Early Christmas Present - Marlin 1894CSS

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Paladin7

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Well I'm elated, even though I probably got burned on the deal... I just picked up a brand new Marlin 1894CSS in 357 Magnum.

I'm not happy about having to pay $700 for it, but I've searched for a good long time in my area and was not able to find any of these anywhere. Also searched on the gun boards and with the transfer fees, etc. no way I could get the price much lower.

The shop I bought it in had two. Mine is a very nice example, the action is very slick and the fit and finish is very good as well. The other one they had locked up the minute I opened the action and it had to be disassembled to get the action closed, it was very rough and the dealer is sending it back to Marlin/Remington. I guess the lesson here is to try before you buy...

Anyway, I'm very happy with the gun, it just exudes quality. I can't wait to get out and shoot it and work up some loads for it.

Uses for the gun will mainly be plinking and hunting.

I'd like to know how you think I did pricewise and also, how have you set yours up?

I'm thinking about mounting some peep sights, getting swivels and a sling, a leather band to wrap the lever to make it more comfortable to operate, and a butt cuff to store additional shells. Other than that, I plan to leave it stock.

Any recommendations on how to set it up...

Thanks in advance...
 
Bought and installed a Skinner adjustable rear peep, and front sight blade.

Also put a slight radius on the lever to avoid any "Marlin jams".

That's all she needed. Awesome fun and wouldn't hesitate to hunt with it. Giddy up! :D
 
Congrats on the rifle. I wouldn't worry too much about what you paid. You looked for a while and couldn't find a better deal. Enjoy it. In 20 years, it will seem much cheaper (like seeing price stickers on old gun boxes or ammo).
 
I'll second the peep sight recommendation, I'm gonna get one for my marlin 45 colt soon. They are the way to go I think. You'll want the sling mounts too, just put some on my marlin 30-30. Gotta have 'em.

How about pics?
 
I had one in blue. Handload with slower powder and .357 really shines. Easy to find instructions on how to slick-up the action if that tickles your fancy. Don't feel bad about price, it will only go up if you waited
 
Thanks... I'm feeling much better about the purchase, especially after handling it... very sweet...balances perfectly.

Also, second on the peeps, I'm definitely getting it setup with some peep sights, then I'll have to post some pics...
 
Wow just ordered 1. one day before thanksgiving. Cost 725.00 at kempf sports online. Hard gun to find. Can't wait till it comes
 
It does appear that prices are climbing on these and availability is scarce...

Just remember to check yours out thoroughly before taking it home.

Mine is a real gem. I can't wait to take it to the range. Absolutely beautiful rifle and the action has really slicked up nicely over the weekend. The trigger is also very good on mine.

I'm really looking forward to work up some loads for this gun...

Let us know when you receive yours...
 
Congratulations!!

I bought an 1894CSS a few months ago and they're really great little rifles. I had to send it back to Marlin due to scoring (tooling marks) on the outside of the barrel. Marlin paid shipping both ways and I had it back in perfect condition in 10 days. I'd recommend a Wild West trigger and bear proof ejector. Also, a stainless steel magazine follower, stainless steel magazine spring and a lighter hammer spring from www.longhunt.com. I upgraded the firing pin to a one-piece titanium version too. I have a couple of Ruger GP100s that make great companions to the Marlin.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productnumber=188646

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=746964
 
Congratulations!!

I bought an 1894CSS a few months ago and they're really great little rifles. I had to send it back to Marlin due to scoring (tooling marks) on the outside of the barrel. Marlin paid shipping both ways and I had it back in perfect condition in 10 days. I'd recommend a Wild West trigger and bear proof ejector. Also, a stainless steel magazine follower, stainless steel magazine spring and a lighter hammer spring from www.longhunt.com. I upgraded the firing pin to a one-piece titanium version too. I have a couple of Ruger GP100s that make great companions to the Marlin.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tnumber=188646

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=746964
Click to expand...

I was thinking about the Trigger and Ejector as my first upgrades. Did your ejector fit properly? Because some of those reviews say its not a perfect fit for the 1894.
 
Domino said:
I was thinking about the Trigger and Ejector as my first upgrades. Did your ejector fit properly? Because some of those reviews say its not a perfect fit for the 1894.
Click to expand...

I didn't have any problems with any of the five I put in my Marlins ... three '95s and two '94s.
 
Thanks 1858...I'm totally stoked about this rifle and the performance of the 357 in an 18.5" barrel! This rifle/cartridge combination is very versatile.

ECVMatt, I've heard good things about the Skinner Sights but was considering using the Williams FP Receiver Sight with an XS Sight Systems front post.

The Williams FP Receiver Sight will hang over the back of the trigger making it necessary to use the Hammer Extension, so in order to avoid this, I am planning to mount it in the front two holes on the receiver. This will limit the sight radius a bit, but it will be a far better set up than using the buckhorn sights the rifle came with.

The thing I like about the Williams FP over the Skinner is the click adjustments and broader range of apertures that can be used. I've heard that the Skinner is only drift adjustable, is that true?
 
I have my eye on one too... but can't justify the price. But one thing, how can you say, I have a new 1894 and no pictures!?! Shame on you. ;)

Congrats
 
You're right Megiddo, I'll have to get my digital camera out and take a few pics...maybe after I do the mods...otherwise its a box stock gun...
 
The Williams FP Receiver Sight will hang over the back of the trigger making it necessary to use the Hammer Extension,
Click to expand...

I'm not sure what you mean by this (the sight hanging over the "back of the trigger"); the hammer extention is usually employed to help clear a scope. I've used Williams receiver sights on several rifles (including a Winchester Model 100, a Winchester Model 94, a Winchester Model 1886, a Savage 99 and a Remington Model 760) since the early sixties and have never had a problem. The Williams' are good folks to deal with. If you have a question regarding installing one of their sights on your Marlin, drop them a line-they've always responded quickly and thoroughly to all of my inquiries.
 
Congrats on the levergun. I wouldn't put too much thought into what you paid for it. The important part is that it's yours now.

I really think that there is some sort of voodoo going on when it comes to lever guns. I have all sort of mean looking "tactical" stuff with optics like ACOGs and Nightforce scopes, but I still can't seem to pass up a deal (and sometimes not) on a lever gun. I still find them to be a kick in the butt. My last purchase was a Rossi carbine in .357 and I LOVE that thing. It's light, small, no mags to worry about and packs a pretty good wallop too.
 
congrats!!

By the way when I purchase anything of quality; be it machine, clothing, or even trinkets, the price fades from of my memory pretty quickly.
 
SwampWolf...correction, what I meant to say is that the Williams FP receiver arperture sight hangs over the back of the receiver on the Marlin 1894 necessitating the use of the hammer extension. Williams confirms this is the case on their FP-336-TK which is the model I just purchased.

This is why I'm planning to mount it in the first two holes in the front of the receiver...it will work and look better that way and no hammer extension needed.

As to the other posts...I really love this gun...agreed on all counts!
 
This is why I'm planning to mount it in the first two holes in the front of the receiver...it will work and look better that way and no hammer extension needed.
Click to expand...

That's how I'd do it. I'm sure you'll like the set-up you have in mind. Let us know how it works out.
 
I'll have to take some pictures when the project is done, then I'll open another thread on the sighting and load development... should be fun
 
Congrats on your new rifle!

I really like mine. It has been great right out of the box. Action was a bit rough, but smoothed up nicely after about 20 or 30 rounds.

No feeding problems at all. Haven't done full wadcutter - and don't plan to. Would load them singly if I ever did.

.38 ball is very mild. Standard 158 grain JSP .357 ammo will get your attention, but still isn't bad at all.

I got a stainless Skinner, which looks like it is 100% made for this gun. I also got a front sight from Dr. Skinner, which works well. I filed the front down a tad, and glued a bead on. Also got a wide aperture. Works well for me.

Sounds like you're set on Williams FP, which isn't bad, but consider that stainless Skinner. His site has some pics.

Either way, you'll love it. Quickly became my favorite centerfire rifle, although the old 39A still sees the most action.


You may also want to consider reloading, because the gun eats .38s like popcorn and at today's prices you can shoot up $20 worth of ammo in 15 or 20 minutes without trying very hard.
 
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