What on earth is going on with Marlin 1894 .357 prices?

[MrBorland]

'Bout 5-6 years ago, they were hard to find, but not yet unobtainable. I called around and found a Gander Mountain about an hour away that said they "have one in the back", and I was in the car before the other guy hung up. Even better, I got it, brand new, for $350. I wouldn't sell it, but if I were to, it'd take at least twice that to part with it.

 

[bikemutt]

I wouldn't sell it, but if I were to, it'd take at least twice that to part with it.

Just looking at things right now, I'd say you could get north of $1500 for it depending on condition.

 

[TheNev]

Weird. I bought a Remlin 1894 CS a year or so ago for $620 from an LGS. The fit and finish is beautiful, its very accurate (soda cans at 50 yards unsupported) and feeds .38spl just fine. The shop had 5-6 on the shelf along with some .44s.

I don't understand what all the fuss is about.

 

[OrangePwrx9]

I guess you've got to want one really bad to pay the current going prices.

I have an 1894CS .357 that I bought new in the late '80s and an 1894S .44 I bought a couple years later at K-Mart. Think I paid $275 for one and $295 for the other.

I like 'em both but never shot 'em much. The very heavy trigger on the 94S was off-putting as was the 'boing' I heard every time I fired the 94CS. Fixed the trigger on the 94S by installing a Wild West trigger. The 'boing' in the 94CS is still there. Took a deer this year with the 94S .44; first time hunting for it.

Point is, they're good guns but have flaws like any other. I'd not pay more than $500 or $600 for a prime specimen even today; but then I don't buy guns to speculate. Today's prices are outrageous; there are better guns for the money.

 

[Elkins45]

I have the Winchester saddle ring carbine version that is in probably 99% condition with XS sights added, plus I have the original sights and box. Wonder how much I could sell it for? I haven't shot it more than 100 times since I bought back in 2006.

How is the demand for Winchesters vs Marlins?

 

[bikemutt]

Ruger M77/357

Well, I was at a Pawnshop today, the only one in my area where I'd likely to find an 1894 in 357 for less than a king's ransom. They had none.

I was about to leave when I spotted a nice looking stainless bolt rifle on the bottom rack, a Ruger M77/357. The rifle was in mint condition with a flawless looking bore. The synthetic stock is ugly but that can be fixed.

I know it's not a Marlin 1894, and it sure as heck isn't a lever gun, but for $500 it came home with me. For now at least, my 357 carbine itch has been scratched, and my wallet is intact