MachIVshooter
Member
Go Marlin. You won't regret it.
Help me pick a lever
- Thread starter aHFo3
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greyling22 said:
greyling22 said:
I really don't want to start a big argument about the merits of the Marlin safety since I feel that everyone should do what they feel is right while respecting the safety of others at all times. That said, the magazine on ANY Marlin lever action can be emptied without closing the lever all the way. Marlin has you covered there too since you can't operate the trigger unless the lever is locked in place. If you place your thumb on top of the lever loop as you're cycling it (preventing you from accidentally closing the lever all the way), you can empty the magazine as fast and as safely as you like with no chance of an AD. Just a thought.
Greebe
Member
I really like the Win M92 reproductions.
They are slick little rifles and have no feeding problems from my experience. I have a .454 and I can load bullets way out with out any problems. It also shoots all of my .45 Colt loads. I have never, NEVER, had any miss feeds or jams with it. I cannot say this about the Marlins.
I like my Marlins, but in pistol cartridges, the M92 gets my vote. There is no need for a scope on these rifles, so the open top is just fine. The action is way slicker than the Marlins too.
Greebe
They are slick little rifles and have no feeding problems from my experience. I have a .454 and I can load bullets way out with out any problems. It also shoots all of my .45 Colt loads. I have never, NEVER, had any miss feeds or jams with it. I cannot say this about the Marlins.
I like my Marlins, but in pistol cartridges, the M92 gets my vote. There is no need for a scope on these rifles, so the open top is just fine. The action is way slicker than the Marlins too.
Greebe
I guess I'm the only one on this forum having fit and finish issues with the new marlins. If mine was 300 instead of 600 (SS model) I would think it was grand, but personally I still can't recommend the newer ones unless you get to hold it first and nit pick it for issues.
If you are buying an older one though, go for it!
Grebe, I think my next lever gun is going to have to be one of those M92 .454 rifles. Heavy hitter in a small package sounds fun.
If you are buying an older one though, go for it!
Grebe, I think my next lever gun is going to have to be one of those M92 .454 rifles. Heavy hitter in a small package sounds fun.
Marlin's action is a lot slicker than a winchester's, but I'm not sure about the other lever brands. If you don't like the marlin crossbolt safety, I know there's a company that makes a replacement for the safety that looks like a receiver screw and completely replaces the safety.
Greebe
Member
Here is that Puma .454 with a 16" barrel. It is the slickest of all my levers.
Greebe
Greebe
I prefer the Rossi/Puma 1892 models. I have two of them; both in .44 Mag, and both are very nice rifles IMHO. I have changed out the sights on both to Marble Arms products, and removed the safety and replaced it with one of Steves Gunz replacement plugs. Never have had any issues with either one, and both have actions that are very slick compared to a Marlin .44mag Cowboy Limited I had.
Top is a 20" Short Rifle, octagon barrel, case hardened receiver. Bottom is a 16" Carbine. The 20" got a Marbles 1/16" gold bead front, folding rear, tang sight, and replacement safety plug. The 16" got a 1/16" gold bead front, and Bullseye rear.
Top is a 20" Short Rifle, octagon barrel, case hardened receiver. Bottom is a 16" Carbine. The 20" got a Marbles 1/16" gold bead front, folding rear, tang sight, and replacement safety plug. The 16" got a 1/16" gold bead front, and Bullseye rear.
oldfool
Member
I have both Marlin 1894 and LSI '92, both in 357
like them both, but prefer the slimmer trimmer '92
the Marlin fit/finish and action smoothness is not in the same class as my 20 year older 18" Marlin 30-30, but that's just how it is these days... still a nice rifle though
if you have unlimited wherewithal, the ultimate is, of course, the Browning 92
they made them in both 44 mag and 357 mag, but the 357 is especially scarce
like them both, but prefer the slimmer trimmer '92
the Marlin fit/finish and action smoothness is not in the same class as my 20 year older 18" Marlin 30-30, but that's just how it is these days... still a nice rifle though
if you have unlimited wherewithal, the ultimate is, of course, the Browning 92
they made them in both 44 mag and 357 mag, but the 357 is especially scarce
I'm a leftist too, but have just gotten used to the safety. Never occurred to me to complain about it. Have both .357, and .44 Marlins and love both.
Here's one big plus that no-one else has mentioned yet. You just remove the single screw holding the lever in and you can drop the whole assembly out, pulling the bolt out the back of the rifle. This lets you clean a Marlin from the breech instead to shoving a cleaning rod down the muzzle. It also makes bore sighting very easy by just looking down the barrel towards your target.
I shoot almost all cast too. My favorate cast load for my .357 is 12 grains of Blue Dot pushing Lyman's 150 grain SWC 358477 at 1800 fps (1440 in my 6" revolver). I make Lyman #2 alloy with scrap wheelweights plus 5% tin solder. I load this same bullet in 38 special cases with 8.0 grains of Blue Dot. In my revolver, that bullet is going just below the speed of sound at 1090 fps and about 1265 fps in the rifle. Chicks love to shoot this load in my rifle!
One thing though. My Marlin does not like very short OAL .38 specials. Target wadcutters loaded flush with the case mouth jam with every stroke of the lever. Longer .38 cartridges with an OAL of 1.475" feed just fine.
Here's one big plus that no-one else has mentioned yet. You just remove the single screw holding the lever in and you can drop the whole assembly out, pulling the bolt out the back of the rifle. This lets you clean a Marlin from the breech instead to shoving a cleaning rod down the muzzle. It also makes bore sighting very easy by just looking down the barrel towards your target.
I shoot almost all cast too. My favorate cast load for my .357 is 12 grains of Blue Dot pushing Lyman's 150 grain SWC 358477 at 1800 fps (1440 in my 6" revolver). I make Lyman #2 alloy with scrap wheelweights plus 5% tin solder. I load this same bullet in 38 special cases with 8.0 grains of Blue Dot. In my revolver, that bullet is going just below the speed of sound at 1090 fps and about 1265 fps in the rifle. Chicks love to shoot this load in my rifle!
One thing though. My Marlin does not like very short OAL .38 specials. Target wadcutters loaded flush with the case mouth jam with every stroke of the lever. Longer .38 cartridges with an OAL of 1.475" feed just fine.
I prefer the 92 variations in leverguns in handun cartridges... i think they just have better lines, smoother operations and plenty of strength for the cartridges... just my opinion.. but that is why I have a Puma 92 in 45 colt.
T.R.
Member
This is my Ruger 96 carbine in 44MAG. While not as popular as Marlin's 1894 model, it is a better rifle in every catagory. These factors include: Accuracy with slo-o-o-w 44 Special ammo and accuracy with heavy 300 grain 44 MAG ammo. Marlin does not shoot either load accurately because of the slow twist rate of 1-38.
SUMMARY: if you're focused only upon 44MAG 240 grain ammo, the Marlin will perform quite well. But If you choose to shoot slow 44 Special ammo or very heavy 44MAG ammo the Ruger is your only rational choice because of its 1-20 twist and deep cut rifling.
Yes, I've owned BOTH and the Ruger 96 is MORE accurate. I often shoot porcupines at night with the 44 Special (sub-sonic) 200 grain hollow tip offered by Winchester. Hornady's 300 grain XTP ammo is a wise choice for protection while back-packing in grizzly country.
TR
bogus mcall
Member
T.R. i think you just walked into a hornets nest. I've only had my Marlin a few months and havent shot it more than 25yards, but most everything thaat i've shot through it cuts one hole. And that is with open sights. What do u consider 'more' accurate? and yes it shoots .44spc 200gr @900fps just as good. But i do agree with you about the grill!
mgkdrgn
Member
You won't get a lot more "punch" out of the 357 when fired from a rifle ... the 44 mag is a whole nuther story.
I have a Rossi M92 in 454 Casull / 45 Colt that I am very happy with, and they also make that gun in 44 mag. If you can't find what you are looking for in your area, drop me a line and I'll see what I can find for you. I'll give you a price shipped to FFL of your choice.
I was very happy with my Marlin in .44mag. I am still kicking myself for getting rid of it in exchange for some electrical work 10 years ago. If hunting is your thing, get the .44. If you want cheap target practice, get the .357 and fire .38 Specials out of it.
One of my guide gun had a rough looking factory lever on the contact point inside the gun. I replaced it with a WW large loop any way. The old lever worked it just looked bad for the $700 GG I had to pay for it new. I could post a picture of it you want to see it.
I feel since Marlin was taken over by Remington who is owned by Cerberus Capital Management their quality has suffered.
I feel since Marlin was taken over by Remington who is owned by Cerberus Capital Management their quality has suffered.
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OP
OP
aHFo3
Member
Thanks for all the input!
I'm going to be patient and look for a used Blued/Walnut Marlin 1894(C) in 44 or 357. Preference would go to a 44, and I will be happy with a pre or post safety models. I'll eventually get both 357 and 44, and it sounds like I'll be "needing" more Marlins after my first purchase!
Thanks again.
I'm going to be patient and look for a used Blued/Walnut Marlin 1894(C) in 44 or 357. Preference would go to a 44, and I will be happy with a pre or post safety models. I'll eventually get both 357 and 44, and it sounds like I'll be "needing" more Marlins after my first purchase!
Thanks again.
Greebe
Member
Nice doggy!!
OP
OP
aHFo3
Member
Update!
Well, to update everyone, I ended up making a too good to pass up trade for a Winchester 94Trapper in 44 mag. I am very pleased with it. I realize the action isn't as simple as a Marlin, and disassembly is only for the brave or educated, but I like it. I like the slimmer forend, and the fit and finish is sweet!
Oh, and I've ordered a Williams receiver sight and a Marble's front sight.
Well, to update everyone, I ended up making a too good to pass up trade for a Winchester 94Trapper in 44 mag. I am very pleased with it. I realize the action isn't as simple as a Marlin, and disassembly is only for the brave or educated, but I like it. I like the slimmer forend, and the fit and finish is sweet!
Oh, and I've ordered a Williams receiver sight and a Marble's front sight.
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Roodles
Member
What year manufacture is it?
The later ones to leave the factory had the cheapest parts going. If yours is 2003 onwards, I'd look at replacing the carrier and ejector with non factory steel parts! Look at Winchester Bob's site.
Roodles
The later ones to leave the factory had the cheapest parts going. If yours is 2003 onwards, I'd look at replacing the carrier and ejector with non factory steel parts! Look at Winchester Bob's site.
Roodles
OP
OP
aHFo3
Member
It is one of the centennial ones with the 1894-1994 stamping on the receiver right above the safety.
I'm planning on removing the safety, and swapping out the lower tang for an old style, non-rebounding hammer lower tang.
Any thoughts on that?
I'm planning on removing the safety, and swapping out the lower tang for an old style, non-rebounding hammer lower tang.
Any thoughts on that?
Roodles
Member
I'm not sure how the safety works on that rifle, doesn't it have one under the lever as well?
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