What Marlin Lever Rifle?

[Dynasty]

I've been wanting to get a Marlin lever action rifle for a while. I'm trying to decide what will fit best for me. Anyone want to give their thoughts?

I want something that is fun to shoot, reliable, and is easy to maintain...sounds like all the Marlin lever rifles, so I will get more specific.

I want something that is good for plinking and having fun with. I do not plan on hunting any game with this rifle. NONE. The longest distance I will be shooting is 150 yards (give or take a few). I will not be reloading so an inexpensive round would be nice. This will be more of a plinker, but HD is its other job. Having ammo available at Wal-Mart is a plus. A smooth action is what I'm going for as well. I'm not sure if a certain model is more smooth than the other, so if someone could help me out that would be great.

Thanks for all the help, guys.

 

[dm1333]

1894C in .357. Ammo is available everywhere and most of the 1894's seem to shoot .38 just as well. You can shoot Buffalo Bore ammo if you want a heavy load, or WWB .38s for plinking.

 

[PO2Hammer]

The 1894C or the cowboy version which is worth the extra money IMO for a fun gun.

Mine is an 1894CP 16" .357/.38 with a 2X Weaver pistol scope on a scout mount.

Lot's o' fun.

 

[Siaharok]

1894C in .357. Ammo is available everywhere

Where? I can't find one anywhere. I've visited several gun shops, including Wally World. Each one has called their distributer, only to be told that they are out of stock.

 

[JustsayMo]

Tough to beat the 1894C in 38/357 for economy, fun and easy shooting. Mine was pretty finicky with 38 ammo and 357 using SWC. Shot the 158's the best, the lighter stuff was the worst and the 180 stuff was somewhere in the middle.

Good all purpose carbine, capable hunter in the right hands too.

 

[RRmerlin70]

Funny, I am in the exact situation with wanting a (marlin) lever rifle for plinking and general target shooting. From what I've read, the 1894C in 357/38 is the way to go. It is, however, a little more expensive than the 336 in 30-30. I imagine the difference in ammo price makes up for that in a short time.

 

[glockman19]

I shot my 1894SS in .44mag yesterday and my shoulder feels it after 30 rounds.

I'm also looking into getting a 1894C.

 

[qajaq59]

Since you aren't going to hunt with it I'd recommend a .357 or .44. Load it with cast bullets and have a ball for darn near nothing. The lighter loads with extend the life of your brass as well.

 

[woof]

Love my 1894 .357 but forget about 150 yds.

 

[Dave P]

I am very pleased with the Cowboy in 44 mag. But I reload. Lots of fun (with medium loads), and very accurate.

 

[Z_Infidel]

Yep, the 1894C fits your description the best if you can find one. The one I had liked 158 gr bullets best.

A 336 in .30-30 would also work for HD if loaded with hollow points such as the 125 gr Federal offering. 150 yards wouldn't be a problem, though that's a fair bit beyond HD range. A bit expensive for plinking.

 

[oilburner350]

For cheap ammo it's hard to beat a 39A. One of my favorite lever .22 rifles.

 

[Macgille]

Get the 336 in 30-30. reload and ammo is not expensive, 300 yd is possible with good accuracy if you learn how to shoot with good irons.

 

[Pumpkinheaver]

Marlin 1894 in .357 sounds like the ticket for you.

 

[10-Ring]

I just picked up a 336 that is just budduh smooth and fits me well. That said, I say go w/ a 336 in the caliber of your choice.

 

[moooose102]

if your going to actually shoot @ 150 yards, the pistol calibers are really going to be taxed out there. you might really be better off with a 30-30. but if that is going to be just an occasional "what the heck, lets see what it'll do" type of shooting, then i agree that the .357 would be the way to go. for plinking, the .357 will do everything the .44 will do to paper, at much less costs and recoil. go get it and start having F U N !!!

 

[RobertFBurnett]

I just picked up a 336 that is just budduh smooth and fits me well. That said, I say go w/ a 336 in the caliber of your choice.

Hey 10-ring, saw you were in California. Did you by chance pick up your 336 at Turners or Big 5? I heard some knocks on their Marlin quality recently. My 336 .30-30 I'm eying will be a shooter so if $100 is the difference between the exact same action with either Birch or Walnut...I'll buy $100 of ammo at Wal-Mart and grin.

RFB

 

[ANGUSLINCOLN]

The 39A would also be an excellent option. I own the 1894c cowboy model as well. Both are awesome rifles. If you are just plinking, the 39A may suit your needs. It will save you lots of money ammo wise. Both models are in the same price ballpark with the 39A being a bit more off the new rack. The .38/.357 caliber serves a dual purpose as a decent home security weapon and as such, has a slightly higher grin factor when plinking with it than the 39A. Another feature of the 39A is that it it breaks down into a two pieces quickly and easily making it a good choice if you hike or camp. You really can't go wrong with either one.

 

[Griff56]

Well for target shooting I guess you can't beat a .22 for inexpensive shooting, but not to 150 yards. The .357/38 and the .44 Mag /44 Sp are in the same boat at 150 yards. They will also cost more to shoot, but as it has been noted reloading and light loads are a choice. However you said that you didn't reload. And I would think the 45/70 would be out of the question all around. What is left? 30-30 I guess. I think the question is more interesting however, than the choice of calibers.

 

[ccd]

Is Marlin going to lay off employees today?

M. Bane in his latest blog says that the lever gun company is going to lay off employees today. Anyone know if he is talking about Marlin or Henry?