Marlin 1894C vs. AR-15?
- Thread starter BADUNAME4
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Quote: (PO2Hammer)
"I'm a big Marlin fan (16" 1894 CP .357), but you're giving up a lot of capability by dropping your only serious combat rifle.
Pistol cailiber levers actions are slow to load, and very difficult when you're in a hurry, or when your fingers are cold.
The 30-30s and the 45-70s are much easier to load."
Well-said! I do like .357 lever rifles, but an extended engagement, involving reloading the magazine, is not their strong point. I like an 1894C as an intermediate solution, better than a handgun for a short time, while getting to one's more serious long weapons if it looks like an long fight. Of course, MOST civilian gunfights don't last longer than the rounds in an 1894C's mag tube, and, of course, there is the multiple-rifle solution, if defending a static position.
"I'm a big Marlin fan (16" 1894 CP .357), but you're giving up a lot of capability by dropping your only serious combat rifle.
Pistol cailiber levers actions are slow to load, and very difficult when you're in a hurry, or when your fingers are cold.
The 30-30s and the 45-70s are much easier to load."
Well-said! I do like .357 lever rifles, but an extended engagement, involving reloading the magazine, is not their strong point. I like an 1894C as an intermediate solution, better than a handgun for a short time, while getting to one's more serious long weapons if it looks like an long fight. Of course, MOST civilian gunfights don't last longer than the rounds in an 1894C's mag tube, and, of course, there is the multiple-rifle solution, if defending a static position.
W Turner
Member
I've been in your situation...sort of. Already had a .357 levergun and bought an AK a while back. Shot the AK a bunch, but never really warmed to it. I decided that for MY NEEDS the .357 backed up by a .30-30 and a Mosin-Nagant in 7.62x54 did everything I need to do so I sold the AK.
Every few years I get the itch for a centerfire semi-auto. I'll buy it then realize they're just not that much fun for me so I sell them off.
Although a Springfield Scout Squad has been calling my name for a while now...lol.
W
Every few years I get the itch for a centerfire semi-auto. I'll buy it then realize they're just not that much fun for me so I sell them off.
Although a Springfield Scout Squad has been calling my name for a while now...lol.
W
stubbicatt
Member
I like the Marlin, I don't really like the AR15. This is my bias coming to the discussion.
One thing nice about the Marlin, if you handload some of the 170-175 grain bullets you get muzzle velocity only 150 fps shy of 30-30 with 170 grain bullet. That ought to take down most gremlins and table game.
--The 223 cartridge is not as effective I don't think.
One thing nice about the Marlin, if you handload some of the 170-175 grain bullets you get muzzle velocity only 150 fps shy of 30-30 with 170 grain bullet. That ought to take down most gremlins and table game.
--The 223 cartridge is not as effective I don't think.
I have been on certain survival forums where the majority believe that a pistol caliber lever action is the best thing going for the infamous TEOTWAWKI. I believe it is based on carrying a handgun of the same caliber, thus minimizing any logistical problems with ammo. Then, there is the "black rifle" will attrack attention syndrome.
I believe that if you are looking for one all around rifle that will be required to feed and protect your family, it should not be chambered for a handgun cartridge.
You could do worse than an AR. An AR will allow you to carry lots of ammo; range isn't a problem; and repairs are much easier for modular-built firearms. And, I would feel comfortable taking up to whitetail with it.
I believe that if you are looking for one all around rifle that will be required to feed and protect your family, it should not be chambered for a handgun cartridge.
You could do worse than an AR. An AR will allow you to carry lots of ammo; range isn't a problem; and repairs are much easier for modular-built firearms. And, I would feel comfortable taking up to whitetail with it.
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
While I really like my Marlin 1894 and it does go to the range often, it is not an AR. I am also one to keep my calibers to a minimum and only have for myself; 22lr, 38spec, 357mag, 9mm, 45ACP, 7mm-08 and now 5.56, I recently got an AR just to have.
Selling an AR now might give a good bit of profit, but a Marlin 1894C can be found for around $400+- $100 so save your pennies and eat more Ramen noodles.
Selling an AR now might give a good bit of profit, but a Marlin 1894C can be found for around $400+- $100 so save your pennies and eat more Ramen noodles.
cameron.personal
Member
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Selling an AR now to buy a Lever action doesn't make financial sense.
Having said that when I find a 1894C in .357 I am buying it, but I am keeping my ARs.
Having said that when I find a 1894C in .357 I am buying it, but I am keeping my ARs.
mgregg85
Member
From your list it looks like you could really use a rifle caliber rifle.
Joe Demko
Member
I have a .45-70 1895G. One of the stainless, ported ones. It's a really slick little gun. It serves a different purpose than an AR, of course. One of the really nifty things about it is that you can make or buy loads all across a wide power spectrum to use from it. Loads with hardcast bullets at the upper end of the scale are serious penetrators.
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