Marlin 1894 or Ruger Mini 14

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Morrell

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Just like the title, looking for a fun gun and have narrowed it down to these two. Marlin in .357 and Mini in .223. Opinions?
 
I'd take the Marlin...If I wanted a .223, I'd at least want it to be accurate. Most Mini's aren't tackdrivers.
 
I would like to get both at one point, but can only get one for now. Pricing I have found is around 640 for the mini and 570 for the marlin.
 
I think both of those rifles would be a lot of fun. The latest series of Mini-14's are supposed to have far better accuracy than past iterations and the .223 will reach out a good bit further than .357. If you don't already have a medium power semi-auto, I'd say go with the mini. On the other hand if you already have an AR/AK I'd probably go with the Marlin.

~$.02
 
I'd consider ammo prices before making this purchase. 223 is less than 357. They are about the same if you reload until you consider brass. Around here it's pretty easy to collect 223 brass but nearly impossible to find 357's. Yes, I don't want to buy them when I can find em for free.
I like both of your choices and have the Mini 14. Accuracy out of the box with factory open sights is about 2.5 inches at 100 yards. I haven't had a chance to see what it does with a scope yet.
You are in a win-win situation, have fun with either/both!
 
The Marlin is the way to go for a fun gun. 38/357 are cheaper and easier to reload and the classic lever gun just has more character for a fun gun. I suspect there are many more 223s out there than Marlin 357s so you could always add the 223 later when you find a great deal. Trying to compare the two will drive you nuts since they are too different.
 
both fun

Those are both great guns. I have a Mini and would really like a Marlin 1894.

The new Mini 14s are much more accurate than the old ones. Attached are my last two groups from 50 yards.

By the way, for just plinking, the Marlin will cylce most .38 special rounds just fine. And since .38 is around $16 per box of 50 ($.32 per round) this is pretty significant savings.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=394204


Ammo cost for .223 is about $9 per box of 20 ($.45 per round).
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=786237

I agree with what gtscotty says, and I would add the thought that if you primarily want to do shortrange plinking, get the Marlin. If you want to be able to reach out a little bit farther, get the Mini.
 

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Marlin. I own two. Also own one mini. In my opinion and my opinion only, I think the Mini 14s are way over hyped for everything. Almost to the point of being junk. Ok, bring it on.
 
Red State said:
Those are both great guns. I have a Mini and would really like a Marlin 1894.

The new Mini 14s are much more accurate than the old ones. Attached are my last two groups from 50 yards.

By the way, for just plinking, the Marlin will cylce most .38 special rounds just fine. And since .38 is around $16 per box of 50 ($.32 per round) this is pretty significant savings.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=394204


Ammo cost for .223 is about $9 per box of 20 ($.45 per round).
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=786237

I agree with what gtscotty says, and I would add the thought that if you primarily want to do shortrange plinking, get the Marlin. If you want to be able to reach out a little bit farther, get the Mini.
Click to expand...
Red State,

tell me more about your mini. is it the new model with the tapered bbl? i've shot a friend's old model that got about the same results as yours, but my new 580 series if faaaar more accurate than those.
 
asafrts,

Yes, those targets were from the old model of Mini 14. My experience with the new 580 models makes me think that they are better.
 
my series 581 tactical with a 2x7x33 Redfield is a hog killing machine...lots laying in my hayfields due to it. not a 1" moa, but under 2" at 100 most of the time, plus I shoot pretty fast when I catch a big bunch of hogs at a feeder or out in the open..dont care if they drop or run off, as long as they die.
 
My cousin has a mini-14 and has not been all that impressed with it. The Marlin is a better bet.
 
I have a Mini-14 Ranch Rifle (.223 Rem) and a Marlin 1894 (.357 Mag) both in stainless. The Mini-14 has WAY more effective range than the Marlin and higher magazine capacity. If I were picking just one as a survival/general duty rifle it'd be the Mini-14, no question about it. Since you plan on both anyway, buy whichever one you like first. Of course, one of the many appealing aspects of the 1894 is combining them with revolvers. I have a couple of GP100s and a Colt Python all chambered in .357 Mag. I also have a bunch of .45 Colt revolvers and a Marlin 1894 Cowboy to match. Good stuff!!
 
Matching rifles and pistols are always cool.
I would like to get a Marlin chambered for the .357Mag. as well to go with my Colt "Python".
But I am trying to decide if I want to match it to the Colt SAA .45colt.(Tough decision)
 
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