceased while they worked out the bugs.) And now, with production back up, they seem just as rare on the market.
Then I started giving serious consideration of the Henry Big Boy. Shot my brother-in-laws and it shouted quality. Only about $100 more than the 1894C.
But then I started checking, reading up, on the Ruger M77/357. The Ruger has very little, if any nostalgia value. But it seems to be more of a practical choice for me. From my readings I gather that the M77/357 is of good quality, though early on, there was reports of feed problems linked to the magazine.
I say practical for several different reasons;
*Easier to clear the weapon, drop magazine and disengage bolt.
*Safer and easier to check bore for any obstructions.
*Simpler to break down for deep clean.
*Less concern of the type of bullets loaded in the rotary compared to the tubular.
*Scope mounting integrated on the receiver.
Either way, the use for the rifle would be mainly for 50-150 yd. range on paper targets. And the 357 is because I have acquired much brass and bullets in this caliber. And it would be a companion to my Trooper.
If I have any obvious misconceptions, I'd like to hear them. As I have never handled the Ruger, only read what is on the web (Gotta be true, right ).
TIA, Kevin