I think I want a .357 lever gun - Page 2

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - I think I want a .357 lever gun (Page 2 of 3)

Posted: 12/22/2012 10:33:37 AM EDT

[#1]

Quoted:
There was supposed to be a Rossi/Legacy/Puma released in .480 but I have never been able to find one.

http://www.rossiusa.com/product-details.cfm?id=159

Posted: 12/22/2012 10:39:45 AM EDT

[#2]

Quoted:
I have an older Marlin .44 mag lever action.
It's a great gun.
I would recommend the Ballard rifling and staying away from the Micro-groove barrels if you plan on shooting a lot of non jacketed bullets.

I recommend the ones where you can't see the rollmark inside the barrel.

And even the JM marked Marlins, well, a center punch is not the best way to tight the front sight dovetail.
That left zits in the bore, too.

Posted: 12/22/2012 10:40:41 AM EDT

[#3]

Yeah what are some good current lever guns made?

Posted: 12/22/2012 10:57:33 AM EDT

[#4]

Quoted:

Quoted:
There was supposed to be a Rossi/Legacy/Puma released in .480 but I have never been able to find one.

http://www.rossiusa.com/product-details.cfm?id=159

They aren't curently offered, but there were some made. I think it was only an option for a year or two.

Nobody shot .480 Ruger, so they sold like crap. I saw some on Gunbroker when they were out, but I haven't seen one for years now.

On the .357, how do the muzzle velocities compare between a 16", 20" and 24" barrel?
Does is gain velocity at all lengths, or does it start to give it back up at some point?

Posted: 12/22/2012 11:04:51 AM EDT

[#5]

Quoted:

Quoted:
There was supposed to be a Rossi/Legacy/Puma released in .480 but I have never been able to find one.

http://www.rossiusa.com/product-details.cfm?id=159

They aren't curently offered, but there were some made. I think it was only an option for a year or two.

Nobody shot .480 Ruger, so they sold like crap. I saw some on Gunbroker when they were out, but I haven't seen one for years now.

On the .357, how do the muzzle velocities compare between a 16", 20" and 24" barrel?
Does is gain velocity at all lengths, or does it start to give it back up at some point?

I haven't run the numbers, but the powder used would cause varying results. There have been factory loads for .44mag that were marketed as 'rifle loads', using loads that were better matched for longer barrels.

Posted: 12/22/2012 11:31:07 AM EDT

[#6]

Quoted:

Quoted:
My Marlin 1894c can shoot up to 246 grain bullets that I handload myself. It is also threaded for my Trident9 suppressor Those heavy bullets hit like a ton of bricks and they are very quiet.

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd275/autumnsongmt/lever38357.jpg

What kind of load are you using behind heavy bullets like that?

(I understand reloading so you can answer sanely)

IM sent

Posted: 12/22/2012 2:40:46 PM EDT

[#7]

Quoted:
The JM marked Marlin 1894's are generally considered the best of the 357's.
That being said I saw one on the WTT forum this morning.
Looks like the ultra hard to find 1894CSS. Stainless 18" barrel version.

According to Marlin's website, they are still making the 1894CSS.

I think you are confusing the 1894 CSS for trade here with the 1894 CP or the 1894LTDSS.

The CP was only made for 2 years and is hard to find.
The LTDSS is MUCH harder to find since they only made 250 of them in each caliber.

Posted: 12/24/2012 9:02:10 AM EDT

[#8]

I found a new Winchester model 94 Trapper .357 at my LGS for $650. That sound like a good deal?

Posted: 12/24/2012 10:40:41 AM EDT

[#9]

Quoted:

I found a new Winchester model 94 Trapper .357 at my LGS for $650. That sound like a good deal?

That is a beautiful rifle. $650 though? ouch! is there anything special about it? limited edition, bells and whistles?

However, it IS a Winchester

Posted: 12/24/2012 10:46:49 AM EDT

[#10]

I sold a Marlin of recent mfgr because the action was gritty. I purchased a Henry Big Boy .44 mag and Henry Golden Boy .22. Both actions are super smooth! I recommend Henry!

Posted: 12/24/2012 10:50:36 AM EDT

[#11]

Quoted:
I have a Rossi M92 that has treated me quite well.

No practical experience with the others.

Same here and I LOVE it! Great little gun with quite a bit of punch when used with full power 357 boolits. Fairly inexpensive to plink with using target 38spec.

Posted: 12/24/2012 10:59:21 AM EDT

[#12]

Quoted:

Quoted:
I found a new Winchester model 94 Trapper .357 at my LGS for $650. That sound like a good deal?

That is a beautiful rifle. $650 though? ouch! is there anything special about it? limited edition, bells and whistles?

However, it IS a Winchester

Quick check on Gunbroker shows no 357 models for sale and two 44 cal versions going for $900.

There are two 16 inch 30-30 models for about $700, and two 45 LC versions for $800 (used), and $900 (NIB, case hardended colors)

Based on that quick look, I'd say pick it up.

Posted: 12/24/2012 11:05:26 AM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:
Yeah what are some good current lever guns made?

If you want to buy American go with Henry. Their guns carry a lifetime warranty regardless of original owner and their customer support is second to none. My wife and I both started cowboy shooting with Henry Big Boys and they are smoooooooooth. The only reason we switched is that they just can't be made to run fast enough to be competitive in cowboy competition.

If you want FAST, go with an Uberti 1866 or 1873. The internals are basically identical between the two. The difference is that the 1873 has side plates which make disassembly, cleaning and re-assembly much easier. Whether you buy from Taylor's or Cimarron makes no difference, they're just the importer. Both sell the exact same rifle from Uberti.

Posted: 12/24/2012 11:15:52 AM EDT

[#14]

What is wrong with the winchesters? nobody has anything good to say?

Posted: 12/24/2012 11:17:22 AM EDT

[#15]

Stay away from the Remlins. They are so bad that a lot of cowboy smiths won't even touch them. If you want to run a rifle fast, go with the Uberti '73. If you want to shoot hot loads and don't care about getting 10 rounds off in under 3 seconds, get a Rossi '92. A Rossi can be slicked up so that it runs smooth (order the DVD and parts from Steve's Guns), but they will never run with a '73. Conversely, a '73 action isn't nearly as strong as the lock-up mechanism of the '92, so a '92 holds up better to a diet of .357.

Posted: 12/24/2012 11:24:38 AM EDT

[#16]

Quoted:
What is wrong with the winchesters? nobody has anything good to say?

They are nice rifles, the new ones are being made in Japan.

I want to get a Winchester 92 or henry big boy next.

Posted: 12/24/2012 11:32:16 AM EDT

[#17]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Love my Winchester 94 AE trapper 357. One of my favorite guns..

I have this exact gun in my safe. I have never fired it.

I guess I should be ashamed of myself.

I do take it out, from time to time, and rub on it though.

You should sell it to me immediately. I've been looking for a trapper in .357 for years.

Posted: 12/24/2012 11:34:57 AM EDT

[#18]

Quoted:

On the .357, how do the muzzle velocities compare between a 16", 20" and 24" barrel?
Does is gain velocity at all lengths, or does it start to give it back up at some point?

The 18" barrel seems to be the sweet spot with only gradual increases after that. At least in the tests that I've seen. The only round I've ever seen that loses velocity (in a commercially chambered barrel length) is the .45 Auto chambered in the old Marlin Camp Carbines. It was crazy...like 50-60 FPS below what is normal velocity from a 5" auto. Any round will plateau at some point and eventually lose velocity if you put long enough barrel on it. How does friction work?

One thing to remember is that no matter how hard you hand load the .357, it just doesn't come close to the .30-30. Not even in the same zip code. The comparison hasn't come up yet, but I'm sure it will.

If you like one, buy it. Good luck finding one! I had one and foolishly sold it. It's a fun gun and relatively cheap to shoot that can be pressed into service as a close range big game rifle. It's no .30-30 though, so don't buy one thinking it is.

Konger

Posted: 12/24/2012 11:37:05 AM EDT

[#19]

Any JM stamped marlin 1894 would be sweet, I bought a used brass Puma M92 357 and it shoots well , Have a marlin 1895 guide 45/70 that is slick would like to pick up a marlin mate for it :) Not sure if you reload but reloading 38 cowboy is about as cheap and easy as it gets, brass is reasonable and plentiful

Posted: 12/24/2012 11:40:14 AM EDT

[#20]

You do want one.

I can recommend the Rossi 92. Just don't expect to rely on their customer service. But why would you? They are low priced so you can afford to have a good Winchester smith work on them if needed.

Posted: 12/27/2012 12:25:01 AM EDT

[#21]

Well, thanks for all of your advice. The chances of finding a pre-Remmington Marlin seemed pretty slim based on the searching I did, so I ordered a blued, 16" Rossi 92. Should be here in a week or two. Thanks everyone.

Posted: 12/27/2012 12:37:42 AM EDT

[#22]

Quoted:

You do want one.

I can recommend the Rossi 92. Just don't expect to rely on their customer service. But why would you? They are low priced so you can afford to have a good Winchester smith work on them if needed.

I saw a 20' Stainless 357 Rossi at the gun Sat. I think it was $475.00

Posted: 12/27/2012 12:38:38 AM EDT

[#23]

Quoted:

WTH???

Slightest wind of AWB and now we are talking LEVER GUNS??? THIS ISN'T COWBOYGUNS.COM SON!!

This is BLACK RIFLE COUNTRY!!!

I got me a Marlin in 30-30 and got a hankerin' for other lever guns now... If the .357 is anything like the 30-30... GET IT! The one thing I gotta say about lever guns (goes for my Henry goldenboy too) EVERY SINGLE TIME I raise them up, sights are already lined up for me.

HA. I was just thinking I wanted a lever gun the other day too.

Maybe I will design a black lever gun with front quad rails like an AR. I'd be rich

Posted: 12/27/2012 1:27:19 AM EDT

[#24]

Mossberg beat ya to it...

I actually like the idea of the rails, but that stock...

Posted: 12/27/2012 2:16:35 AM EDT

[#25]

Quoted:

Mossberg beat ya to it...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8314221370_5a0afe905c_z.jpg

I actually like the idea of the rails, but that stock...

Ew yeah. That stock is fugly. If it had a regular lever action style black polymer stock, that would actually be pretty damn sweet.

Posted: 12/27/2012 2:37:59 AM EDT

[#26]

Quoted:

Quoted:
The winchester 94 can be reloaded while rounds are still in the mag tube. Does the marlin allow you to reload while there are still rounds in the mag tube?

Just a thought.

Why wouldn't it?

My Marlin in .44 mag can be topped off

I had an older marlin in 35 rem that once you cycle the first round into the chamber the second round on loading lever prevents the loading gate from opening. Was wondering if they did the same if chambered in pistol calibers.

You just weren't pushing on the loading gate hard enough.

Posted: 12/27/2012 2:58:59 AM EDT

[#27]

Got caught up in the lever gun fever and just ordered an 1886 Winchester in 45-70. Can't wait to feel that big thump.

Posted: 12/27/2012 3:10:34 AM EDT

[#28]

Quoted:

Quoted:
The winchester 94 can be reloaded while rounds are still in the mag tube. Does the marlin allow you to reload while there are still rounds in the mag tube?

Just a thought.

My Winchester can't. Once I let the gate close, that's it. My dad's Winchester .44 Mag will though.

Mine is the 44 mag version as well. Very interesting it seems to be a caliber specific thing.

Posted: 12/27/2012 3:23:29 AM EDT

[#29]

This thread is highly relevant to my interests.

I was thinking about lever guns thye other day as I walked thru my LGS that had nothing but revolvers and lever guns left.

Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile

Posted: 12/27/2012 3:25:14 AM EDT

[#30]

My wife hunts PA deer with a 10 year old Winchester 94 Trapper Carbine in .357 mag, with heavy 180 gr HP's it hits hard. Accuracy is decent, just try some differnt brands, the wifes likes the Remington 180 JHP......the deer dont.

Posted: 12/27/2012 3:37:17 AM EDT

[#31]

Yes, You do want a .357 lever gun.

Posted: 12/27/2012 3:39:03 AM EDT

[#32]

Quoted:

One thing to remember is that no matter how hard you hand load the .357, it just doesn't come close to the .30-30. Not even in the same zip code. The comparison hasn't come up yet, but I'm sure it will.

However you can load it into 7.62x39 power level territory with the right bullet weight.

Posted: 12/27/2012 3:49:15 AM EDT

[#33]

I purchased a Rossi 92 in .357. It was fun, immediately, but using some reloads, I got a .38 case stuck in the chamber. Had to disassemble the whole thing, and if you haven't tried this on a lever before, well there is a reason most people never do much more than clean the bore and keep them lubed. Lever actions are a little bit more complex to strip.

However, SINCE I had it apart...

I went to THIS site:
Rossi 92 Specialist

I got his DVD and a few parts.

I got the .38 brass out, followed his instructions, and voila, the Rossi cycles like a dream (it was pretty good before, now it's amazing).

I will say that it gets very picky on cycling .38 ammo, but never any trouble with .357.

Posted: 12/27/2012 4:04:15 AM EDT

[#34]

Quoted:
I purchased a Rossi 92 in .357. It was fun, immediately, but using some reloads, I got a .38 case stuck in the chamber. Had to disassemble the whole thing, and if you haven't tried this on a lever before, well there is a reason most people never do much more than clean the bore and keep them lubed. Lever actions are a little bit more complex to strip.

However, SINCE I had it apart...

I went to THIS site:
Rossi 92 Specialist

I got his DVD and a few parts.

I got the .38 brass out, followed his instructions, and voila, the Rossi cycles like a dream (it was pretty good before, now it's amazing).

I will say that it gets very picky on cycling .38 ammo, but never any trouble with .357.

I like to load my .38 spec about .10 longer than recommended for my Rossi, took away all my feeding problems in a heartbeat. Mine is fed a steady diet of .38 and the ONLY load I had problems feeding was semi wadcutters so I loaded em long and now they are like buttah.

Posted: 12/27/2012 4:24:19 AM EDT

[#35]

I've been running .38 spc Prvi w/vanilla hollowpoints in my .357 Puma, it runs and shoots just fine. I always thought it would make a good HD gun. Who would argue with 11 rds of .38 or 10 of full bore .357? (20" barrel)

Posted: 12/27/2012 4:31:13 AM EDT

[#36]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Love my Winchester 94 AE trapper 357. One of my favorite guns..

I have this exact gun in my safe. I have never fired it.

I guess I should be ashamed of myself.

I do take it out, from time to time, and rub on it though.

You should sell it to me immediately. I've been looking for a trapper in .357 for years.

Sell? What is this "sell" that you speak of?

Posted: 12/27/2012 4:32:29 AM EDT

[#37]

I have a Marlin 1894S in 44 Mag and love that rifle. It has been my behind the seat truck gun for many years.

Posted: 12/27/2012 4:46:56 AM EDT

[#38]

Quoted:
Yes, You do want a .357 lever gun.

This is a very rare 1894LTDSS that I mentioned earlier.
His posts about it made me go crazy until I found my 1894 CP, and 1894P.

My wife is still annoyed with you Sir....

Posted: 12/27/2012 6:39:54 AM EDT

[#39]

Congrats on selecting a lever gun, OP! Put up pics when it arrives.

Now that you have one, you have to get a single action revolver too.

It's basically the law.

Posted: 12/27/2012 6:45:19 AM EDT

[#40]

Quoted:

I like to load my .38 spec about .10 longer than recommended for my Rossi, took away all my feeding problems in a heartbeat. Mine is fed a steady diet of .38 and the ONLY load I had problems feeding was semi wadcutters so I loaded em long and now they are like buttah.

My experience matches yours, it doesn't like all .38 ammo, but once you get to the longer cartridges, it likes them just as well as it does .357, which is to say it likes them a LOT.

Posted: 12/27/2012 6:46:50 AM EDT

[#41]

I have an unreasonable amount of .38 spc so I've kinda had a hankering for one of these. Especially after watching Hell on Wheels.

Posted: 12/27/2012 6:48:39 AM EDT

[#42]

Quoted:
I have an unreasonable amount of .38 spc so I've kinda had a hankering for one of these. Especially after watching Hell on Wheels.

No such thing.

And yes, Hell on Wheels did help that desire a bit.

Posted: 12/27/2012 6:50:14 AM EDT

[#43]

I want one bad, but I can't get anyone to tell me "so-and-so model will reliably feed 38"

Posted: 12/27/2012 6:53:20 AM EDT

[#44]

Since it's show and tell time:

Standard 1894 made in '81. Before the safety (which doesn't really bother me), and one of the last with the gold plated trigger. Don't be fooled, it's very light and will thump you with juiced .44 Mag loads.

Posted: 12/27/2012 7:21:50 AM EDT

[#45]

Quoted:
Got caught up in the lever gun fever and just ordered an 1886 Winchester in 45-70. Can't wait to feel that big thump.

One of those has been on my want list for a couple decades. Never came across one when I had the money, and there were always other things at the top of the list if I wanted to order something.

Quoted:
I purchased a Rossi 92 in .357. It was fun, immediately, but using some reloads, I got a .38 case stuck in the chamber. Had to disassemble the whole thing, and if you haven't tried this on a lever before, well there is a reason most people never do much more than clean the bore and keep them lubed. Lever actions are a little bit more complex to strip.

However, SINCE I had it apart...

I went to THIS site:
Rossi 92 Specialist

I got his DVD and a few parts.

I got the .38 brass out, followed his instructions, and voila, the Rossi cycles like a dream (it was pretty good before, now it's amazing).

I will say that it gets very picky on cycling .38 ammo, but never any trouble with .357.

A few years ago, I stripped my Winchester 94's (one made in the late 1960's, the other in the early 1970's) down to the barreled receivers, did a detailed cleaning and lube, then reassembled them. I doubt it had ever been done with the 1970's one, but I got the 1960's one from my father who was the original owner, and I know that he never did anything other than clean the bore. Just doing that detailed cleaning and lube made a big difference in how smoothly the actions worked.

But it's not something I would enjoy doing again.

Posted: 12/27/2012 7:40:40 AM EDT

[#46]

Quoted:
WTH???

Slightest wind of AWB and now we are talking LEVER GUNS??? THIS ISN'T COWBOYGUNS.COM SON!!

This is BLACK RIFLE COUNTRY!!!

I got me a Marlin in 30-30 and got a hankerin' for other lever guns now... If the .357 is anything like the 30-30... GET IT! The one thing I gotta say about lever guns (goes for my Henry goldenboy too) EVERY SINGLE TIME I raise them up, sights are already lined up for me.

Yes, lever guns in pistol caliber do get caught up in AWB legislation due to the tubular "ammunition feeding device" magazine that holds more than 10 rds. They exempt .22 caliber guns though.

Posted: 12/27/2012 8:27:58 AM EDT

[#47]

Had 2 Rossi .357 rifles. BOTH were TURDS! (#1- screw heads shattering during recoil. #2 wouldn't extract or eject if the world depended on it.)

Had Marlin .357 30 years ago. It was a TURD! (wouldn't extract AT ALL.)

Get a WINCHESTER.

I view Rossi and Marlin as the Hi-Point and Jennings of the lever guns.

Posted: 12/27/2012 8:48:25 AM EDT

[#48]

Quoted:

Quoted:
Yes, You do want a .357 lever gun.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/91869749/levergun.jpg

This is a very rare 1894LTDSS that I mentioned earlier.
His posts about it made me go crazy until I found my 1894 CP, and 1894P.

My wife is still annoyed with you Sir....

the stocks on those is so sexy.
the first one I saw and was gone before I could go back was a .357 for $650
the second one I saw was on gun broker for $3000
my desire to own one is pretty high
have almost considered giving up and getting a blued plain wood stock