Tell me about Marlin Lever Guns.

[45R]

I've been lately intrigued by the Marlin Lever Gun chambered in .357Mag. It would primarily used for range work but I'm not sure if its enough gun for a pig. (if not then I've got a .308)

I dont know much about these types of rifles so please educate me.

What do you guys like about these lever guns?
Are they pretty accurate and are the stock sights easy to take off to installation of ghost rings?


TIA

45R

 

[TarpleyG]

I researched this subject a while back. Read a lot about different brands. Everyone seems to prefer Marlin over Winchester and Browning. I bought a 336SS in .30-30 for myself for Christmas and love it. The quality is outstanding. It is still a bit stiff in the action but that will work out after a while. Can't say enough good things about Marlin. I highly recommend one.

GT

 

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

Both Marlin and Winchester offer fine levers in many calibers. Both offer the .357 versions. The Winchester is more sleek, and the Marlin is wider. Get a feel for both. I was leaning heavily toward the Marlin because only they offer a 45/70. I spend some range time with a Winchester 30-30.

Other members on this board feel that the .357 magnum is OK for pigs. You should pick up additional velocity with the longer barrel. Use 180 grain jacketed soft points for game.

There is also a saying "Use enough gun." Personally, I would go for the .44 mag in a lever over the .357. Much more versatile, and holds the same # of rounds.

I spent some time on Marlin talk last fall. IIRC, there is a problem with one of the .357 levers. I do not remember which. Something about the receiver being used from a large bore and feed problems. YMMV

http://www.marlinfirearms.com/marlinTalk/index.php

 

[Wildalaska]

Hi 7.62, I have never seen a Marlin 357 have trouble feeding. You are right though the 44 is more versatile (they do have troiuble feeding some of the 44 mag lead flat points made by some small ammo makers, its correctable problem or just switch ammo)

WildlevermavenAlaska

 

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

Well, you are a reliable source. I only heard second hand on the Marlin forum.

Sometimes forums can bring out the whiners.

 

[larryw]

Marlin 1894 in 44 mag is my favorite gun, so yeah. I like 'em.

They're pretty simple to work on. Accuracy with mine is 2-3" at 100 yards with my best loads.

357 would be OK for deer, but is a bit light for pigs. 44 is fun fun fun!

 

[Atticus]

"What do you guys like about these lever guns?
Are they pretty accurate and are the stock sights easy to take off to installation of ghost rings?"


They have a classic look and feel- they are compact and powerfull- they are very PC.

Aftermarket sights are a usually very easy to install ...even I could do it very quickly. I left the rear sight on my 1895 model, as the Ghost ring is installed using the pre-drilled scope mount holes.

Check out the Marlin Firearms website/ forum for A LOT of good info.
http://www.marlinfirearms.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi

 

[Myself]

I have a guide gun in 45-70 that I enjoy shooting. Very powerful for such a small package.

Last year I purchased a .17 HMR and could not mount the scope I purchaded as the objective lens was a little to large. I went back to the store to pruchase different mounts and they told me to contact Marlin direct. I did and they sent me free mounts.

The problem wasn't even there fault! What a nice company to do buisness with. I will be buying more Marlin products in the future and would recomend them to anyone.

 

[Murphster]

I've had three Marlin lever actions. A full size 45-70. A 45-70 Guide Gun, and a full size in .45 Colt. Great guns. Solid, reliable, accurate, side-ejecting. Reloaded for all of them and shot them all a lot. Truthfully, ,though, I quickly grew tired of the .45 colt. Something about a pistol round coming out of a big rifle. It goes bang and a bullet comes out but it never seemed like I was shooting a real rifle. Seemed to be one step above an air rifle. Got a Ruger something or other police carbine one time that shot .40 S&W. Quickly tired of it as well. Not knocking those who like them, but it didn't do anything for me. Just tossing that out for consideration so you make sure you're happy with the purchase if you get one.

 

[Brian Williams]

Come on 45R do a search here and at Marlintalk.com for 357 and 1894, and add in Marble for their excellent tang sight.


Use some 180 gr hornady xtp SP's or 180gr LFN

 

[rln]

I was lucky enough to find an older marlin 1894 in 44 mag (pre safety) a few months ago. I love that gun! Total riot to shoot! I'm looking for the same in 357 mag now. I like the idea of rifle/revolver combos, and at least in those two chamberings the longer barrel completely changes the rounds performance. To me the marlin seems to be built a little bit stronger than the others. Also for those that want to mount a scope it ejects from the side.

 

[PO2Hammer]

The marlins are exellent. My 1894CP has a XS peep sight and a XS scout rail with a red dot sight. .44 might be better for pigs(wild boar?). Wild pigs vary greatly depending on species and location. What type would you hunt/how much do they weigh? For .357 the best load would be Winchester supreme partition load-180 grain nosler partition. This load will not over-expand/under-penetrate, a possible problem with bullets designed for revolvers when shot at carbine velocities. In my marlin the partition load will group under 3" at 100 yards with a red dot. I can't imagine a critter under 250 pounds that the 180 grain partition couldn't handle. I've always wanted to hunt boar, but i would have to travel.