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Posted: 2/25/2005 12:19:10 AM EDT
Anyone have a suggestion here? I'm mostly going to be using a variety of 38 special rounds thru it. Did I miss any other manufacturers?
Marlin 1894C 
Winchester Model 94, Trapper 
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Posted: 2/25/2005 1:07:50 AM EDT
[#1]
Taking up cowboy action shooting? Between those two, I like the Marlin. When I wanted a 30-30 I compared Marlin and Winchester in the gun store, and I decided on Marlin. The Marlin was smoother and had a better overall fit and finish. The Winchester was rougher, not what I expected. The only one I can think of you missed in .38/.357 is Uberti. They're nice rifles but more expensive.
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Posted: 2/25/2005 3:25:08 AM EDT
[#2]
Cowboy shooting? Nah, I just have alot of .38!
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Posted: 2/25/2005 8:12:41 AM EDT
[#3]
I have the Marlin you have pictured its pretty cool .
Very fun gun to shoot. I would recommend it to anyone . |
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Posted: 2/25/2005 11:45:38 AM EDT
[#4]
I ran into an Legacy Sports International/Puma Lever Action while searching the local gunshops today. Anyone ever hear of them? The price was soooo right. I believe they were made in Brazil...
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Posted: 2/25/2005 12:32:12 PM EDT
[#5]
I just went through this same process and got the Winchester Compact 357. It's absolutely a blast to shoot and play with. I went to leverguns.com for a lot of info.
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Posted: 2/25/2005 1:09:16 PM EDT
[#6]
How does the Henry rate? www.Henryrepeating.com
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Posted: 2/25/2005 1:13:08 PM EDT
[#7]
Great guns for the $$$....BUT they don't make one in 38spl/357 
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Posted: 2/25/2005 2:06:34 PM EDT
[#8]
They do now. Little piece about it my April Shooting Times, page 66. Retail $775. |
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Posted: 2/25/2005 4:01:48 PM EDT
[#9]
Only one choice, Marlin. Preferably an older one w/o the bs safety. Like mine.
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Posted: 2/25/2005 5:52:37 PM EDT
[#10]
$775 is too much $$$! |
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Posted: 2/25/2005 6:05:44 PM EDT
[#11]
Ray, I have the Marlin 1894C in 357/38 Spec. It is a great gun. I also have the Winchester 94 in both 44 mag and 30-30. I love them also. The Marlin does feel better in the hands but the Winchester looks better. Soooo we have some extra 38 special ammo. I wonder why?
MIKE.
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Posted: 2/25/2005 6:09:17 PM EDT
[#12]
No comment.  Unless I hear anything incredibly positive about Legacy Sports International's Puma, looks like I'm going with the Marlin. |
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Posted: 2/25/2005 6:30:37 PM EDT
[#13]
I would look at a Rossi , I picked up one at a pawn shop 6 mos ago for $150 it a .45 Colt , which I know isnt what your looking for , but wow what nice action Winch 92 copy they are avilable in 357 mag. but the guns arent even listed on Rossi Home page any more . Interarms used to import them . Im sort of a lever gun lover mostly because Im left handed . IMHO an exposed hammer with half cock saftey is sweet . (honestly the thought of folks stumbling thru the woods with a bolt gun fully loaded with striker spring fully cocked and just a safety on kinda bugs me.) BUT good grief all the new stuff has a cross bolt saftey (I dont think the Henery line has them...yet). Ive got a 1873 Umberti .357 , but i like shooting cheap reload .38spl. more but all Winch. untill 1886 are a toggle 'over center' type lock up and not too strong I,ve shot Full House 158gr and she loves it but Id rather go easy with .38spl. Theres a guy in Texas who spiealizies in tuning the Rossi . Apparently there is a click of guys down there who are loading .45Colt Rossies with hot handloads and the gun is taking them fine Id tell you the Pressure these guys are working at but it isnt worth being flamed and called a lier . The early Wich are heavy for what they shoot (by todays standerds) Id really at least heft a Rossi , Light , carries like a BB gun , really a pretty nice gun with a kick ass punch if you ever need it for protection . I gave up on Winch. 94s when they did the angle eject thing???scope on a 94???
 BUT like I said personaly I would hold out for an older one with none of these cross bolt nonsence , jezz they not gonna take our guns their just gonna make so friggin "safe" they wont even go off .RL (edited to say my brother has a Marlin .357/.38 it likes .357 but really kind of balks at cycling the 38s )
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Posted: 2/25/2005 6:34:32 PM EDT
[#14]
Ill bet thats what was Rossi , at least look at one . (edited to say theres a guy selling a really nice older marlin 30-30 on EE asking $600) |
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Posted: 2/25/2005 7:20:31 PM EDT
[#15]
Every jammed lever action that I've seen at a SASS meet is a .357 being ran fast with .38 ammo. Get a rifle chambered for a .38 if that is what you want to shoot.
My 2¢, wganz ¶ |
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Posted: 2/25/2005 11:53:22 PM EDT
[#16]
By the way that USED Puma I saw was selling for $250, I can get the Winchester from my FFL for $385, the Marlin for $403, and a new LSI Puma for $368.
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Posted: 2/26/2005 4:48:24 AM EDT
[#17]
I use a Puma for SASS and is a great gun. But be advised that Puma does nothing on their warranty if it doesn't run with .38 Specials. Their position is that it is chambered for .357 and that is what you should use. wganz ¶ |
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Posted: 2/26/2005 6:04:09 AM EDT
[#18]
Yea I kinda lucked out w/ my 1873 .357mag. It was not sold as .357/.38spl . So for the first 5 years I had it I never tried to put in a .38 . When I did the thing cycled the .38s better than .357 and I feel better shooting the lighter loads thru that action anyway . I had been reloading 357 cases to .38 specs . but after the .38 discovery I just buy the HSM (i think) Theyre in bright orange box , they are reloads of high quality 50 $5 158semi wadcutters , but the things are up to....well you know $ . I still say give Rossi /Puma a look . That .45 Colt barrel has thin walls at the crown , that makes that big hole look even bigger than it is ! Im sure you know the balistics of the .44 Henry rimfire is pretty pitiful by todays standerds and thats all there was til 1873 the 44-40 came out , huge imptvment . I love the scene Dances w/ Wolfs when Cosner drops the Buffalo like it was "hit wit a brick" and saves the day w/ Henry ! it loked like it had quite a recoil too !
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Posted: 2/26/2005 6:13:33 AM EDT
[#19]
RIGHT NOW the history channel is covering some 'cowboy action' rifles / shot gun/ revolvers . maybe it will repeat later in your area (good lord an EMF for I think he said $800 !)
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Posted: 2/26/2005 3:16:38 PM EDT
[#20]
Ray, Are those prices from Tom? They sound a little high. MIKE.
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Posted: 2/26/2005 5:30:12 PM EDT
[#21]
Yes. Looks like the popularity of Cowbow Action Shooting may have affected prices? I Literally checked every gunshop on Long Island...Tom beats them all.  I even had one Guns & Ammo shop try to sell me a USED Marlin 1894C with a BROKEN rear sight...he told me "he cut the price down to "$455 from around $700 and was cutting me a deal!"
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Posted: 2/26/2005 5:32:09 PM EDT
[#22]
Marlin 1894C
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Posted: 2/26/2005 6:07:52 PM EDT
[#23]
I'd get a replica of the 1892 Winchester first, very close 2nd place goes to the Marlin, and last place is any pistol chambering in the 1894 Winchester. The 1894 Winchester action is twice as long as it needs to be for a pistol cartridge. Lots of extra weight for nothing.
Kent |
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Posted: 2/27/2005 1:38:47 AM EDT
[#24]
ETA: Even though the Rossi was a good gun, for me at least, Marlin is the only name in either leverguns or .22 bolt guns. |
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Posted: 2/27/2005 3:47:55 AM EDT
[#25]
win seems to be coating a bit on their name.
all the marlins i've looked at have been superb. |
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Posted: 2/27/2005 3:50:53 AM EDT
[#26]
Check this guy out http://stevesgunz.com/MainSG.htm (sorry I dont know how to hyperlink it). He's very friendly , But after chatting with him youll probably own a Rossi / Puma . He also removes the nasty looking safey switch on the new Pumas , it 's right smack on top of the bolt
 . He'll work on yours or get you one and slick it up , 10% over his cost and about a hundred bucks for a tune up OR he'll just order you one at 10 % over his cost . I dont know where he gets them but he said he can still get Rossis . He will be Da man when / if mine needs work . RL
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Posted: 2/27/2005 4:18:57 AM EDT
[#27]
I just bought a used Marlin 1894C and I love it. Fun to shoot and very accurate. Did not know much about lever action guns but learning quick. There are some quirks with the Marlin, such as the famous "Marlin jam". This is due to a sharp edge on the lever that wears a notch into the arm of the carrier (www.leverguns.com) and a FTF problem due to the OAL of some ammo. Go to www.shootersforum.com for more good info on Marlins.
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Posted: 2/27/2005 4:44:52 AM EDT
[#28]
I have a Marlin 1894 in .44 - Love it!
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Posted: 2/27/2005 2:44:49 PM EDT
[#29]
Get the Marlin!
My family has over 30,000 rounds thru 5 Marlin 94's and they are terrific! 
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Posted: 2/27/2005 4:16:51 PM EDT
[#30]
Had one in .45 Colt, it tore up the brass real bad. ETA: get the Marlin. |
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Posted: 2/27/2005 4:18:54 PM EDT
[#31]
No wonder you didn't want any of that .38 ammo I tried to give ya BTW I have a Winchester Trapper in 44 Magnum it's nice but I think the next lever I'm going to get will be a Marlin If you wanna take a look at mine LMK |
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Posted: 2/27/2005 8:56:23 PM EDT
[#32]
I think they're all pretty good suggestions. A short levergun in .357 is going to be a very versatile little rifle. I got a Win94AE Ranger Compact, and I love it. It's light and short, quick handling and just a handy, neat little rifle. I think everyone should have one. I have no experience with them, but I hear the 92 model is better for shorter cases, but apparently they are not as common as the 94. The action does feel a little sloppy, but it works well. The trigger isn't the greatest, but can be slicked up a bit. I cut a couple coils off of the hammer spring, and it seems a bit smoother. Pull is somewhere around 6lb. Yeah, it would be nice if it were sweeter, but this is a WORK rifle. Oh, you can check out my post www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=6&f=2&t=181752 for a cheap sight upgrade I did. I might be able to get to the range tomorrow or Tuesday to test it out... see how it does...
Overall, I'm happy I got it. $450 with TT&L out the door at a gun show. The only one I could find that day. Probably could have saved a bit, but I am too damn impulsive. hehehe It feeds and fires .38spl like it was made for it. It loves .357. I do hold Marlins in high regard, and if they made a nice 16" .357 for a comparable price to the Winchester, I'd be all over it. I think if I could find a Puma for a good price, I might have to pick one up... but I think the next would be a SAA revolver in .357. A buddy got some brand of plain jane wheelgun in .45lc for like $250 at the Sportsman's Warehouse just up the street. Maybe I can snag one and do some CAS... |
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Posted: 2/28/2005 12:05:23 PM EDT
[#33]
I have had reliability problems from te two USRAC Winchester firearms I own. I won't be buying a third. The excuse for QC on my 1300 is utterly unacceptable.
Get the Marlin |
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Posted: 2/28/2005 1:27:36 PM EDT
[#34]
Kind of keeping an eye on this thread,will be buying a winchester 94 in .357 due to being about 100 dollars cheaper than the marlin,however I am hoping to be able to shoot .38's in it.
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Posted: 2/28/2005 3:23:37 PM EDT
[#35]
Sorry to hear that, my Winchester 1300 Defender has been a joy to own. |
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Posted: 2/28/2005 3:24:14 PM EDT
[#36]
Paid for my Marlin today, should be here by Thursday. 
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Posted: 2/28/2005 3:59:45 PM EDT
[#37]
winchester.
i've never liked anything marlin put out. fwiw, my father picked up a Uberti 1873 in .357. amazing rifle. |
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Posted: 2/28/2005 4:10:34 PM EDT
[#38]
Holy Smokes! With a price tag to match!!! 
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Posted: 2/28/2005 4:20:37 PM EDT
[#39]
$500. never fired. Gander was sick of it sitting on their shelf. all the hunters want .30-30. not a lot of cowboy shooters in my neck of the woods. |
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Posted: 2/28/2005 8:29:00 PM EDT
[#40]
Tip for you go load and shoot a lever before you buy. I shot one recently and realized I'd never loaded and shot a lever. I'll pass on buying one now. I'd take one if it was given to me but wouldn't go out and buy one.
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Posted: 3/1/2005 10:18:38 AM EDT
[#41]
What exactly didn't you like? Sometimes loading is a bit of a bitch... getting my thumb slightly pinched in the loading door trying to push a cartridge in all the way... Other than that, my lever rifle is a good working gun. |
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Posted: 3/1/2005 11:20:59 AM EDT
[#42]
Shot 'em before. I have a Marlin 39M...OK so it's a 22LR Carbine but it's still cool as hell! |
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Posted: 3/1/2005 12:59:51 PM EDT
[#43]
Exactly what you mentioned. PITA to load. |
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Posted: 3/1/2005 1:55:46 PM EDT
[#44]
Done right, it's only the last round that's a PITA. You could also use one more round to push the last one in far enough to close the loading port. |
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Posted: 3/1/2005 2:28:13 PM EDT
[#45]
I shot a very small doe with my Marlin 1994C using Remington .357 mag158 grain hollow points. I got the deer but was not impressed with the performance. Had to chase it. The 44 mag has much more killing power. MIKE.
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Posted: 3/1/2005 2:34:25 PM EDT
[#46]
Gotta like though how you can top off the mag of a tube lever gun easily,have had a win94 in 30-30 for 20 yrs now(christ that still feels wierd to say),and have never pinched a finger loading it.IMHO the winchester levers were the first "assault rifle",and a bloodblister on your finger just dosnt stack up against that
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Posted: 3/1/2005 9:22:12 PM EDT
[#47]
Really? I've seen some 158gr loads get up to around 1800fps out of an 18" barrel. I think in the Reloading forum, I asked about .357 loads for rifle, and it was recommended to use the Hornady XTP FP (not the HP), and that they expand quite well in deer. That was probably within 75-100 yards... though I'd probably try to keep shots under 75 yards just to be safe. Of course, in .357, you can go up to 170gr, and probably get those up to 1600+fps. The aforementioned 158gr load puts it close to the same energy as early 150gr .30-30 cartridges. I think it should still pack a good punch. .44 Mag, of course, should pack quite a bit more, tho! |
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Posted: 3/6/2005 4:57:45 AM EDT
[#48]
So have you picked up the Marlin yet?Had a chance to shoot it yet? |
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Posted: 3/6/2005 5:49:32 AM EDT
[#49]
No, not yet. My FFL stil hasn't gotten his delivery. Hopefully early this week. |
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Posted: 3/6/2005 6:04:11 AM EDT
[#50]
I actually use a Marlin to compete. I have been doing this for a while. Marlin jam=myth. Winchester jam=inevitable. The Model 94 was designed for longer rifle cartridges. In the posts above someone mentioned Rossi. I have owned about 4 and they are a direct copy of the Model 92 action, designed for pistol cartridges. They work very well too. The Winchester may be OK for plinking, but they need a lot of work to become somewhat reliable for high speed action work which is required in the SASS community. I have tens of thousands of rounds through my Marlin and there are no worn parts or mythical jams within. ..........Marlin, excellent choice. |
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