Legionnaire
Contributing Member
Unfortunately, time ran out this weekend before I was able to get to the range. However, I did have some fun with a new-to-me 1894C. Had an older, pre-crossbolt-safety specimen a few years ago and foolishly sold it. Once I got into reloading, I immediately missed that 1894, since I really enjoy reloading for my .357 revolvers.
Anyway, got the "new" gun second hand from a guy on another forum. When I picked it up at the dealer, it looked barely fired. It's a late model with Ballard-style rifling, crossbolt safety, and utilitarian wood.
Broke it down Saturday and minimal internal wear suggests the seller was accurate in his description of less than 50 rounds fired. Key giveaway was that the leading edge of the cam on the lever was still razor sharp, but there was only the slightest notch in the mating surface on the carrier. First order of business was to radius the front of the cam to keep it from further wearing the carrier, thus (hopefully) preventing the infamous "Marlin jam."
Second order of business was getting rid of that stupid crossbolt safety. Replaced it with a kit from Long Hunter Shooting Supply. Third, swapped out the stock trigger with a Wild West Guns "happy trigger" kit; dropped in nicely, thank you. And finally, after detail cleaning and reassembling, added the XS ghost-ring sight set that I at least had the foresight to pull from my previous 1894 before selling it.
Once it was all reassembled, cycled several different types of ammo through it without a hitch. I was especially pleased that my handloaded 158 grain Missouri Bullet LSWCs seemed to load and cycle well.
So now, can't wait for a free afternoon to get to the range, sight it in, and see what it will do. When I have enough time, I'll also chronograph some of my hand loads to see what kind of velocities I'm getting compared to my revolvers.
Range report and pics to follow ... not necessarily in that order.
Anyway, got the "new" gun second hand from a guy on another forum. When I picked it up at the dealer, it looked barely fired. It's a late model with Ballard-style rifling, crossbolt safety, and utilitarian wood.
Broke it down Saturday and minimal internal wear suggests the seller was accurate in his description of less than 50 rounds fired. Key giveaway was that the leading edge of the cam on the lever was still razor sharp, but there was only the slightest notch in the mating surface on the carrier. First order of business was to radius the front of the cam to keep it from further wearing the carrier, thus (hopefully) preventing the infamous "Marlin jam."
Second order of business was getting rid of that stupid crossbolt safety. Replaced it with a kit from Long Hunter Shooting Supply. Third, swapped out the stock trigger with a Wild West Guns "happy trigger" kit; dropped in nicely, thank you. And finally, after detail cleaning and reassembling, added the XS ghost-ring sight set that I at least had the foresight to pull from my previous 1894 before selling it.
Once it was all reassembled, cycled several different types of ammo through it without a hitch. I was especially pleased that my handloaded 158 grain Missouri Bullet LSWCs seemed to load and cycle well.
So now, can't wait for a free afternoon to get to the range, sight it in, and see what it will do. When I have enough time, I'll also chronograph some of my hand loads to see what kind of velocities I'm getting compared to my revolvers.
Range report and pics to follow ... not necessarily in that order.
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