Can't get an 1894c? Reasons?

[Rock_Steady]

What's the deal? I have checked with 4 of my local gunshops, Dick's sporting goods, and even the dreaded Wal-mart - and the nearest Cabela's store. Nobody can even order in a Marlin 1894c in .357. The local gander Mtn says that he can't even see one in inventory on either coast. It seems like whenever I go looking for a gun, it isn't being made that time of year - any ideas?

 

[ArmedBear]

http://www.lipseys.com/products/Pro...7+Mag&fin=All&stk=All&sgt=All&len=All&prc=All

Do you have Big 5 sporting goods stores in your area?

They have them for cheap (with a stained hardwood stock, not walnut).

Also, if you're in a hurry to get a .357 lever gun and it doesn't HAVE to be the Marlin, the Puma 1892's are REALLY nice. Of course I'm not saying not to get a Marlin, if they exist.

http://www.legacysports.com/product/index.htm

 

[Rock_Steady]

Big 5 is only for you guys out west. No luck there, unless I make a LONG road trip. I'm not even seeing any nearby on Gallery of Guns or anywhere else. Maybe the old, slow, lever action just doesn't seel here in the fast, crazy east?

 

[LoneCoon]

I had the same trouble, though the store managed to find one somewhere. This was only aboout three weeks ago. I guess I lucked out becase that was the only one within a few hundred miles. Good luck with finding one, you'll love it.

 

[ArmedBear]

Did you try Lipsey's? The link I posted doesn't say if they have them in stock. Their site isn't as good as Davidson's, but I'm sure they'll tell you if you contact them.

And the Pumas are very nice, and available in stainless, too. Have you ever handled one? Not US-made, though.

 

[hoghunting]

You might try www.thegunsource.com as they have good prices and a large inventory. I don't know if they have the Marlin, but it's worth a try. You can buy it from them and have it shipped to your FFL. Your FFL will charge you a transfer fee, but you should not have to pay taxes.

 

[Rock_Steady]

Looks like everyone, and I mean every resource I have looked at including the ones above - is out of stock and wants you to order now to get put in line. I'm gonna go one more time to try to get a friend of mine who is an FFL to take a look around - things just aren't out there, it seems. Now, if I wanted the 20" octagon barrel, or a .45-70, they'd be able to help me out. I just wanted a pistol caliber carbine that could be used to hunt in a pinch (or to bark squirrels ) that I already have the reloading stuff for. Guess I have to find a new passion to exercise for a while.

Apparently one guy at a distributor somewhere said that they are a limited run and only come out once in a while. Anybody think that is possible?

 

[ArmedBear]

An exceptional carbine, but a bit more expensive than the Marlin...

http://www.uberti.com/firearms/1873Rifle.tpl

 

[Rock_Steady]

Man........those are pretty. But I really don't want this to be the second most expensive gun of my collection! A bit too rich for my blood right now.

 

[Rock_Steady]

Alright

Called Marlin today and supposedly these shipped to distributors about 2 weeks ago. We should start seeing some, and I have backordered one.

Guess I'll go down in the basement and make sure I have enough .357 loaded up and ready to go. Waiting, for lack of a better word, sucks.

 

[ArmedBear]

What did the thing run you, BTW?

And if you don't like waiting, don't move to California!

Even if a gun is sitting in the dealer's rack, I have to wait 10 days to pick it up. No matter how many firearms might already be sitting in my safe, they want to make sure I'm not buying THAT particular one on impulse so I can shoot someone, or myself.

 

[Rock_Steady]

Well.........Yeah, I guess I have it good. I can walk in and buy a gun off the rack - no matter what it is - and walk out with it that day. I guess I'm spoiled.

I ordered it from Gander Mountain - local sporting goods place, like a small Cabela's - for $459. If they don't get it in stock, or I find a better price, I can always go somewhere else. Didn't have to put anything down. About the only better price around here is Wal-Mart, and I think I'd rather spend the money with at least a sporting goods place.

Another thing that makes me mad is how the gun shops here try to rob you. Rifle costs $396 at Walmart (if they can get it) and the gun shop downtown quoted me $570 for it, if they coudl get it. I know they have overhead, but I don't see how they can expect to even sell at those prices. They're looking for someone who hasn't done thier homework.

 

[Rock_Steady]

You can all rest easy - I found one. At the same shop that told me 3 times they didn't have one, sitting on the rack - they had it marked as a .32-20 by accident. Man am I glad I went there. It's used, but with the looks of it, was maybe fired one box of shells. I have to give it a good cleaning but the bore and wood is pristine - newer one with ballard rifling, so it can't be all that old. serial # starts 9601XXXX - Next comes a range report!