Should I Rail a old JC Higgins

mgmorden said:

Sure. Heck even if you change your mind in the future filler screws only look bad.

Personally I have no desire to hunt with irons. I don't care about anyone who says scopes look "wrong" on a lever action - when I'm hunting the experience just isn't the same if I'm not using a reticle.

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Officers'Wife said:

Are you trying to get me started? You have succeeded...

A rifle looks "cool" from the memories of the experiences you have shared with it. That shot downhill at a running buck that miraculously made the animal falter and die 10 steps later when you thought you couldn't hit the target at all that makes it look cool. It's the hours of practice and good spirited competition with others that your rifle held it's own and in some cases exceeded. It's taking the rifle to a match and having prison guards with their Mini-14's snicker at you and say you shouldn't try to compete against professionals only to smoke them in accuracy in three sets.

To the world my 92 Winchester looks like a beat up old relic that should be retired for a newer weapon. But since my Gramps gave it to me when I was 14 years old the weapon has served me well enough that in my eyes it will always be cool. And should those with rails and new accessories claim my rifle is behind the time. I'll come and have a match with them whenever they're inclined. (With apologies to Kipling for the theft and cold blooded murder of his work.)

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Varminterror said:

Let’s be honest about what that rifle was, and what it is - the JC Higgins versions sold at Sears were affordable, high volume “every man’s rifles”. They’re not artistic works of gun craft, even in the Marlin iteration, let alone the JC 45’s. Today, it’s just an old rifle, not a fine antique rifle, not a collectors’ rifle, just an old rifle. It’s not a pre-1900’s or turn of the century rifle, it’s just an old rebranded Marlin built post-WWII.

Let’s also be honest about what a furniture change really means - it’s simply a non-destructive furniture change. As much damage could and would typically happen during a detail strip and cleaning as would happen due to this furniture change, and frankly, this swap will likely mean the original wood will be better preserved than it would be if it remained attached to the rifle.

So for me, yup, if you have interest in an mlok railed levergun, then “modernize” the hell out of it. It’s a hell of a lot better that you rebuild it as you desire and make use of it than stick it in the back of the safe to rot away for lack of interest in its current aesthetic.

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Varminterror said:

I’ve been thinking lately - can’t decide - whether I wanna do a modern levergun with rangerpoint rails or have custom walnut stocks done for a “modern classic” levergun for an upcoming project as a deer and hog hunting rifle. I’m finally rebuilding a Marlin 1894SS to shoot 357/44 B&D Mag, focusing on shooting rifle bullets like the Speer HotCor 180grn, planning suppressed with a 4-16x scope on top, should be able to get 9 rounds in the mag and top 2100fps, maybe exceed 2200. Debating a little whether I want to go SBR and 12” or make it a 16” carbine… thinking 12” sounds pretty attractive, but it might be a case where two barrels make a lot of sense.

Really leaning towards a Ranger point modern furniture build and a 12” barrel.

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Charlie Martinez said:

I don't see a problem in modifying a gun to suit a particular taste or use but I personally prefer to leave my guns in original condition.
If I wanted a tactical style rifle I would invest the money I was going to spend modifying the "Marlin" in an AR-15 or similar style rifle.

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CoalCrackerAl said:

I put a scout scope on my 45 colt. Shot it today. Very happy with the results.
View attachment 1095464

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Charlie Martinez said:

Coincidentally I took a Marlin 1894-44 Magnum to a tactical shooting practice session this week. It's not modified in any way and shot with guys that had AR's and AK's. I can shoot as quickly and accurately as most of them but limited ammo capacity in the magazine and slow reloading are where things go south for me. The fun factor is as good or better. I plan on replacing the original buckhorn open sights with a peep sight but that's all I plan on doing as far as modifications go.

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citizenconn said:

Just duct tape the scope on. No need to overthink it.

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citizenconn said:

View attachment 1095713
Or this if they are out of unicorns.
View attachment 1095715

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dh1633pm said:

I put a rail on a rolling block, so I say, what the heck.

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CoalCrackerAl said:

My Rossi has a top eject. The rounds still hit the scout scope. I moved it forward all the way since the pic was taken. They still hit. But i can reach in better now to get the casing out. If it does not come out when ejecting.

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