Marlin 1894C or 1894 Cowboy

[NoBite]

I have decided on getting a Marlin 1894 in .357/.38. I really like the looks of the Marlin 1894 Cowboy. Yeah, it's a bit higher priced than the 1894C, but let's say that is not an issue. I do not reload, so my rifle of choice needs to be good to go with off-the-shelf ammo. I don't plan to shoot in Cowboy competition. Frankly, I'm looking for a dependable, fun plinker and target shooter between these two rifles.

Are there any reasons I should NOT choose the Cowboy version? I'm asking because I just don't know if there have been any special accomodations made in the Cowboy version for CASS that might affect my enjoyment of the rifle with store-bought ammo.

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Kamicosmos]

My 1894 has the micro-groove rifling. But, it's a 1894s in .44 Mag, made around 96 or so.

I would assume the Cowboy model will not have the micro-groove barrel, since most CASS shooters use lead, which is not advised with the micro-groove. So, in theory, if you were to shoot lead, the Cowboy would be a better choice.

But, I heard that Marlin has dropped the micro-groove rifling...dunno if this is true.

AFAIK, the two guns are mechanically the same. The Cowboy has an octogonal barrel, which I think is the only difference.

I can say this with confidence: You'll love the Marlin Lever Gun, which ever one you choose!

 

[Preacherman]

The Cowboy model has a longer and heavier barrel. For accuracy, it's probably got a slight edge over the lighter 1894CS model. It also has a higher magazine capacity if you remove the plug. However, it's also heavier if you plan to carry it around a lot, and being longer, it's harder to manoevre in tight spaces. If you planned on using the gun for (say) home defence or brush hunting/plinking, I'd recommend the 1894CS as being handier.

 

[yesterdaysyouth]

my 1894 has a micro-groove barrel so i decided to see why i shouldn't shoot lead through it.. i loaded up some 240 lswc over 7gr. of unique, a light cowboy load at best...

i shot 150 rnds through it over the course of 30 minutes. when i got home to clean it it was pristine, not a touch of leading??

what's the deal??

was the load so slow ~900fps that it was no problem??

 

[Smoke]

Get the Cowboy. You want it....you know it....you won't be disappointed.

Smoke

 

[NoBite]

Smoke, you are absolutely correct!

I just want to be sure that the Cowboy is designed to shoot .357/.38 off the shelf. My concern is that most CASS folks are reloading and shooting reduced velocity loads for their sport and this rifle seems to be targeted to that crowd. I don't intend to do this. So, I want to be sure I can take this rifle out and shoot commercial ammo and not have any issues. Based on the Marlin website, these rifles are not using the micro-groove barrels. (I never really understood how that would be an issue anyway.) So, I am hoping this means I can shoot jacketed or lead through it. That's really my concern. As far as being handier or lighter or more or less accurate - - - those aren't big issues to me. Not that these rifles would be bad choice for HD, I've got an 870 at the ready for that purpose. Mostly the rifle would see range time and some time in the woods. And (does anyone really admit this in public) it would likely spend a good deal of "lap time" while watching old westerns with me. (There, I've said it!)

Thanks.

 

[NoBite]

Guys, from the Marlin website, the 1894 Cowboy is listed as available in .45 Colt, .357 MAG / .38 special*, or .44 MAG / .44 special. The asterick on the .357 MAG / .38 special then refers you to a comment at the bottom of the page which reads "consult owner's manual for details on ammunition use."

So, that is the reason for my inquiry. If I am not reloading and I do want to be able to shoot factory .357 MAG and .38 special can I safely and reliably do so with the Cowboy model?

 

[MrMurphy]

The Cowboy makes a nicer range toy.

The regular model makes a more useful all-around rifle and is still quite accurate out to 100 yards or so. And much handier at close quarters.

 

[Rexrider]

I went for the 1894c in .357/.38. It does not have the micro-groove rifling. Since mine was for mostly plinking, wanted the lighter shorter version. I can tell you it shoots .38 LSWC very well. Just as accurate if not more so than jacketed .357s.

I won't argue the Cowboy style looks way cool but for me the lighter, shorter 1894c handles very well and is fun to shoot. But, having said that, you have to buy the one you want. And it sounds like you really like the Cowboy.

As Smoke said...."Get the Cowboy. You want it....you know it....you won't be disappointed."

You should be good to go as far as ammo is concerned with either one.

Picture of mine is attacted.

Cheers

 

[Preacherman]

Bear in mind that there is an 1894 Cowboy model out that shoots only .38 Special. You don't want to get this by mistake!

 

[NoBite]

Hey, Rexrider - what year is your rifle? Yours has the smooth wood that I like and I thought the 1894C had a checkered forearm.

 

[Nathanael_Greene]

I've got two 1894C's that I've bought new within the last couple of years.

One is a "regular" 1894C, with checkered walnut stocks. It was...well, kind of expensive. About $450 to get it home. (I had to special-order it; in hindsight I should've done so through Wal-Mart.)

Anyway, the other is an 1894C that I bought from Big 5 Sporting Goods. It has an uncheckered "hardwood" stock, and cost $299 plus tax.

I love 'em both. Great little rifles.

 

[griz]

I'm not positive which one you are talking about, but just so there are no surprizes:
The 1894 Cowboy is 38-357 and does not use the micro groove.
The Cowboy Competion is 38 ONLY, is NOT drilled and tapped for scope use if it matters to you, and the action is slicked up a little bit better than the Cowboy.

 

[Rexrider]

Hey, Rexrider - what year is your rifle? Yours has the smooth wood that I like and I thought the 1894C had a checkered forearm.

It was purchased last year. I think they have had smooth wood for a while. The .44 mag version had the same kind of wood as well.

 

[kudu]

I believe that with micro-groove rifleing lead bullets don't catch the rifleing as well as jacketed bullets, resulting usually in less accuracy. They kinda push or skid right by the micro grooves without them receiving the full benefit of spin. This is particularly more noticeable with higher velocity lead bullets, or bullets with a softer lead than others.

 

[Narvous]

1894 Cb 45, Lc #1. :d

 

[sailor40]

Marlin Cowboy

I've owned a Marlin Cowboy in .357 for over a year. I've shot everything from solid lead lead bullets to Jacketed hollow point bullets with no problems. I do reload, however in your case, I would get jacketed .357 ammo and use it. By the way with a scope and my reloads using jacket hollow point bullets, it will shoot a ragged hole at 100 hundred feet at an indoor range.

Good luck in what you decide.

 

[John Deere]

NoBite, if I recall correctly, the asterick is because the stubby 148gr wadcutters don`t feed well. As long as you use a bullet style that has some sort of nose on it you should be fine.
YesterdaysYouth, the problem is not with your load, since your rifle won`t lead the bore, it is obviously defective!
Having owned a Microgroove rifle with the same defect for several years, I understand you pain and confusion, so to spare you futher grief, I`ll give you $50 for your faulty Marlin.
And, since your just across the river, I`ll even meet you at the bridge of your choice, thereby saving you the cost of shipping. OK? Deal? HUH? PLEASE?
Regards, Bill

 

[yesterdaysyouth]

damn junk... can't have nuthin'

 

[Brian Williams]

Great gun and very suitable for a great combo setup. Mine is an 1894c and it has the ballard style rifling

 

[ddc]

I went with the 1894C (357/38) . The cowboy version never entered my mind. However my mindset was that I was looking for a fun plinkin' gun, truck gun, emergency carbine.

Something for fun as well as something that I could have handy in lieu of an AR15 when there was a bump in the night.

It seemed to me that the 1894C satisfied those requirements more than the cowboy version.

PS: I went with the Big 5 special; same hardware; cheaper stocks.

 

[NoBite]

Okay, you guys are making a strong case for the 1894C!

I wonder if it is possible to order them with the smooth wood instead of checkered. There is nothing on the website to suggest that.

Hey, what's up with ammo pricing in your neck of the woods? I haven't had to buy ammo for a while, but took a look at local prices yesterday and was shocked. I'm talking .45ACP, .357 MAG and .38 special.

 

[Sistema1927]

I think that if you get an 1894C at Big-5 that they come with uncheckered hardwood stocks, with the walnut checkered versions going to gun stores.

I could be wrong on that, but I truly love my checkered 1894C. It has some of the nicest wood I have ever seen on a rifle.

 

[Sawdust]

think that if you get an 1894C at Big-5 that they come with uncheckered hardwood stocks, with the walnut checkered versions going to gun stores.

Exactly right in my experience...

Sawdust

 

[Titus]

The WalMart ones are checkered walnut. Resist it if you can NoBite!