Winchester model 94 ranger in 38/357 mag

[mc_coy]

What about this gun for homeland defense and range shooting?

What attracts me: same caliber as sixgun, great savings with reloads, no worries about changing loading press, no worries about costly 12 gauge slugs not easily reloadable.

What worries me: efficiency with 38 sp rounds, accuracy at 50+yards, velocity in firing.

Accuracy with a scope??

Your insight is most welcome

 

[Seafarer12]

Scope on a lever action? blasphemy.

Now that that is said. I have a Navy Arms 92 (nicer rossi). 38's are good for plinking but for hunting you need full power .357's Accuracy will should be fine once you find a good combination for your gun. Point of impact will just change a few inches between the 38's and 357's.

 

[Grandpa Shooter]

It has been a common practice for a lot of years (150 or more) to have a light rifle or carbine which uses the same ammo as a pistol. The advantages are obvious. For home defense and light game hunting, both the 38 and 357 are efficient loads. Make sure the carbine you have will reliably feed 38's. Not all will.

The actions can be smoothed out for greater reliability. I don't know why you would put a scope on a pistol caliber carbine. On a 30-30 lever action yes. Maybe on a 44 Mag if you were hunting short range.

They are a blast to own and shoot. Enjoy!

 

[theCZ]

Don't get me wrong, I'm a real winchester fan, my first rifle was a 94AE in 30-30 and my first shotgun a 12ga Win 1200, but for your purpose I'd go with a Marlin. The model 94 in 357 will have the same lever throw as the 30-30, and the Marlin has a shorter throw, making for quicker reloads.

 

[bogie]

Well, I've got one.

I love the short barrel and the light weight.

I wouldn't scope it. Offhand, without a lot of actual caring, popped an 8" 10 shot 100 yard group. And that was about 12-13 years ago, when I didn't know a lot that I know now...

Functions just fine with .38 special stuff - GREAT plinking gun. I've never shot lead through it - just cheap JHP stuff. It -really- likes a bunch of powder and a 125 grain bullet, or even lighter. And with 180 grainers, it's just evil.

It's one of my favorite rifles. It just feels right, and points and sights right.

 

[mc_coy]

OK folks,
thanks and, no scope, it was just a whrrrd idear....

 

[MrBorland]

I have a Marlin .357mag lever carbine. Great platform; very versatile and I certainly think it'd be a reasonable choice for HD.

Personally, though, I think the argument for a handgun and rifle chambered in the same caliber is a bit overblown. While it is true and convenient that I can load the same stuff in both while plinking, each may require different SD or hunting loads for optimal effect; when it really matters, then, you may very well end up using different loads for each platform. In the end, it's not much different that having 2 different calibers.

 

[Hokkmike]

Personally, though, I think the argument for a handgun and rifle chambered in the same caliber is a bit overblown. While it is true and convenient that I can load the same stuff in both while plinking, each may require different SD or hunting loads for optimal effect; when it really matters, then, you may very well end up using different loads for each platform. In the end, it's not much different that having 2 different calibers.

A comment worth pondering. But if a person wanted to stash some ammo, and with prices these days who wouldn't, it would make that job easier. I think the ideal caliber for a handun-rifle combo would be the .44 mag.

 

[H2O MAN]

Nothing wrong with .357 mag ~

 

[Top_Gunn]

Any particular reason for Winchester, rather than Marlin?

 

[Seafarer12]

Might also have some issues shooting 38's in a 94. It was designed for a longer round and some have issues shooting shorter rounds.

 

[mc_coy]

Any particular reason for Winchester, rather than Marlin?

Not really, other than the local gunshop has the Winchester in stock

 

[roscoe]

The .357 is one of the most versatile rifles around, plus handy, and cheap to shoot.

 

[runninmike]

go for it!
I have a Marlin 1894c and love it!
The winchester is rare for obvious reasons! Get it and never regret it!
Enjoy-Mike