Which of these 3 should I buy?

[epijunkie67]

Looking for my first lever action and decided to go with one in .357. Been doing a lot of looking and there are only a couple of options in my area. It looks like it is going to come down to 3 options and I needed feedback on which one to go with.

#1 Marlin 1894C, 18.5" Brl, new, ordered from Wal-Mart. $360

#2 Winchester 94 Trapper, 16" Brl, new, $410

#3 Marlin 1894C, 16.5" Brl, used, with ported barrel and peep sight added. $360

The used one looked like it was in great shape but I've never used a ported barrel and don't know how well I'd like it. Don't even know that it needs it since it's just a .357 and a 16" one at that. That and it's as expensive as the new one.

Opinions?

 

[Jim Watson]

New Marlin.
I don't like ported barrels (Although I do like peep sights.) and Winchester 94s adapted to pistol cartridges don't run as well as Marlin 94s designed for them.

 

[one45auto]

I've owned my Winchester Model 94 Trapper .357 Magnum for over six years and have never had any problems whatsoever. In fact I liked it so much that I bought a Winchester Model 94 Legacy (back when they offered the 20" barrel) in the same caliber and that baby levers just as smooth as melted butter. Can't ask for more than that.

Since I've never owned a Marlin I really cannot comment on them except to say that Marlin owners seem as equally pleased with their 1894 rifles as I am with my 94' Winchesters. All things being equal it will come down to aesthetics - that is to say whichever you personally find more appealing. Frankly the Marlins just don't have the same nice lines as the Winchesters in my opinion, but then I'm sure you'll find Marlin folks who feel likewise about the Winchesters.

All preferences aside, you really can't go wrong no matter which you decide to buy.

 

[Chipperman]

I'll second the new Marlin.
If the used Marlin did not have the ported barrel, I'd choose that one. (assuming that it's old enough to be better quality manufacture than the new one)

 

[4v50 Gary]

New Marlin. With its light recoil, why would anyone need a ported .357? The addition of the peep sight isn't worth it and I'd rather have the factory warranty.