Last summer I picked up a recent production Marlin 1894 in 44 mag with a 20" barrel. This is a companion for my Ruger Redhawk with a 7.5" barrel. I got lucky and the wood to metal fit was good on mine, and under close scrutiny the only beef I had with the gun was that the stocks needed two applications of tung oil, they came to me so dry.
Recently I acquired a Chiappa 1892 in 357 mag with a 16" barrel to keep my S&W 686+ with a 6" barrel company. While I haven't taken it out to shoot yet, under close scrutiny I found nothing that made my eyes narrow. The gun looks like it received the human attention it deserved before leaving the factory, and I felt vindicated for not choosing the Miroku Winchester.
I want one more lever gun in 45LC. It'll give me an excuse to buy one more SA in that chambering. I've been thinking whether I wanted another Marlin or another Chiappa made 1892. A store an hour away has a 20" octagon 1894 in 45LC, and Cimarron 24" octagon 1892s are everywhere right now, they must have just shipped some.
I like the handiness of the 20" barrel, and feel that ballistically it would probably be the best thing for the caliber. However these guns are already so compact comparatively that looking at my 20", a 24" would not bother me at all.
I had mine laying out for a while today so I could look them over and handle them while I tried to decide. I like the fit and finish of the Chiappa made gun much better. I really like the faux case hardened parts, and the bluing is better on the Chiappa too. If I had to pick between the two actions I'd lean to the 1892. I like the sights a little better on the Chiappa. But I also love my 1894, so I just haven't been able to eliminate it, even though I am leaning more and more toward the Cimarron.
This is a decision I need to make so I'm not asking you to tell me which way to go. Just wanted to see your poll choices and get your $.02 if you had anything to say on it. Thanks!
Recently I acquired a Chiappa 1892 in 357 mag with a 16" barrel to keep my S&W 686+ with a 6" barrel company. While I haven't taken it out to shoot yet, under close scrutiny I found nothing that made my eyes narrow. The gun looks like it received the human attention it deserved before leaving the factory, and I felt vindicated for not choosing the Miroku Winchester.
I want one more lever gun in 45LC. It'll give me an excuse to buy one more SA in that chambering. I've been thinking whether I wanted another Marlin or another Chiappa made 1892. A store an hour away has a 20" octagon 1894 in 45LC, and Cimarron 24" octagon 1892s are everywhere right now, they must have just shipped some.
I like the handiness of the 20" barrel, and feel that ballistically it would probably be the best thing for the caliber. However these guns are already so compact comparatively that looking at my 20", a 24" would not bother me at all.
I had mine laying out for a while today so I could look them over and handle them while I tried to decide. I like the fit and finish of the Chiappa made gun much better. I really like the faux case hardened parts, and the bluing is better on the Chiappa too. If I had to pick between the two actions I'd lean to the 1892. I like the sights a little better on the Chiappa. But I also love my 1894, so I just haven't been able to eliminate it, even though I am leaning more and more toward the Cimarron.
This is a decision I need to make so I'm not asking you to tell me which way to go. Just wanted to see your poll choices and get your $.02 if you had anything to say on it. Thanks!