The Big 5 in my area is advertising Marlin 1894 .357 for $299.99.

I called and asked for the exact model number and the response was: "1894CH357"

Marlin's website lists an "1894C". (Apparently the ported option has been discontinued which is fine with me.)

My questions are:
1. Does this seem like a decent price?
2. Is this a special model for Big 5?

Thanks,
Don.

big 5 usually gets specials such as unique guns just for them.

down here they had (i think ) a winchester that came in 30/30 357 44 I would rather have that

I'ev always believed the prefect self defense rifle would be a short lever action rifle.  Thanks to old westerns, most peopel have a positive impression of lever guns.  Very PC yet very effective in the pistol calibers (9-10 rounds in the magazine).

This sounds like a blast to shoot.[I wouldnt want a ported one either].  I do know that marlin has supported customers with superior service and would consider that a bargin.

I have one of the ported 1894s in 357... It's a fun little gun that is lightweight and accurate too.  The porting doesn't make a difference either way to me.

IT shoots really good. If I hold at the head/chin at 120 yards I can put them all in the middle of the chest (357 158 samsom JHP's) Of course the first thing to go on any lever action is the standard sights; I replaced mine with a set of Ashley Outdoors Ghost Ring Sights. What a difference in accuracy that made.

Buy it. You'll like It and that's a great price.

I have one and its a lot of fun to shoot.  Also look at the Ashley Outdoors scout scope mount.  Then use a Leupold or Burris Scout scope (2.75x). Scope mounts forward of the receiver, and you shoot with both eyes open.  Very quick.

I hate marlin with a passion.

I would get a winchester 94 in .357.

You can find thme now and then for $300. typically a bit higher, but if you keep your eyes open, you find em.