Have they fixed all that mess from a few years ago? Canted barrels and all that? I've seen a nice one in .357 which is exactly what I want. I am wondering if they got over their production hurdles here in 2018 and if they are worth getting again?
I bought this one last summer and based on my experience with it as compared to my older JM stamped Marlins it is their equal or better.
This specific model is Marlin/Remingtons (Remlins??) newest model 94 in 357 magnum/38 Special and is unique in that it has a threaded muzzle for suppressor use:
With regards to fit, finish and overall quality of build I would say it as good as anything the older Marlin Company produced.
The stock is laminated wood with a black textured finish that is tough and durable and should wear well.
Barrel orientation is correct, sights perfectly aligned, wood to metal fit is very good, all screws were tight right out of the box, muzzle threading is concentric to the bore, skinner rear sight is easily adjustable with a very large apeture and centered on the top of the reciever, trigger pull is very good by 21st century standards and the rear sight dovetail comes with a factory (blued) dovetail blank.
The front sight is tall so as to clear the suppressor and the rear sight has enough elevation to zero the gun with subsonic ammo out to 100 yards.
I have run handloaded 158 SWC and 200 grain RN subsonic ammo through this rifle and had no problems with feed and function irrespective of bullet type.
The action is smooth with no hitches or glitches in operation and I haven’t had an issue with 38 or 357 magnum ammo functionality and it doesn’t seem to be picky about the cartridge OAL as long as it falls between the the two (38 special and 357 COAL).
Accuracy is very good but with the rear sight aperture being so large it’s a little difficult for me to shoot bughole groups with it using my 55 year old eyes but if I bear down real hard and squint the front sight post into a clear a sight picture as possible it’ll Group my handloads into 2” at 75 yards.
I am contemplating a red dot sight for this one but can’t seem to pull th trigger on that purchase just yet.
So, reference the original question, has Remlin sorted out their issues? I’d say (based on this sample of one rifle) yes.
A few more pics: