Finally Found One (Marlin 1894C .357)

[Phydeaux642]

Well, I don't buy much anymore as there isn't much out there for a reasonable price (at least in my area) that I run across that I am interested in. I used to pick up old wheelguns on occasion, but most of those have dried up. I haven't minded much though since I have been able to use those funds for other things.

However, for some reason I have wanted a .357 lever gun for quite some time and never see them in my area. And then a couple of months ago a local shop put a Marlin 1894C out on the shelf right before I walked in. It's a pre-safety model that looks as if it hasn't been shot much. I decided to put some money on it and finally picked it up a couple of days ago. I may have paid too much for it ($450) but now I am done purchasing any guns for a while as there isn't much left I'm looking for (unless I run across a S&W model 29 with a 4" barrel). From now on it is probably just ammo that will come home with me.

So, is there anything special I need to know about this new acquisition?

 

[kiskicowboy]

Although the Marlin 1894C is marked .38/.357, it will have a preference for a certain OAL cartridge length. Some only like to cycle with .357 length cartridges, some like to cycle with .38 length cartridges. My Marlins have run best with an AOL of 1.5" (between a .38 and a .357). Your best bet is to run some of each through it, and see which length it prefers. If you reload, make up some dummy rounds in each length (make a couple in the 1.5" length as well) and see which cycles the best for you on yours.

I've had real good luck shooting 158 grain Lead Truncated Cone bullets in mine, they cycle very smoothly in my rifles.

And one last note, congratulations on your new Marlin, I'm sure you'll enjoy it very much. Now post some pictures of that new gun.

 

[ChristopherG]

A Lyman receiver mounted aperature sight is a great addition. Really the only addition I'd recommend. I've tried a few on my 1894c and only the Lyman remains. Well, almost. Also a Williams fiber optic front sight and a Wild West trigger. But the receiver sight is the biggest improvement by a good measure.

Do you reload? It's a great gun for it. I'm using mine, with powder puff .38 loads, to teach a 9 year old niece to shoot this spring (my .22's are too big for her; the Marlin is just right). No recoil at all with those loads. But pump up handloads--using Lil gun in particular--and you can launch a 158 grain jacketed bullet 2,000 fps.

My, I do go on about my Marlin. I like it a lot, and so will you.

 

[LeverGunJunkie]

It's a great little carbine. Nice for "woods walkin." I love mine, put an XS sight on it, and no complaints. Having trouble dialing in my reloads, but it shoot the factory stuff well enough.

 

[dewalt-2]

You're going to love that rifle. I have an 1894SS in .44 and it's a favorite for critters and thick woods deer hunting.
$450 is a very good price these days.

 

[Ringer]

Good buy. It's on my list. Not searching for one. If I ever come across one I'll likely grab it as you did. Yeah, I'm a little jealous.

 

[Starter52]

A pre-safety Marlin .357 for $450? You did just fine on that deal.

 

[shrewd]

shoot, i paid a little over 500 for mine not three months ago, you did good.


enjoy

 

[_N4Z_]

I bought a new production 1894c in 2010. Paid a hundred+ more than you, and I think it was well worth it. You did good.

Love this "little" rifle. Mine does fine with both .38 and .357. Hangs up on lead SWC's regardless cartridge length, and CCI Blazer aluminum cases seem to shred up when feeding from magazine to chamber. I won't use those anymore in that rifle. So, any jacketed round no prob, and RNFP for lead - good to go.

 

[Phydeaux642]

Thanks for all of the replies. I'm glad $450 wasn't out of line. I bought a bunch of reloading equipment a couple of years ago only to find out I couldn't get any components due to the "Great Panic". Maybe I'll start looking for components again and learn the art of reloading. In the meantime I need to get to the gun shop and pick up some ammo.