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Posted: 2/17/2026 1:00:41 PM EDT
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I've had the lever action itch for a while. Would love to have one in .357/.38. I'm not the old school stainless and wood type, so the more modern, railed devices are in my wheelhouse. Anyone have feedback comparing the new Dark series vs. the Hush series? Anything to keep in mind? Marlin Dark:  Henry Hush  |
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Henry X 44 mag = 10 in + group at 100 yds off bipod w sandbags. Marlin 1894 SBL, Marlin 1895 SBL, Marlin 1895 Dark never worse than a two in group at 100 yds off bipod. Note : Henry X was traded for Marlin Dark I’d never go Henry again. I do like the SBL better than the Dark having both. |
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I did more reading and video watching last night. Feedback generally lines up with what I'm seeing here in the replies. I think Henry is trying with their SPD line, but it seems they have a ways to go. General consensus is that finding a Marlin Dark is a time investment, but I guess it's time to begin that adventure. |
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I'm happy with my Henry .44 X, even with the lousy sights* I can get about 4" at 50 yards standing. If I was buying today I would consider a Marlin SBL, frankly it looks cooler and also the Henry's are heavier than comparable Marlins, I think close to a pound on average. The Hush models seem to fix that. My day one mods for a Marlin would be a safety plug and a mid sized loop. Henry's have a transfer safety and, imo, the best size loop for a pistol grip levergun. *They really pop under a weapon light but I can't align the rear sight very well, normal buckhorns like my Henry .22 are much easier. |
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In a similar situation looking for a .357 lever gun. I think I have it down to the Marlin 1894 Trapper or the S&W 1854. Right now I'm leaning towards the Trapper because there are a lot more after market parts available for it than the S&W. I really think if I could get the MagPul stock set on S&W I would go that way. Right now I might even trade a Steyr AUG A3M1 NATO for the Marlin... I think I'd leave several hundred on the table in a straight trade. |
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I think my next purchase will be a Marlin Trapper 357. I would rather have a 44 mag but don't a can for 44. I've handled them several times and have been really impressed. |
"When the people find they can vote themselves money, that will herald the end of the republic"
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Anyone have any experience with the Rossi Model R95 Triple Black? I remember hearing from a couple people that Rossi made a decent lever gun. Mods, if I should be be starting my own thread, delete this post and I will. Rossi R95 Triple Black |
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I’ve got a Ruglin 1895 Dark. No issues that I can remember with. I replaced the stock with the Magpul, and added a T2 with the MI rail/BUI. I’ve definitely had numerous issues with a 1894 44SBL though. It came filled with debris from the factory, and wouldn’t open. It still has frequent FTF with a new extractor, which is absolute shame since it’s such a cute gun. I’d still love to get my hands on the 1894 Dark, though. Attached File |
Bleeding edge of retardation
| I have a Marlin Trapper, Marlin Dark, JM marked Ltd. III, Henry Explorer, Henry H10 Octagon CCH all 45-70 and a Henry Big Boy 45 Colt. Truly, they are all great shooters. I had a problem with one Henry (crooked barrel) and one Marlin (locking block). Both quickly fixed by the manufacturers and all good to go. You really need to try both. I don’t have any Smith lever gun experience. |
Joined:
Nov 2024
Posts:
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KY, USA
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I have shot a Henry Model X in 45-70 (essentially the predecessor to the SPD HUSH) and a Marlin Trapper in 45-70. Both were fine rifles. Both suppressed well. Marlin felt a bit better. Henry was significantly cheaper. BUT, Henry can't chamber bullets with a large meplat like the Garret 540gr rounds. |
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